Look Younger: 11 Fruits And Vegetables For Better Skin

We have all been told to eat all our fruits and vegetables since we were children. Besides the numerous internal health benefits and the fact that eating more fresh produce really does do the body good, there's another reason we need to consume the natural colors of the rainbow on a daily basis — and  it appeals to our vanity.

Look Younger: 11 Fruits and Vegetables for Better Skin (Slideshow)

We are all on a quest to age gracefully and maintain our youthful-looking skin and complexion. The first thing I tell my patients who want to maintain a youthful glow is to nix all sodas, coffee, and high-fructose drinks. Additionally, I believe that drinks containing artificial colors and flavorings are detrimental to overall health, especially in regards to the skin and hair.

If we are talking about optimal aging from the cosmetic point of view, there are some other surprises: believe it or not, dairy products are actually inflammatory and can cause acidity in the body which translates into poor skin over time. There is certainly a lot to be said about the damage and havoc wreaked inside the body with all of the above-mentioned beverages, and all that damage eventually becomes evident on the outside.

The adage "you are what you eat" has a lot of truth to it, and your skin definitely reflects what you put into your body. A clean and healthy diet will allow for soft, supple, clear skin that has a radiant glow.

The natural antioxidants and phytochemicals are beneficial for improving skin elasticity and collagen production. Fruits and vegetables that have a lot of dark pigment in the form of beta-carotene and carotenoids can impart a natural glow to the skin, making it shine. The following fruits and vegetables top the list of promoting young and healthy skin, and I suggest incorporating them into your diet, especially in the form of whole juices. Of course, feel free to add any other fruits and vegetables; the number one rule to eating healthily is to be creative so you never get bored.

Red Bell Peppers

Loaded with vitamin C, bell peppers stimulate collagen production in the skin that it remains supple and soft.

Avocados

Avocados are rich in good fatty acids, as well as carotenoids,  which lead to resilient skin that can ward off the environmental damage that creates fine lines and wrinkles.

Read more about the 11 Fruits and Vegetables for Better Skin

Dr. Deepa Verma of Synergistiq Integrative Health believes that healthy and holistic living is the key to happiness and aging gracefully. Follow her on Twitter @DrDeepaVerma and subscribe to her Youtube Channel.