From the moment we are born the importance of eating our vegetables has been ingrained into our memories. Yet, so many people fail to include these nutritional powerhouses in their meals. As an unfortunate side effect we have seen a surge of mysterious illnesses sweep across the nation. Unfortunately, due to vegetables bad reputation they tend to be overlooked when preparing meals takes place. For many of us the mer thought of vegetables is enough to induce our gag reflex. No food is in more need of an Olivia Pope type of PR campaign.

Green Giants

Long ago vegetables made up the bulk of our daily intake. However, over the centuries we have developed a taste for sweeter foods and salty meats. These types of food choices usually indicated wealth in older times. As time went on we saw another wave of vegetables making a comeback onto our dinner plates (mainly due to the number of illnesses attributed to high meat consumption such as gout, or excess sugars resulting in diabetes and other illnesses). Then came the time when it was custom to boil our foods well past the point of death robing them of all flavor and nutritional content. It was at this point that the idea of vegetables began to turn our stomachs.

Green & Delicious

Luckily, for us times have continued to change and with it the way in which we prepare our vegetables. That’s right folks we have now, dare I say mastered, the art of preparing vegetables. The resulting end product is ridiculously tasty food that is packed with the nutritional content our bodies so desperately need. As promised I am posting additional content regarding foods that can help slow the progression of aging while also curing what ales you! I have included an additional goodie in the form of a juice recipe that will have you rethinking your morning OJ.

Age Defying Vegetables for Everyday Beauty

You probably already know how good vegetables are for your health and wellbeing. But did you know they can also work wonders for your skin and make you look noticeably younger? Certain veggies contain extremely powerful antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which support and nourish the skin, reduce the appearance of blemishes and give it a more vibrant, youthful appearance. Keep reading to learn about five of the best veggies to eat if you want younger looking skin

Just Beet It

Beets are a bright colored vegetables that can have an amazing effect on your skin. In fact, studies have shown that the antioxidants in beets can reduce the depth of wrinkles by over 50%.

Beets can be eaten raw, roasted or added to salads. Another popular way to consume beets and benefit from their skin boosting properties is to juice them.

Ring My Bell

Bell peppers contain a wide range of skin boosting nutrients. First, they’re rich in vitamin C which is essential for the production of collagen in your body – a protein that firms your skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Second, they contain lots of B vitamins which have been shown to prevent skin blemishes that contribute to the visible signs of aging.

You can eat bell peppers in lots of different ways. They taste great chopped up and added to a salad and can also be stuffed with a wide range of ingredients. Plus, you can add them to casseroles, stews and other hot dishes.

Meet Me In Brussels

Brussels sprouts are packed full of antioxidants and ingredients that detoxify your body. Antioxidants protect your skin from free radicals that can accelerate the aging process while the detoxifying ingredients remove harmful toxins from your skin and ensure that it remains smooth and vibrant as you age.

Brussel sprouts are often boiled and eaten as a side dish with roast dinners. However, they can also be chopped up into small pieces and fry with olive oil, salt and black pepper to create a tasty appetizer.

What’s Up Doc?

Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A which helps your skin stay hydrated and free from wrinkles. The vitamin A also has the added benefit of keeping your vision healthy and strong as you age. Carrots also contains plenty of vitamin C which helps your skin maintain an elastic, youthful appearance.

When it comes to eating carrots, you have lots of options. You can chop them up and eat them raw or steam them and serve them as a side dish. Alternatively, they can be used as one of the ingredients in a nutrient packed vegetable soup.

Lean & Green

Kale has quickly become one of the most popular and talked about health foods around. One of the main reasons for its popularity is that it contains incredibly high levels of vitamin K – an antioxidant that protects your skin from damage and helps keep it smooth and vibrant. It’s also packed full of fiber which reduces your blood pressure and cholesterol levels as you age.

Kale is extremely versatile and can be eaten in almost any way you can imagine. It can be added to salads, used in smoothies, baked, boiled or steamed.

Want glowing skin? Try this amazing Carrot Juice Recipe for the glowing skin you desire:

• 5 medium carrots
• 2 beets with greens
• A handful of spinach

Directions:

Wash all ingredients thoroughly. Peel, top and tail the carrots and beets. Run everything through a juicer. Stir everything well and enjoy!

Join The Green Side

While I’m sure this article may not have completely swayed you to come to the green side (that’s right Star Wars humor, you’re welcome). It has become my own personal mission to reclaim the vegetables rightful place amongst the tastiest foods in the world. The truth is, if you are having trouble getting you vegetables in you might want to rethink how you are preparing them.

Try it Out For Yourself

Vegetables done right have the power to taste better than all the desert in the world. Ask my nieces and nephews who clean their plates of all their vegetables (they LOVE Broccoli). If you are having trouble getting your kids to eat their vegetables let me know in the comments. I am always willing to help trick your kids and you into eating healthier. If you have any questions you can always reach me at [email protected].