Anti-aging foods are rich in antioxidants

Anti-aging foods are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help keep skin firm by protecting the skin's collagen and elastic tissue from oxidants or "free radicals" (unstable oxygen molecules) that attack it.

Different doctors and nutritionists have their favorite antioxidant foods. But, certain foods seem to show up on most lists such as berries, dark green leafy vegetables, salmon, tomatoes, tea, nuts, beans and whole grains.

Oprah Winfrey featured a segment on her show on anti-aging with Dr. Nicholas Perricone (www.Oprah.com). Dr. Perricone recommended 10 foods to help look and age better. According to Dr. Perricone, these foods could help prevent and reduce inflammation, regulate metabolism, burn body fat, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, prevent cancer, protect against heart disease, and benefit digestive health (www.nvperriconemd.com): Dr. Perricone’s 10 Superfoods

1. Acai Fruit: a high energy berry from the Amazon.

2. Allium Family: garlic, onion, leeks, and chives.

3. Barley: most beneficial grain.

4. Green Foods: blue green algae, barley grass, wheat grass.

5. Buckwheat Seed: more protein than rice or wheat.

6. Beans & Lentils: high fiber.

7. Hot Peppers: anti-inflammatory analgesic.

8. Nuts & Seeds

9. Sprouts

10. Yogurt and Kefir