There are several anti-aging products like serums, lotions, creams, and masks out there. But all these have limited effects when it comes to making your skin look rejuvenated. It is the foods you eat, specifically, their antioxidants, essential nutrients, healthy fats, and water content, which ultimately have a lasting positive impact on your skin. If you are in your forties or fifties, here are seven healthy foods for beautiful, radiant, and youthful skin.

Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes contain beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A. The vitamin is known to replenish your skin’s elasticity, promote new cells, and help your skin become supple and youthful. Sweet potatoes also contain vitamins C and E, which have properties that make your skin radiant.

Broccoli
Adding broccoli to your meals helps nourish your skin with anti-aging properties like vitamins C and K. Vitamin C helps produce collagen – a protein that gives the skin its strength and elasticity. Moreover, when you include broccoli in your food regime, your body also absorbs fibers, folates, calcium, lutein, and healthy antioxidants that are essential for glowing and healthy skin.

Red bell peppers
Red bell peppers are rich in antioxidants called carotenoids, which are plant pigments with anti-inflammatory properties that protect the skin from harmful sun rays, pollution, and other toxins. The vegetable also contains vitamin C that helps in collagen production, which is a structure that makes up the framework of cells and tissues in the body.

Spinach
Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K. Vitamin C helps keep the skin smooth and glowing, whereas vitamin A helps prevent breakouts and also promotes hair growth. Moreover, spinach hydrates your skin and provides it with antioxidants known to oxygenate the body. Other healthy components of spinach include lutein, plant-based heme iron, and magnesium.

Papaya
Papayas are known to be beneficial for your skin. They are packed with vitamins A, C, K, and E, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Further, papayas contain phosphorus and vitamin B, which help fight free radicals and curb the rate of aging skin. Papain — an enzyme in the fruit — also has anti-inflammatory agents that promote healthier skin.

Blueberries
Blueberries are another food with ample amounts of vitamin A and C. The berry is also rich in anthocyanin and antioxidants, which can regulate inflammatory responses in the skin and reduce the loss of collagen. Adding blueberries to your daily meals helps protect the skin from stress, sun, and pollution.

Avocado
Avocados contain vitamins K, C, E, A, and B. These properties curb the aging effects on your skin, help shed dull skin cells, and enhance the glow of your skin. Further, avocados contain carotenoids that help block harmful sun rays and reduce the risk of cancers.