Does your diet hold the secret to the fountain-of-youth? It’s possible. Certain foods are packed with powerful antioxidants that help remove free radicals from the skin and body.

Though there is no way to completely stop Mother Nature, eating a diet rich with essential nutrients can keep your skin nice and healthy. Haley Robinson, a clinical dietitian at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, recommends incorporating the following foods into your diet:

1. Tomatoes: “Tomatoes have vitamin C, which helps build collagen and improve the appearance of wrinkles by making your skin look firmer,” Robinson says. “They also contain lycopene, which helps protect your skin from UV damage.”

2. Fish: Choosing foods that contain healthy fats help moisturize your skin. Fish that include omega- 3 fatty acids, like salmon and tuna, are some of the best options. Omega-3 found in fish also helps lower your cholesterol and reduce inflammation in your body to prevent damage to your blood vessels. Damaged blood vessels can lead to heart disease and strokes.

3. Honey: Honey is full of antioxidants that help with anti-aging.

“It is considered sugar, but does not cause inflammation, which is pro-aging, like regular sugar in your body,” Robinson says.

4. Green Tea: Green tea is filled with antioxidants that help cells grow properly and defend against mutation of cells and the production of free radical cells.

5. Blueberries and raspberries: Blueberries and raspberries are full of antioxidants, vitamins, probiotics, flavonoids and polyphenols.

“Berries can fight off free radical cells and help regenerate new skin,” Robinson says. “And the compounds in berries help reduce inflammation and oxidative damage, which are two things that have been associated with age-related memory deficit and motor function.”

6. Yogurt: Yogurt contains probiotics, which help regulate digestion and increase good bacteria in the gut, but also can help make your skin look healthier. Yogurt is also a good source of calcium, which can help decrease risk of osteoporosis.

7. Protein-rich foods: “As we age, our skin wrinkles from weakening of collagen and elastin in our skin,” Robinson says. “Amino acids help rebuild and repair damaged skin. A diet high in protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and nuts may help prevent wrinkling.”

8. Olive oil: Foods rich in monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil, can reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer, thereby prolonging one’s life.

For more helpful, healthful tips, click here.

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