Raspberries contain ellagic acid, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties that helps prevent red inflamed skin. Keep your skin looking vibrant and clear by generously tossing sweet and tart berries on top of your yogurt or morning cereal.
Tomatoes are rich in the antioxidant Lycopene, a carotenoid pigment that gives them their rosy red color. Studies have shown that a diet rich in lycopene can help protect the skin by as much as 33 percent – reason enough to plop a big juicy tomato slice or two on your next burger or sandwich!
Kale is a hot super food rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C and calcium. Kale’s high content of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, makes it an especially good food for fighting premature aging due to UV damage. Plus, there are 45 different flavonoids in kale, all of which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A great way to enjoy kale: DIY kale chips baked with a bit of oil and freshly ground pepper.
Artichokes are delicious all kinds of ways – steamed and sautéed, eaten whole, chopped into salads, blended as a dip, and more. Artichokes contain several antioxidants including quercetin, anthocyanin and silymarin, which have been shown to help reduce the proliferation of cancer cells. Another perk: artichokes are high in fiber that helps detox your body for clearer skin.
Green tea contains antioxidants called polyphenols, which fight free radicals and help cleanse your system – giving you more radiant skin. Summer tip: Take a break from your ordinary iced tea and give iced green tea a try.
For more tips, delicious high fiber meal plans, recipes, and proven ways to lose weight and look great, check out my new book The Miracle Carb Diet: Make Calories and Fat Disappear – with Fiber!
Tanya Zuckerbrot MS, RD, is a registered dietitian in New York City and author of the Miracle Carb Diet: Make Calories and Fat Disappear – with fiber, as well as the bestselling F-Factor Diet. Follow Tanya on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, visit her website Ffactor.com.
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