you are here: By: Erin Brady
At first glance, these key ingredients seem more suited for the kitchen than for your medicine cabinet, but working them into your diet can have real beauty benefits:
Cocoa: Cornell University food scientists found that cocoa powder has nearly twice the antioxidants of red wine and up to three times the amount found in green tea. Research has demonstrated that the antioxidants in cocoa are highly stable and easily metabolized by the human body, which means they can be readily used by the body. Cocoa has a high concentration of anti-aging polyphenol antioxidants, so it’s possible that incorporating dark chocolate into your diet might alleviate the signs of aging.
Cranberries: They are rich in flavonoids, which have been found to have anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties, making them very valuable to your overall well-being.. Not only are cranberries jam-packed with antioxidants, but they also act as a natural breath mint.
Almonds: A 2003 Food and Drug Administration study suggests that 1.5 ounces of fiber-, protein- and vitamin A-rich almonds daily might reduce the risk of heart disease and help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Grapes: Grapes are high in polyphenols, which have many health benefits including the prevention of heart disease and cancer. When applied topically to sun-damaged skin, resveratrol, an antioxidant found in grapes and red wine, can help decrease the effects of UVB exposure and help stop skin cells from developing skin cancer. Resveratrol also might benefit the skin through moderate grape and red-wine consumption.
Tags: almonds, cholesterol, cocoa, cranberries, foods, grapes, heart health, nutrition, skin, skincare
