We don’t just live to eat but also eat to live. As Francois de la Rochefoucauld puts it, to eat is a necessity but to eat intelligently is an art. As much as we should enjoy what we eat, we should consider the effects it has on the body regardless of how much it tickles our taste buds. Looking forever young should be everyone’s goal, don’t you think? Here are some foods that should feature regularly on your plate if you want to keep looking young and strong;

1. Lobsters

The shellfish family contains a high amount of zinc, the mineral responsible for accelerating the renewal of skin cells, and also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat various skin irritations like acne.

2. Eggs

Your hair and fingernails are made of protein, and a deficiency of protein in your body can cause your fingernails to go soft and your hair to look dull. Eggs are an excellent source of biotin, a B complex vitamin that metabolises your amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein.

3. Water-Based Fruits and Vegetables

        Hydration plays a huge role in looking young because it helps that skin retain moisture and look smooth. When the skin is dehydrated, it looks dry and wrinkles begin to show. It is therefore important to drink not only lots of water, but also making sure that you’re feeding a lot on on water-heavy fruits and vegetables. Some good choices include watermelon, cucumber and citrus fruits.

4. Avocado

Avocadoes are high in oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid, which helps in retaining moisture in your skin thus keeping it looking, soft, plump and supple.

5. Oysters

Oysters are rich in zinc, which serves to repair damaged skin cells. If too much exposure to sunlight has caused you some skin problems, treat yourself to some oysters and lobsters.

6. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes contain beta-carotene, which is known to balance your skin’s pH, helps combat dryness, and promotes cell turnover, resulting in smoother skin. Combining good fats like coconut or olive oil with beta-carotene will make it even more effective.

7. Oatmeal

Non-processed (not instant) versions of this morning meal are packed with amino acids and vitamin E, which nourish your skin, combat damage to the skin and counteract aging processes in the body.

8. Grapefruit

This citrus fruit is packed with Vitamin C which promotes collagen growth, which helps prevent sagging skin.