7 Double Duty Beauty Foods

March 19, 2012— -- intro: These nutritious foods are a recipe for great hair, glowing skin, and more -- whether you eat them or turn them into topical treatments:

quicklist: 1category: 7 Double Duty Beauty Foodstitle: Avocadourl: http://www.prevention.com/beauty/beauty/new-natural-skin-treatments?cm_mmc=ABCNews-_-7%20Double%20Duty%20Beauty%20Foods-_-Article-_-4%20Natural%20Anti%20Aging%20Alternativestext: EAT IT!

Consider avocado the overachiever of beauty superfoods:

It's rich in protective antioxidants and essential fatty acids, which help keep skin plump and smooth, says New York City dietitian Shari Bilt Boockvar, RD. Eating the fruit can also help replenish the protective layer of fatty acids that surrounds skin cells, keeping moisture in and preventing dehydration, according to Jessica Wu, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Southern California Medical School and author of Feed Your Face. Get your avocado fix by using it in place of mayo on a sandwich, or whip half an avocado and add it to your smoothie or salad dressing recipes.

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"An avocado face mask may help slow skin's aging process," says nutritionist Lisa Drayer, RD, who points to a 2006 study published in Phytotherapy Research that found that applying avocado oil to skin can stimulate collagen and elastin production. Make an anti-aging moisturizing mask by pureeing a ripe avocado and mixing it with 1/4 cup sour cream, which has lactic acid to help exfoliate dead skin cells. Spread over your face and leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing with water.

4 Natural Anti-Aging Alternatives

quicklist: 2category: 7 Double Duty Beauty Foodstitle: Teaurl: http://www.prevention.com/food/food-remedies/green-tea-benefits?cm_mmc=ABCNews-_-7%20Double%20Duty%20Beauty%20Foods-_-Article-_-6%20Amazing%20Things%20Green%20Tea%20Can%20Dotext: DRINK IT!

All teas boast skin-boosting antioxidants, but green and white varieties are especially good because they have double the antioxidants of black tea as well as EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), a type of antioxidant that "protects skin from damage caused by exposure to sun and pollutants," says Dr. Wu. Sip up -- but cook with the brew too; it makes a great poaching liquid for chicken or fish.

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Tea is a natural hair-color booster that can function as a rinse to bring out highlights in dyed or undyed hair, says Jet Rhys, owner of the Jet Rhys Salons in San Diego. Chamomile revitalizes golden highlights in blonde hair, black tea perks up brunettes, and berry or red teas add oomph to auburn or red hair. Prepare 8 ounces, let it cool, then saturate your strands with the solution. Put on a shower cap and wait for 15 to 30 minutes, then rinse with water.

6 Amazing Things Green Tea Can Do

quicklist: 3category: 7 Double Duty Beauty Foodstitle: Almondsurl: text: EAT THEM!

Going gray? Reach for these nuts. According to Dr. Wu, almonds contain high levels of catalase, an enzyme that may help slow the graying process by preventing a buildup of hydrogen peroxide in follicles that can cause hair to turn gray. Almonds aren't just a snack, though: Pulverize them in a food processor and add to waffle batter, or use as a crunchy coating for chicken.

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