Foods to Fight Aging

One serving of this superfood provides more antioxidant activity than most fruits and veggies. Antioxidants fight the free radicals that cause wrinkles.

They are high in protein, promote hair growth and help thicken hair cells by making the fibers stronger.

This fruit juice disrupts the formation of plague and thereby prevents yellowing of teeth. The flavonoids in cranberry juice also counteract the damaging effects of bacteria that cause tooth decay. Be careful that you aren't drinking a sugar-laden cranberry juice cocktail.

A bit more exotic than a traditional orange, blood oranges contain anthocyanins, antioxidants that combat free-radical damage and UV rays.

This vegetable is an excellent source of vitamin A. The nutrient is essential to a healthy scalp and youthful-looking, shiny hair.

Selenium, a powerful mineral that aids in the production of the antioxidant glutathione can be found in brazil nuts. This mineral repairs cell damage and slows down the skin's aging process. Just 2 nuts a day will help you stop the aging process in its tracks.

This decadent treat will help curb your sweet tooth and is rich in flavonoids.

Heart healthy red wine, made with the dark skin and seeds of grapes, is rich in polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that includes resveratrol. If you don't drink alcohol, opt for grape juice or a resveratrol supplement available at your drug store for about $25.

Fish can be great for your health, but cod is especially good for it's anti-aging properties. It contains selenium which safeguards your skin from sun damage and cancer.

Cheese isn't always off limits! Lowfat cottage cheese is full of protein, and also promotes hair health (since hair is mostly protein). Just be wary of high sodium levels when incorporating this into your diet.

This salad favorite is great for the skin. The silica in the peel helps reduce wrinkles and boost collagen. Buy them unwaxed if possible.

This natural, sea dwelling plant contains vitamins C and E, which protect fats in the skin's moisture barrier from free-radical damage.

Your favorite breakfast food just got a little bit better! Eggs are rich in iron and biotin, which help keep your skin and hair healthy and full.

This exotic fruit is packed with vitamin C which boosts collagen production to smooth skin. Two cups of guava per week is the perfect dose of this anti-aging powerhouse.

Tomatos provide lycopene, which helps prevent heart disease, elevated cholesterol and cancer. Lycopene acts as natural sun block, preventing the UV damage that causes sun spots, dryness and wrinkles. Remember to cook tomatoes for the maximum anti-aging effect.

Lean beef is full of iron. Iron deficiency can cause nail beds to be thin and concave.

Mango provides 96 percent of your daily vitamin C needs and helps prevent periodontal disease.

Fennel, an anti-inflammatory; octopus, a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, B12, iron and zinc; gigantes beans, giant lima beans rich in potassium.

Oatmeal is high in soluble fiber which reduces LDL cholesterol (the "bad" kind).

Avocados are one of the richest sources of monounsaturated fats and contain biotin for healthy skin.

Oysters are an excellent source of zinc, which aids in protein synthesis and collagen formation.

Pomegranate seeds contain juice rich in ellagic acid and punic alagin – two agents that fight damage from free radicals and preserve the collagen in your skin.

Red peppers and brussels sprouts are rich in vitamin C, which help build collagen and fight off free radicals.

Romaine lettuce is a leafy green vegetable high in vitamin A, a vitamin that helps revitalize skin by increasing cell turnover and encouraging new skin cell growth. Add 6 leaves to your salad or as a side with dinner for your daily allowance of vitamin A.

Sardines, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, promote hair growth and shine to keep your locks looking young.

Spinach is an excellent source of vitamin C, which the body needs to manufacture sebum, an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands. Sebum is the body's "natural conditioner," and keeps hair shiny, smooth and young looking, while preventing dryness.

Sunflower seeds contain lignin phytoestrogens, which prevent collagen breakdown and boost the skin's lipid barrier.

Watermelon is a source of lycopene, which protects the skin from UV rays.

Wheat germ is rich in zinc, which plays a crucial role in the production of new skin cells. It also has anti-inflammatory properties to help prevent eczema; recent studies even indicate that wheat germ can help reduce acne. Get half a cup of wheat germ per day for your daily dose of zinc. Try sprinkling it over salads and yogurt or adding it to smoothies.

Black currants contain a compound called anthocyanosides, which can help improve vision. Additionally, this superfood contains five times the vitamin C that oranges do, making it a superb immunity booster.

Tuna contains omega-3 fatty acids that fight UV-related cell damage and are a rich source of niacin, a deficiency of which causes skin rashes.

Pure noni juice, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, can help fight the formation of tumors – and wrinkles. Noni and noni products build collagen and are high in antioxidants and polyphenols.