5 Dermatologist Recommended Foods To Stock Up On This Fall
by Danica Lo
Courtesy of CNP Montrose
As fall creeps up on us (this year’s equinox officially happens on September 23rd) and weather cools, you’ll probably want to tweak your skincare regimen in preparation for the winter — adding exfoliation, a more nourishing moisturizer, and even circulation-boosting exercise. But did you know that there are specific foods you can eat that will help your skin look more radiant?
Beverly Hills dermatologist Dr. Harold Lancer has worked with some of the world’s most beautiful (and beauty-obsessed) people — includingVictoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian, and Sofia Vergara. We hit him up for his five secret food-weapons — easy ingredients that help enhance your complexion and promote skin health.
How many of these are on your autumn shopping list?
Goji berries - “They’re an amazing super fruit loaded with antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the body and improve circulation,” Dr. Lancer told Epicurious. “You can find organic varieties that are dried and perfect for mixing with a handful of almonds as a snack, or sprinkled on top of steel cut oatmeal for breakfast.”
Try mixing Goji berries with this delicious, easy-to-make Baked Oatmeal.
Collard greens - “They’re becoming the new kale in many health food circles,” Dr. Lancer says. “They are high in vitamins B, C, A, and K, a core source of antioxidants, iron, protein and phytonutrients. Truly a powerhouse vegetable.”
An easy to way to add collard greens to your breakfast? This simple Greens and Grains Scramble.
Dark chocolate - “Dark chocolate has long been touted as an amazing source of antioxidants, but what most people don’t realize is that the chocolate needs to be at least 70 percent cocoa in order to reap the anti-inflammatory, anti free-radical benefits,” Dr. Lancer told us. “Additionally, good quality dark chocolate — think varieties without fruit, nougat, etc. — has high levels of the healthy fats, oleic, stearic, and palmitic acid.”
We’re always looking for a reason to eat more chocolate. How about some good-for-you Almond Cherry Chocolate Bark?
Arugula - “Arugula is an amazing source of enzymes, amino acids and chlorophyll when eaten raw, and contains bioactive compounds that help reduce inflammation in the body,” Dr. Lancer says. “Cooking degrades the nutrients so try eating the leafy green in a salad with avocado and homemade salad dressing, like my favorite, which is two parts extra virgin olive oil, one parts balsamic vinegar, and one part organic miso paste. This provides your body with a payload of good fats on top of the vitamins and minerals in the arugula. Add a lean protein for a total meal.”
For a complete, skin-friendly meal, try these Salmon Cakes With Arugula Salad.
"Sardines are an under-appreciated anti aging super food,” Dr. Lancer says. “These small fish are low on the food chain and therefore have the lowest mercury levels of wild-caught fish, in addition to high levels of calcium, iron, potassium, and naturally occurring CoQ10. They are also a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids. Try buying them fresh instead of canned, and sautéing with olive oil and lemon.”
Fresh sardines are where it’s at — try these Grilled Fresh Sardines With Fennel and Preserved Lemon.
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