Page 10 - Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture Booklet

Of particular note in the list above is the recommendation regarding fruits and vegetables
as they are especially significant for preventing the premature aging of skin. This is
because they contain a host of potent anti-oxidants that are particularly important in
forming a first line of defence against both internal and external stressors.

In part because of these properties, fruits and vegetables should form the foundation of
the daily diet and they should ideally be consumed in as close to their raw state as
possible as heat can potentially inactivate many of their anti-oxidant components.

Fats

It is known that saturated fats can promote inflammation due to their tendency to increase
levels of circulating free radicals. Keeping saturated fat to no more than about 10% of
daily caloric intake, as is commonly suggested, would therefore seem to be a sensible
choice. That said, however, it is important to resist blanket approaches to reducing fat
consumption as the very low-fat diets which may result can lead to deficiencies of
essential fatty acids and dry skin. A daily intake of between 20-35% of calories from fat
would more than suffice to avoid this risk.

Of the various fats from which to choose, the monounsaturated variety found in extra-
virgin olive and canola oils have shown to be the healthiest choice for cooking and
consumption.