Health. Beauty. Youth. We all want them, and some people are willing to do whatever it takes to get them. Keeping people looking young is a billion-dollar industry, but looks aren’t everything. In fact, looks can be deceiving. Lots of things can make you look younger, and even more beautiful, but what can actually make you feel younger? What can actually turn back the hands of time and reverse your physiological age?

There are many keys to achieving a more naturally youthful appearance, brighter eyes, a clearer complexion, more supple skin, shinier hair, stronger nails, a sharper memory, or a more positive outlook on life. Some people claim yoga is the key. Others say meditation. Still others swear by their favorite natural cosmetics, structured water, or exotic superfoods. In reality, a variety of products, practices, and lifestyle choices work together synergistically, and the mix differs for each individual. The good news is that taking any one positive action to look and feel younger often starts a chain reaction that improves other areas, as well.

But of all the actions you could take to look younger, feel more vibrant and joyful, and have clear beautiful skin, one thing stands out among the rest—raw plant foods.

Here’s why:

Whole, fresh, raw natural plant foods contribute nutrients important for clear skin, vivid eyesight, a sharp mind, and radiant health as we age. Many of these act as antioxidants, helping protect our cells from free radicals (highly reactive molecules that contain unpaired electrons, which can damage cells and cause premature aging). Here’s what you need:

Antioxidants found in darkly colored foods, like blueberries, blackberries, and black mission figs. and cruciferous vegetables such as collard greens, kale, bok choy, broccoli, and Napa cabbage.

Vitamin C which is essential to the  formation of collagen that makes up the connective tissue within our bodies and is important for good muscle and skin tone.  Damage to collagen in the skin can result in wrinkles, eye diseases, and cancer.

Essential fatty acids, especially omega 3 fatty acids, which are essential to good health and brain function, eye sight, and many other common heath and age-related issues, including healthy skin. A lack of this important nutrient can result in arthritis and can contribute to degenerative diseases like heart disease, stroke, and other age-related diseases.

Selenium contributes to antioxidant activity in the body and is essential for the production of thyroid hormone and proper immune system function.

Zinc  plays an integral role in skin health, especially skin cell growth and replication, collagen synthesis, DNA formation, and immune system function.

Hydration is the easiest and often the most overlooked consideration in anti-aging, and the general health of the body. Water is involved in many essential bodily processes, so if we don’t have enough, our bodies degrade and age rapidly. Fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as plenty of pure, un-chlorinated water are an important part of one’s diet.

If you are interested in learning which of these nutrients are available in whole plant foods, and how they can help keep you looking and feeling young longer, I recommend the Living Light Science of Raw Food Nutrition course with Drs. Rick and Karin Dina, D.C. We offer a basic course  as short as 2-days or stay for 3 weeks to earn certification as a raw food nutrition educator.

Learn how to make whole raw plant foods like these at Living Light International

Of course, there is more to health and beauty than just food, but we’ll save that for another day! Here’s to your health!