If you’re already loading your plate with leafy greens and berries to improve your health, you might be fighting wrinkles in the process.   

Nutritionists and beauty experts alike encourage a natural, wholesome diet in order to keep skin looking its best, and also confirm that certain foods have anti-aging benefits.  Interestingly enough, this isn’t a revolutionary concept; Traditional Chinese Medicine has long used food to counteract the signs of aging, and Asian beauty secrets include ginseng root to get rid of wrinkles, goji berry to detoxify the skin, and apricots to restore vitality.  

Are you eating enough of the world’s top anti-aging foods?  Here are five more essential foods that need to be on your weekly menu:    

Anti-Aging Food #1: Seafood

From salmon to scallops, eating fresh seafood on a regular basis can lower your risk of death, improve brain function and even reduce the symptoms of arthritis, says Steven Masley, M.D., in the book Ten Years Younger.

How to eat more of it:  Enjoy sushi for lunch or dinner each week, or cook with different types of fish - broiled, pan-fried, or grilled - to increase your seafood intake.  

Anti-Aging Food #2: Buckwheat

This whole grain contains important amino acids and proteins that can help keep muscles strong, and does not cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, explains Dr. Nicholas Perricone in his bestselling book, The Wrinkle Cure.  

How to eat more of it: Buckwheat grains can be found at whole food and organic stores, but Kashi cereal and some granola bars are some of the most convenient sources of this essential whole grain.   

Anti-Aging Food #3: Ginger

Ancient Chinese Medicine has long used ginger for its calming effects on the nervous system, and can also help improve digestion.  Ginger extract is also full of antioxidants that can ward off cancer and prevent toxin buildup in the body and skin.

How to eat more of it:  Fresh ginger can be cooked into a stir-fry, dried ginger can be added to salads and entrees, and ginger tea can be a powerful post-meal drink.  

Anti-Aging Food #4: Raw Nuts and Seeds

From cashews to sunflower seeds, loading up on key granola ingredients can help you maintain your youthful looks. Raw nuts contain healthy fats that can also keep your appetite under control, and seeds can increase your daily fiber intake to improve digestion.

How to eat more of them: Sprinkle seeds into yogurt or top a salad with roasted seeds for some extra flavor. You can enjoy unsalted nuts as a snack on a regular basis, or use them to make trail mix - an easy way to keep you going on a busy day.  

Anti-Aging Food #5: Beans and Legumes

Whether you’re a fan of string beans, lima beans or edamame, beans contain essential vitamins and minerals that can keep your digestive system and metabolism in great shape. Beans and legumes also rank high on the alkaline food list, reducing your risk of skin problems, degenerative illness and excess weight, according to Carole Franske, Homeopathic Practitioner and Nutritionist (Source: AlwaysYoungPlus.com).

How to eat more of them: Add green beans, chickpeas, black-eyed peas and kidney beans to your weekly menu to boost your fiber intake and enjoy a healthier meal. Both canned and dried beans offer antiaging benefits, and can easily be added to salads or served as a side with your entrée.  

Eating healthy fats, reducing the amount of salt in your diet and focusing on a whole foods lifestyle are all effective ways to improve your health – and your skin. Whether your goal is to get rid of wrinkles, improve the texture and tone of your skin, or just enjoy a healthier appearance, adding these key foods to your daily plate may help you achieve a more youthful look.  

Learn more about antiaging treatment options and nutrition in our information guide, or consult with a dermatologist in your area for more information on antiaging foods that can keep your skin looking young for life.