Posted By: Suzanne
Healthy Glowing Skin - 05/04/10 09:06 PM
Healthy Skin
Healthy, nice skin is something we all want. And we would like to postpone the appearance of wrinkles as long as possible. Well, we have good news for you. Yes you can do something about this without resorting to the expensive process of a facelift or pricey lotions and creams.
Researchers at Tufts University have found that lycopene, a relative of beta-carotene is a primary skin protector. Lycopene, you will remember is the red pigment in tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit and guavas. Its concentration in the blood and skin is equal to or even greater that that of beta-carotene, and it has twice the power of beta-carotene and 10 times the power of vitamin E to neutralize free radical molecules.
Free radicals are generated in the skin and body during periods of stress; when a high-fat diet is consumed; from exposure to radiation and environmental pollutants, such as tobacco smoke and auto exhaust, etc. and are involved in the aging process. Lycopene appears to be the primary antioxidant that knocks out free radicals in the skin.
The major source of these antioxidants of course is veggies and fruit. A diet rich in fruits and veggies--especially the deeply colored ones--contain a wide variety of carotenoids and other antioxidants which play a leading role in helping to keep free radicals under control thus producing a smooth, lovely skin, etc. --adapted from The Journal of Nutrition.
Eat your tomatoes, etc.
Suzanne
Healthy, nice skin is something we all want. And we would like to postpone the appearance of wrinkles as long as possible. Well, we have good news for you. Yes you can do something about this without resorting to the expensive process of a facelift or pricey lotions and creams.
Researchers at Tufts University have found that lycopene, a relative of beta-carotene is a primary skin protector. Lycopene, you will remember is the red pigment in tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit and guavas. Its concentration in the blood and skin is equal to or even greater that that of beta-carotene, and it has twice the power of beta-carotene and 10 times the power of vitamin E to neutralize free radical molecules.
Free radicals are generated in the skin and body during periods of stress; when a high-fat diet is consumed; from exposure to radiation and environmental pollutants, such as tobacco smoke and auto exhaust, etc. and are involved in the aging process. Lycopene appears to be the primary antioxidant that knocks out free radicals in the skin.
The major source of these antioxidants of course is veggies and fruit. A diet rich in fruits and veggies--especially the deeply colored ones--contain a wide variety of carotenoids and other antioxidants which play a leading role in helping to keep free radicals under control thus producing a smooth, lovely skin, etc. --adapted from The Journal of Nutrition.
Eat your tomatoes, etc.
Suzanne