You are what you eat. You hear that phrase all the time – and for good reason. If you’re a guy who eats a ton of junk food, you’re going to feel – and look – like junk. But if you eat nutrient-dense foods, you’re going to feel like a million bucks.
Your diet can especially influence your skin’s health. Certain foods are packed with powerful nutrients that help fight aging, keep skin hydrated and maintain a healthy-looking complexion. Here are just a few of the foods every man should add to their grocery list:
1. Chocolate. Chocolate is full of potent antioxidants known as flavonols, which have been shown to reduce wrinkles and other aging signs. This doesn’t mean you should load up on unhealthy fare like chocolate sundaes and chocolate cake. You should opt for dark chocolate, which tends to have the highest concentration of these important nutrients. And this goes without saying, but practice moderation. Chocolate is calorie-dense due to its fat content, so eating too much can cause unwanted weight gain.
2. Strawberries. These red, sweet fruits are the perfect snack for fighting off your sweet tooth and keeping skin healthy. Why? The answer again is antioxidants. Loaded with vitamin C, strawberries guard against free radical damage and other harmful substances that can lead to older-looking skin. Bright-colored fruits in general are great for your skin. Check out our Advanced Antioxidants supplement for similar benefits.
3. Salmon. This highly-touted fish contains a notable anti-aging weapon: omega 3s. Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to provide a number of benefits including suppler skin, a healthier heart and better mental focus. Tuna and mackerel also feature this amazing nutrient. If fish isn’t your thing, consider using a pharmaceutical-grade men’s omega-3 supplement formula.
4. Almonds. Almonds also contain omega 3 fatty acids, but you’ll find they have an even higher concentration of omega 6 fatty acids (conjugated linoleic acid). Research shows that CLA can help improve your skin’s appearance and significantly improve muscle growth. Fair warning: Just like chocolate, almonds are calorie dense. As a result, we recommend you limit your intake to no more than a handful a day to avoid weight gain. If you’d rather avoid the calories altogether, a CLA supplement can produce similar results.
5. Green tea. This is more of a beverage than a food, but it’s just as important as everything else listed. Many people turn to green tea instead of coffee because it perks you up without the extra caffeine. But did you know it can also reduce your risk of fine lines and saggy skin? The antioxidant-rich beverage should be a staple of everyone’s morning. Green tea is also one of the main botanical ingredients in our multivitamin.
