April, 2001

Do you need one more reason to eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains? You can prevent wrinkles and save hundreds of dollars on cosmetics, skin care products and plastic surgery. According to a recent study published in the Journal of American College of Nutrition, people who ate diets rich in fruits and vegetables, multigrain bread, beans, nuts and olive oil were less prone to wrinkling despite varying levels of sun exposure where they lived. They did not eat red meat, butter, or sugary foods.

Leafy green vegetables, fruits, beans, peanuts, and multigrain bread offer high levels of antioxidants because the foods are rich in vitamins A, C, and E. People who eat a diet centered around these foods were less likely to age because antioxidants counteract the natural aging of the skin. Oils such as olive oil are monounsaturated, and break up the fatty acids in the skin that can contribute to skin aging.

Instead of liposuction, try freshly juiced oranges or spinach. And instead of "Oil of Olay," reach for the olive oil.