You’ve heard it before: You are what you eat. And in this case, what you include in your diet can erase years from your face. The secret to younger, healthier looking skin may just be lurking in your refrigerator.   See below to find out which foods to stock up on which ones to pass up.
 

Tomatoes
 

If you're looking for the one food that can be considered the fountain of youth for your face, it's cooked tomatoes.  Tomatoes contain an antioxidant called lycopene, which your body uses to fight the daily effects of UV damage.  There are other fruits and veggies high in antioxidants like berries and squash that can also help get healthy looking skin.
 

Sugar & Salt
 

Sugar and salt are natural enemies to healthy looking skin.  They spike insulin production, which causes inflammation and slows down yor skin's ability to regenerate itself.  They also dehydrate your skin which can make fine lines look more defined, as if you needed another reason to cut down on the white stuff.  Too much salt can also cause some of us to retain water which can lead to swelling and puffy eyes.  Have you ever gorged on salty food and found your rings feel too tight the next morning, that's the swelling we're talking about. This salt related swelling gets worse as you get older.
 

High Glycemic Foods
 

Avoid starchy picks like white breaks, pasta and corn syrup. Aside from causing weight problems, there is a link between starchy food and acne.  There is still research being done in this area but if you find yourself breaking out after indulging in french fries, it could be due to the starch rather than the fact that they're fried.
 

Dark Chocolate
 

You may be surprised by this one, but we're saying go for it!  Dark chocolate contains antioxidant Flavonols which can reduce roughness in the skin and help protect from sun damage.  We prescribe a few ounces of the good stuff a day.
 

Alcohol
 

Sorry to burst your bubble but alcohol is a diuretic, which means the more you drink, the more dehyrated you will become.  Alcohol saps natural moisture from your skin which can make those fine lines more noticeable. 
 

Green Tea
 

Try skipping the alcohol and opting for a cup of the green stuff instead.  Drinking two to six cups of antioxidant rich green tea a day can not only help prevent skin cancer but may reverse some of the effects of sun damage.