Medical Reports: Skin

WSVN -- We pick, pluck and apply, but the real beauty secret may not be what you put on your face, but what you put in your body. The number one no-no is sugar.

Sugar in your bloodstream attaches to proteins in your skin, causing molecules called AGEs to form.

Dr. Karyn Grossman: "It actually makes the skin move less well. It makes it more brittle."

The more sugar you eat, the more AGEs you develop, and this means dull and wrinkled skin.

Dr. Karyn Grossman: "One of the most interesting sugars that actually causes a lot of AGEs in the skin, is high fructose corn syrup."

These syrups sweeten many of the foods you love, like yogurt, cookies and cereal.

Timothy Brantley: "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."

But don't worry. There are foods you can eat today to counteract future damage to your skin. Go for foods high in anti-oxidants and rich in vitamin C, like tomatoes, spinach and berries.

Timothy Brantley: "Berries are one of my favorites. Besides the fact that they are delicious, they are loaded with antioxidants. They are loaded with vitamin C."

Sulfur-bearing foods like garlic, cabbage and broccoli strengthen the skin and cell walls.

Timothy Brantley: "Carrots are awesome because they are loaded in beta-carotene, and beta-carotene is a phenomenal anti-oxidant, fantastic for the skin."

Doctor Brantley says B-6, found in avocados and bananas, will help clear up acne, and lemons? Well, puckering up can actually activate your liver.

Timothy Brantley: "Healthy liver, healthy body, healthy skin."

And healthy skin could mean a happier you.

Christine Cruz: "Dr. Grossman also says heating your food quickly at high temperatures produces AGEs, so avoid microwaving or deep frying your food."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Amy Morrow
Morton Plant Mease Health Care
(727) 461-8538
http://www.mpmhealth.com