Merely one third of American women are meeting their fruit and vegetable intake recommendations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Along with vitamins, minerals and fiber, fruits and vegetables contain a type of phytonutrient called carotenoids, compounds that give fruits and vegetables their vibrant colors. Research suggests these colorful fruits and vegetables may offer breast, ovarian and other health benefits for women. The skin is most definitely a benefactor. Choosing to increase the amount of the fruit and vegetables richest in carotenoids is important for long-term preventative health among women as well as improving their skin. Where skin conditions exist, especially acne prone skin, the use of topical acne products may be necessary along with a fruit and vegetable rich diet. A few of these easy substitutions will “power up” your plate and add new flavors to your meal plan: Green: A serving of cooked kale provides triple the amount of lutein/zeaxanthin as a serving of raw spinach. Red:...

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