Most people know that eating right and staying active will help you stay healthy. But there are certain foods that are better than others and may even help maintain your immune system.

These so called superfoods are known as antioxidants. Scientists believe that antioxidants protect your cells from free radicals, which are molecules that are produced when your body breaks down food. Free radicals may also come from environmental sources, such as tobacco smoke and radiation, and may contribute to illnesses, such as heart disease and cancer.

Antioxidants are molecules that are present in very small amounts in a variety of foods. There have not been any human trials proving that antioxidants protect against diseases. However, most of these foods are good for your overall health and any added benefit from antioxidants are a bonus.

Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that is converted to retinol in our bodies. Retinol is essential to vision. It is also converted to retinoic acid, which helps with cell growth.

Good sources of beta-carotene include: carrots, carrot juice, spinach, kale, cantaloupe, apricots, papaya, mango, fortified oatmeal, peas, tomato juice, peaches and sweet red peppers We all know by now that we need to be using all natural, organic skincare products to take care of our largest organ, our skin. Our skin is permeable. Every time we apply a skin care product, the chemicals in that potion–good and bad alike–are absorbed into our bodies through our skin.

Additionally, “we are what eat” couldn't be truer when it comes to your complexion. Healthy skin happens when we eat good foods, exercise regularly, minimize stress and protect our skin from the harsh environment. So follow these proven tips to get the glowing skin and beautiful complexion you desire!

1. Pure Water - Pure Water is crucial to achieving a flawless surface! It allows your organs to function more efficiently, as well as remove toxins and waste much faster. Drinking 8 glasses of pure water per day will get your skin looking plumper, clearer and more hydrated. But please be ware that of you are drinking green smoothies then the amount of drinking water reduces simply due to your shakes or smoothies.

2. Essential Fatty Acids - Although foods with the name “fatty” may not sound like they would be good for you, they contain omega-3 and 6, and are found in things such as vegetable or plant oils, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and flax seed. Omega 3 and 6 help fight inflammation and sunburn, which are two major causes of premature aging. They also help your skin cells repair their natural barrier and increase cell production.

3. Eat your Greens - Foods like spinach, kale, broccoli and romaine all contain vitamin B, E and C, as well as antioxidants that help fight off free radicals. The reason we don't want free radicals running around our bodies unchecked is because these unstable molecules cause damage to cells and tissues.

4. Green Tea - This may be the easiest way to ease into a healthier diet. Green tea is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that helps the overall health and appearance of your skin. It also contains polyphenols that strengthen and protect the cell membrane, and help reduce the risk of cancer. But, green tea is slightly processed, and it is not raw. But it has great benefits, perhaps something to think about for our fellow raw foodists.

5. Berries for Beauty - Fruits like blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and plums are not only high in antioxidants but they’re proven to repair damage to the skin's cell membranes. So whether you suffer from acne, sun damage or redness, eating a moderate amount of berries high in antioxidants will help repair your skin and fight off future damage. Additionally, organic foods have higher levels of antioxidants than their conventional counterparts (about 30 percent higher), says a report by the Organic Center for Education and Promotion.

6. Tomato - Eating foods with red and orange coloring such as tomato, and carrots boosts your intake of beta-carotene and vitamin C. The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A which helps overall hydration, collagen production and strengthening skin cells. The production of collagen is important when fighting the aging process as well as acne and scarring.

Try to avoid foods high in fat, sodium, sugar, caffeine, dairy and citric acid as these can cause excessive breakouts, sagging and congestion. Also, eating processed and bleached foods (white flour, white sugar etc.) can have a huge effect on the appearance and clarity of your skin. A good way to find out your “food triggers” is to do an elimination diet. Try cutting out these foods for 14 days; slowly re-introduce them into your diet one at a time and monitor any changes in your skin.

A great way to take the first steps is to begin with a green smoothie. Introducing Shake Formula I am sharing with you the keys to great health with over 60 shake formulas that are categorized according to the results you desire to achieve with your health. No more counting calories or researching nutritional information, I've done it for you. I am both a chef and a student and am particularly aware of the time and energy it takes to create delicious shakes with optimal health benefits! An acknowledge expert in the kitchen I have worked over a year to create the perfect heath concoctions for you. Full of USEFUL straight to the point information that will change your health habits and routine.

There's no other ebook out there that contains this information. By Implementing it into your routine is going to insure your body receives all the necessary nutrients it needs. Eye, hair, nail, mouth and skin symptoms are among the early outward warning signs of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Many report feeling healthier, happier and getting sick less often after introducing a multivitamin. A small change that can yield great results … and improve your complexion to boot!

By TTS Cofounder Botanical Chef Omid Jaffari