Nearly everyone knows that the right diet goes a long way towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle. What most people don’t know, however, is that some of the foods on your local supermarket shelf can actually help to fight wrinkles! Read on, as Dr. Victoria Vitale-Lewis shares nine of these treasures.

1. Green leafy vegetables like spinach contain lutein, an ingredient that helps the skin’s elasticity by providing an essential antioxidant mechanism that assists in skin hydration. The ideal recommendation daily amount of lutein is approximately 10mg, which can be found in about four ounces of spinach.

2. Beans are foods that are rich in antioxidants. Many varieties of beans have benefits for a well-rounded and healthy diet. However, red beans are highly recommended as part of a “wrinkle-fighting” diet because red beans contain a greater amount of antioxidants. These antioxidants are beneficial for replacing deteriorated collagen of the skin, according to Dr. Victoria Vitale-Lewis.

3. Tomatoes are a popular food found in diets all over the globe. Just like red beans, they are rich in antioxidants and also contain lycopene. Lycopene is a substance believed to reduce the risk of developing cancer and may also be more powerful than Vitamin E supplements. The best part about eating tomatoes is that they can be used in pasta sauces, salads, sandwiches or many other kinds of meals.

4. Dr. Victoria Vitale-Lewis says that it’s not just vegetables that can help you prevent wrinkles. Turkey is quite rich in Vitamin B and also contains protein that slows the process in the skin known as cross-linking. Most people think of turkey on Thanksgiving, but don’t stop there. Head on over to the local deli and pick up some tasty turkey sliced especially for sandwiches!

5. Goji is a lesser known fruit that is rich in Vitamin C. In fact, goji berries contain 500 times more Vitamin C per ounce than what you get from oranges. They help to fight free radicals that damage the skin. Goji berries also contain antioxidants such as vitamin B1, B2, B6 and E, as well as linoleic acid, an essential fat that can help plump up the skin and make it look smoother –– and younger!

6. The next time you’re in the local health foods store, check out flaxseed. Flaxseed is rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and can be added in when you bake treats like cookies and bread. Flaxseed is a valuable food, says Dr. Victoria Vitale-Lewis. She adds that the more you eat, the plumper your skin cells will be, thus serving to disguise bothersome wrinkles.

7. Beetroot is an often-overlooked vegetable, but it’s quite valuable in preventing wrinkles, as Dr. Victoria Vitale-Lewis notes that it is low in calories and high in fiber. It contains rich antioxidants and a pigment called anthocyanins which has been shown to support collagen production in the skin. Beetroot can be prepared in a variety of ways, including dishes that are curried, boiled, roasted and pickled.

8. Like many of us, Dr. Victoria Vitale-Lewis enjoys chocolate desserts. But few people realize that there are health benefits to eating chocolate. Yes, it’s true. Chocolate contains polyphenol, a substance that rids the body of the active oxygen that causes aging. And chocolate also has the ability to protect the skin against ultraviolet damage, one of the primary causes of our skin aging.

9. Salmon is a delicious fish, and just like flaxseed it contains Omega 3 fatty acids that work to reduce inflammation and lubricate the skin.

Dr. Victoria Vitale-Lewis encourages you to consult with your own doctor about specific foods that can be incorporated into a healthy diet. Don’t overlook the need for regular exercise, and remember to drink lots of water (6-8 glasses each day) so your skin remains flexible and hydrated. Excessive drinking or smoking is also damaging to a healthy lifestyle as these habits work against your skin staying young and wrinkle free.

Information Nation’s guest contributor, Dr. Victoria Vitale-Lewis, is internationally recognized for her “Feminine Face Lift”. She has been featured on many television shows including the Discovery Health Channel and Good Morning America. Located in Melbourne, Florida, her clients hail from local and regional cities as well as “fly-ins” from across the country.