Vegetables Prevent Wrinkles

updated 11/16/2006

A fountain of youth may be as close as the kitchen, new study findings suggest.

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and unsaturated fats may ward off wrinkles by boosting the skin's natural defenses against sun damage. In an international study of eating patterns and skin aging, investigators found that dark- and fair-skinned people who ate plenty of wholesome foods but passed on sugary confections were less prone to wrinkling. And the effect of diet was consistent from sun-drenched Australia to sun-deprived Sweden.

Some of the skin-smoothing foods included:

• green leafy vegetables
• beans
• olive oil
• nuts

The researchers found that even when they factored in age and smoking -- which is linked to premature skin aging -- diet still played a role in wrinkling of sun-exposed skin.

Overall, people who ate more of the foods that are universally recommended for good health had smoother skin. The study authors speculate that certain foods offered skin protection due to their high levels of antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E. The skin, they note, is a "major target of oxidative stress."

Monounsaturated fats such as olive oil may offer protection through the same mechanism. Fatty acids are present in the skin, and monounsaturated fats resist oxidative damage, the team explains.

Journal of the American College of Nutrition 2001;20:71-80

Sitemap | Affiliates | Articles | Health Products | Privacy Policy †DISCLAIMER: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your treating doctor. Global Healing Center does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. We design and recommend individual nutritional programs and supplements that allow the body to rebuild and heal itself. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Global Healing Center are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition, see your physician of choice. This Web site contains links to Web sites operated by other parties. Such links are provided for your convenience and reference only. We are not responsible for the content or products of any linked site or any link contained in a linked site.