What's New
Antioxidants: A Recipe for Anti-Aging
These days it seems that anti-aging antioxidants are in everything from serums and night creams to shampoo and cellulite lotions. And that’s great. But how about preventing the signs of aging from the inside out? I recently sat down with my personal chef, The Next Food Network Star’s Elizabeth Howes, owner of Saffron Lane boutique catering, to put together a few anti-aging appetizers for summertime entertaining.
The antioxidant substances in foods that contain beta carotene, lutein, lycopene, selenium, and Vitamins A, C, and E can dramatically boost skin health, providing that much sought after youthful glow naturally.
Beta-carotene – protects the skin cell membranes and stimulates the growth of new skin cells. Sources: carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, and cantaloupe.
Lutein – increases skin hydration, elasticity, and skin lipid concentration. Sources: carrots, squash and other orange and yellow fruits and vegetables, and green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, arugula and watercress.
Lycopene – reduces skin wrinkling, redness, and inflammation. Sources: tomatoes, pink grapefruit, watermelon, persimmons, apricots.
Selenium – provides a natural glow to skin and has been linked to a 60% reduction in skin cancer. Sources: watercress, seafood, eggs, chicken.
Vitamin A – known to rejuvenate the skin and improve overall structure, tone, and quality. Sources: peaches, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, squash, apricots, broccoli.
Vitamin C – very important in collagen production and overall skin health. Sources: tomatoes, citrus fruits, strawberries, green peppers.
Vitamin E – vital in protecting skin cells from UV light, pollution, and other elements that produce cell damaging free radicals. It also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Sources: whole grains, nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables.
Here is one of Elizabeth’s low-calorie, but utterly delicious, appetizer recipes to kick off that alluring glow, while enjoying the last cherished days of summer with good friends. Stay tuned for more great anti-aging recipes!
Organic Peach, Cucumber & Golden Tomato Gazpacho
Yield: Makes 8-10 appetizer servings | active time: 20 minutes | total time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups pitted and chopped organic peaches
- 2 cups chopped ripe organic tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped organic English cucumber
- 1 medium shallot, chopped
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoons white wine or champagne vinegar
- 1 handful organic basil, torn
- 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup filtered water
Preparation
In a food processor, place all ingredients except the water and pulse until mixture is coarsely chopped. Add water and pulse a couple times again until the gazpacho is blended but still a little chunky. Place in a glass bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let refrigerate for 20-25 minutes, or until well chilled. Serve immediately in small glasses or bowls. Garnish with diced peach and a cucumber round, if desired.
Antioxidant Profile
This is an antioxidant powerhouse loaded with vitamin A and C from tomatoes and peaches and a special bioflavonoid found in cucumbers. It also contains a great deal of lycopene and allium compounds. This is a true collagen producer (and also low in calories), so don’t be shy about seconds!
For more information about Elizabeth and Saffron Lane, please visit www.saffronlane.com.
Dr. Carolyn Chang, San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
About Dr. Chang
Dr. Carolyn Chang is one of San Francisco’s premier plastic surgeons, known for delivering the most naturally beautiful results. She is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Chang serves as the Vice-Chairman for the Department of Plastic Surgery at California Pacific Medical Center.
Dr. Chang specializes in cosmetic surgery. In particular, her areas of expertise include natural facial rejuvenation and mommy makeover procedures. She is an expert in the natural SMAS-Platysma facelift and is known for delivering the most naturally beautiful results. She is also one of San Francisco’s premier mommy makeover specialists, specializing in breast surgery and body contouring and she currently performs one of the largest volumes in the area of post-pregnancy rejuvenation.
Dr. Chang’s aesthetic judgments and superb surgical skills have drawn attention from television producers, beauty editors, skin care companies, and professional associations who call upon her for her knowledge of plastic surgery advancements and professional expertise. CNN, The Doctors, and National Geographic have recently sought her professional expertise for their programming. Harper’s Bazaar Magazine named Dr. Chang on their Hot List of the 24 Best Beauty Surgeons, and W Magazine named Dr. Chang one of America’s top doctors for revisional plastic surgery.
Dr. Chang is known for her natural results and exceptional sense of aesthetics. With a “who’s who” roster of celebrity patients, including actors, musicians, artists, dignitaries, and socials, Dr. Chang is one of the country’s most sought-after plastic surgeons.
Dr. Chang and her husband Patrick King live in San Francisco, with the joy of their life, daughter Jacqueline.
For more information about Dr.Chang, please visit www.drcarolynchang.com.
