Eat More Fruit for Prettier, More Hydrated, Firmer Skin.

 This summer has been especially hot.  Just recently while running errands, I decided to run into a nearby grocery store to grab something hydrating.  But instead of reaching for a cold beverage, I opted to grab a bowl of pre-cut fruit.  While snacking on the cold pieces of fruit, I noticed that my thirst was quenched.  I'm not a big fruit eater (I typically snack on salty treats), so this experience gave me a bit more motivation to reach for more fruit.  To add to that, I've stumbled on a couple of studies that fully converted me to consuming fruit on a regular basis. 

I'm a huge proponent of drinking more water for healthier skin.  But now I'm going all in on doing both.  Water is great and should be our main source of hydration. But fruit can take things to the next level mainly due to its micronutrient levels and antioxidants.  Fruits are notorious for being a quality source of vitamin C.  I've talked at length about the visible effects that high-quality vitamin C supplementation can have on the skin.  Vitamin C is good for a healthy immune system which is a plus.  If take collagen supplements, make sure you're also getting enough vitamin C because it's necessary for collagen production.  

At a cellular level, increased fruit consumption also means that we're supplying our bodies with more antioxidants.  Think of antioxidants as foot soldiers that help fight free radicals that cause cell damage. When free radicals get out of control, the aging process accelerates.  Taking on simple step to incorporate fruit into your daily diet will help combat unnecessary aging.

For instance, they did this study where women aged 27-73 were asked to eat one avocado daily for 8 weeks. The control group continued to eat their normal diet.  After the 8 week process, researchers used a device to analyze the skin of the women.  They particularly looked at the skin of the undereye and the forehead.  What they found was the avocado group demonstrated a significant improvement in elasticity and firmness of the skin...particularly on the forehead.  Skin elasticity is important because it can help in slowing down the appearance of wrinkles.  If you're someone who gets Botox on the forehead, maybe adding avocado to your daily diet can help extend the results.  If botox treatments aren't part of your beauty budget, try adding avocados as part of your strategy.