What’s the secret to younger, clearer, healthier skin? The truth is, there is no magic one-time fix that will leave you glowing eternally. The real secret is not a secret at all: a healthy lifestyle, smart diet, and great skin care habits are your pores’ greatest assets.

Some experts claim that as much as 90% of your skin problems can be solved if you eat the right foods. Let’s focus on how a “smart diet” is really just one part of a healthy lifestyle, not to mention a habit anyone can adopt with motivation.

At Eminence Organics, we believe that a balance of quality skin care products and a healthy lifestyle are essential for your inner gorgeousness to shine through. As it happens, plants play a huge role in contributing to overall health both inside (what you eat) and out (applying natural and organic plant-based skin care products).

Different plants have different qualities worth understanding, especially when it comes to diet. Here are a few of the plants you should be eating to preserve and present your freshest self for that ageless grace we all crave.

Eat your colors for health

You’re probably used to being advised to eat your greens, and the truth reveals: organic leafy greens like kale and spinach contain powerful antioxidants, which are important for skin development and tone. Rhubarb is a good source of ascorbic acid and vitamins to fight the look of wrinkles. Other green plants like kiwis and asparagus contain chlorophyll, which helps with collagen production. But dermatologists and nutritionists recommend that you add an even greater splash of color to your plant intake.

Citrus fruits, which run the gamut from orange, to green, to yellow, can protect against skin cancer. Blue and purple plants like eggplant and blueberries contain anthocyanins, which contribute to healthy cell aging. Orange-yellow foods like pumpkin and sweet potatoes contain carotenoids, providing UV protection, while red tomatoes and cherries promote the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Healthy nuts to eat

They may not be colorful, but nuts of all types (which are technically considered fruits) are great for your health and just as good for your skin. Walnuts have been shown to reduce stress and boost Vitamin B levels, prevent wrinkles and support insulin function. Chestnuts (a staple in Hungarian cuisine), are full of Vitamin C, which is essential for your skin’s collagen production and elasticity. Also rich with Vitamin C, almonds help keep your skin hydrated and reduce swelling and inflammation (unless you have a nut allergy, of course).

Cashews, pistachios, macadamias, and Brazil nuts all have similar, skin-boosting qualities worth looking checking out—whether online or at the grocery store.

Superfoods for the skin

Like we’ve written about before, superfoods can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, making  their popularity completely understandable. Most superfoods are plant-based, and are known as such because they are so nutrient-rich—great for your overall wellness and skin. Superfoods are one “trend” that is here to stay.

According to Brian Goodwin, International Trainer for Eminence Organic Skin Care, “what differentiates superfoods from normal fruits and vegetables is that they have a distinctly higher level of nutrients and protective compounds which occur naturally.”

Avocados, for example, contain amino acids, which are a powerhouse for building skin cells and stimulating collagen production. Tomatoes are the top vegetable for the anti-aging antioxidant lycopene, which, surprisingly enough is more easily absorbed when cooked and processed — ketchup lovers, rejoice!

The “5 Fruit & Veg a Day” Rule

Five fruits and vegetables a day is a common mantra for those concerned with healthy living, and it’s a great place to start if you want the complexion to match. Some researchers suggest five is low, having found that a greater plant intake results in a “golden effect” aesthetically preferable even to a suntan.

The study found that participants’ faces were consistently rated as more attractive after following the “5 a day” rule for over a month. After the experiment, their skin portrayed a noticeable glow that researchers attributed to the carotenoid pigments in fruit and vegetables.

When increasing servings of fruits and vegetables, be sure to be mindful of the quantity of naturally-occurring sugars in fruits and root vegetables. Even though natural, a sharp increase in sugar consumption can cause glycation in the skin and an insulin spike. If you notice these 5 changes in your skin, it could be the result of too much sugar intake.

Choose organic food

At Eminence Organics, we understand that not all plants are created equal. Organic and biodynamically-grown plants are chemical- and pesticide-free, often grown from heritage seeds, lovingly cared for by organic farmers and grown to reach the very peak of their vitality, making the final product rich in nutrients  and more potent.

Conventionally-grown fruits and veggies, therefore, are more likely to contain residues of agrochemicals, which may compromise their nutritional qualities. In other words, choosing naturally-grown products and food will go a longer way in rejuvenating your body’s largest, most attractive organ.

Do you have favorite secrets to younger, clearer, healthier skin to share? Don’t be shy. We’d love to hear them in comments below, or come over to our social hubs and continue the conversation!