Sugar is linked to dull and wrinkled skin. When the sugar in your bloodstream attaches to proteins in your skin, molecules called AGEs form.
"It actually makes the skin move less well. It makes it more brittle and more rigid," says Karyn Grossman, M.D., a dermatologist at Grossman Dermatology in Santa Monica, Calif.
The more sugar you eat, the more AGEs you develop.
"One of the most interesting sugars that actually causes a lot of AGEs in the skin is high fructose corn syrup and fructose syrup," Dr. Grossman says.
These syrups sweeten many of the foods you love like yogurt, cereal and cookies.
"In 1900, we were consuming only about five to eight pounds of sugar a year per person, and now, we eat about 156 to 160 pounds of sugar per year," says Timothy Brantley, a naturopath and researcher in Los Angeles, Calif.
But don't worry! There are foods you can eat today to counter-act the damage to your skin. Antioxidants and vitamin C improve collagen in the skin.
"Berries are one of my favorites. Besides the fact that they are delicious, they are loaded with antioxidants. They are loaded with vitamin C," Dr. Brantley says.
Sulfur-bearing foods like garlic, cabbage and broccoli help support the skin and cell walls.
"Carrots are awesome because they are loaded in beta-carotene, and beta-carotene is a phenomenal antioxidant, fantastic for the skin," Dr. Brantley says.
Dr. Brantley says B-6, found in avocados and bananas, will help clear up acne. Eating lemons will activate your liver…
"Healthy liver, healthy body, healthy skin," Dr. Brantley says.
And healthy skin could mean a happier you!
Dr. Grossman also says heating your food quickly at high temperatures produces AGEs, so avoid microwaving or deep frying your food.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Kristin Rotblatt
Brantley Cure
(800) 560-CURE (2873)
answers@brantleycure.com
www.brantleycure.com
