You are what you eat. It is a phrase that we have all heard too many times to count. But what does it mean when it comes to your skin? The short answer is: just how it sounds. The foods you eat have a direct effect on the condition of your skin.

The worst foods are anything fatty, greasy, and unhealthy. Junk food is the number one leading cause of acne today, especially fast food, sodas, and chocolate. Other refined sugars are also a common culprit, with candy bars a vice that spells murder for the face. Anything deep fried, or anything high in preservatives, such as frozen foods, is a no-no.

The best foods are anything vitamin rich, containing healthy bacteria, or antioxidant. Low fat yogurt is a popular choice for those looking to eliminate acne and fight blotchy skin. Berries and green tea are great for fighting the signs of aging, and eliminating the dangerous toxins that collect in the system.

Water is probably the most important (and neglected) of all nourishing agents. Not only will it clear off the skin, but it will give it a healthy glow, and eliminate dryness and flaking. It will also fight off wrinkles, and make those already there seem less pronounced.

There is some information that has been circulating television stations that says that frozen vegetables and fruits are actually better than fresh. They say that because the food is frozen at their most nutritious stage, they hold more vitamins and minerals than fresh produce. This is a rather difficult statement to substantiate. While it is true that there is a slightly higher concentration of some vitamins in frozen produce, there are plenty of other things as well.

Preservatives are always high in frozen foods, as well as other chemicals. Sodium or sugar are often coating it, neither of which would be found in fresh produce, other than the natural sodium and sugar it already possesses. These additives make it less than healthy, and can wreak havoc on anyone’s digestive track. It can also cause weight gain and heartburn problems.

Fresh is always preferable to frozen, no matter what kind of food it is. But produce is especially important. If you need one more reason to convince you, just look at taste. Frozen food never tastes as good as that which is made with fresh ingredients. In fact, it is bland, and sometimes disgusting. Who needs that when you have the real thing?