For most of us having soft, healthy, younger looking skin is the top priority. After all, the skin is the largest organ of our body and the first line of defense against sickness. Forget those expensive lotions, creams, and other skin care products. Proper nutrition is the key to having healthy, soft, glowing skin. So what kinds of foods should we eat?

If you want healthy skin you should eat foods rich in vitamin A. Low-fat dairy products are excellent source of this vitamin as well as acidophilus. Acidophilus is a live bacteria found in low-fat yogurt and is good for the intestine by helping digestion. Include cod liver oil, leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, carrots, and fortified breakfast cereal in your diet because they are also high in vitamin A.

Egg whites are a great source of zinc which is important in keeping skin young and firm. It is also rich in protein needed to produce collagen. Pomegranate is rich in vitamin C but its seeds are rich in ellagic acid and punicalagin. Ellagic acid fights damage from free radicals, while punicalagin boosts your body's ability to maintain collagen, which makes your skin soft, smooth and younger looking.

Blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, plums, prunes, pecans, artichoke, as well as black, red and pinto beans are great sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants and phytochemicals found in these fruits can protect skin cells, protect from premature aging, therefore making skin younger looking. Antioxidants like vitamin C, potassium and Lycopene found in watermelon help regulate the balance of water and nutrients in cells.

Spinach and kale contain vital Phytonutrients also referred to as antioxidant compounds that help guard against damage from the sun. These two leafy greens are loaded with beta-carotene and lutein, which improve skin elasticity and firmness.

To diminish brown spots, drink green tea. It boosts your metabolism and contains "catechins", which prevents premature aging and sun damage. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Essential fatty acids keep cell membranes healthy, and allow nutrients to pass through. Foods rich in essential fatty acids are salmon, walnuts, canola oil, and flax seed. Cold-water fish like salmon, sardines or mackerel naturally has Omega-3 fatty acids which strengthen skin-cell membranes, which helps to hydrate the skin. Include olive oil in your diet for a healthy glow. Olive oil has "good fat". It contains heart healthy omega-3's, which improve your circulation, leaving skin rosy and supple.

Eat whole-wheat bread, muffins, and cereals as well as turkey, tuna and brazil nuts for selenium which could help lessen sun damage. Opting for whole grain types of complex carbohydrates can have a remarkable effect on insulin levels.

More than anything else hydration is the secret to vibrant, healthy, youthful looking skin. Therefore drink lots of water. Water also helps move the toxins out of your system so they have less chance to do damage. Include these foods in your diet now for a healthy, younger-looking skin.

Mabel Tiu is an article writer and advocate of healthy lifestyle. Visit her blog http://yellowbelles.blogspot.com for more simple solutions to overall health and wellness.