The Top Anti-Aging Foods – Eating Your Way to Better Skin

There are a lot of great foods out there, each with their own benefits. If you live in the United States, you'll find a whole grocery store full of great foods in just about every town. So which ones are the best for your skin care and anti-aging, beauty needs?

Looking strictly at their nutrition when eaten and not their other uses, I've assembled a list of the top anti-aging foods and their benefits. These are in alphabetical order.

Avocado – often called a vegetable, this is actually a fruit.  The meat of the avocado is a great source of the healthy monosaturated fat and potassium, which both help reduce bad cholesterol, which in turn lowers blood pressure and helps your body absorb nutrients.  It's also a great source of Vitamin E, which is good for a lot of things including preventing skin aging.

Berries (Dark) – Black or blue berries and even black grapes contain flavonoids.  These phytochemicals are powerful anti-oxidants, which protect against free radicals.  You'll hear more about anti-oxidants on this list as they are one of the best ways to prevent aging effects on your skin.

Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower – together known as Cruciferous vegetables, this large family of beneficial veggies also includes radishes, kale, and more.  These are not only rich sources of anti-oxidants, but they are known toxin removers, helping to battle cancer and other chronic diseases.  Of all of the things on our list, these vegetables are the ones that should be eaten daily, no matter your health, age, or condition.

Brown Rice – rich brown rice is not only a complex carbohydrate, which should be the bulk of human nutrition, but it is also high in fiber, iron, and Vitamin B.  Vitamin B is an extremely important ingredient in healthy skin and wrinkle reduction.

Ginger – while this spicy root doesn't really help skin per se, it is one of the best-known, natural ways to boost digestive and circulatory functions.  It also helps with arthritis and rheumatic aches.  All of this means a healthier you.

Walnuts – most nuts are beneficial to you, but walnuts in particular have some great benefits. They are high in calories, but are also rich in potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and selenium. Selenium is more important to healthy bones than calcium and is something many Americans are missing adequate supplies of in their diets. All of these nutrients are also good for healthy skin tone.

Water – studies have shown that most Americans are dehydrated. Sodas, coffee, and other common drinks are generally not able to supply us with water. Most of them are high in salt (sodium), sugars, or (like coffee) are just very diuretic. Drinking enough water is one of the best ways you can improve your overall health, especially for your skin.

Hopefully this short list will help you find the best foods you can include in your diet easily to improve your skin health and enjoy their anti-aging effects. Here's to a happier, healthier, younger-looking you!