Anti-aging experts have long speculated that inflammation is the most significant contributor to the aging process.

The following is from from WorldHealth.net, The Official Website of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, and adds to this theory.

"Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have discovered that eating more nuts correlates to lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers, which are certain telltale proteins.

It was found that participants who ate five or more servings of nuts each week had a lower level of IL6 and CRP, compared to those people who almost never or hardly ever ate nuts. Those who ate three servings each week of nuts instead of processed meat, red meat, refined grains, or eggs had a significantly lower level of CRP and IL6. Tree nuts and peanuts contain healthy components that include fiber, magnesium, antioxidants, L-arginine, and unsaturated fatty acids.

Other studies have continually supported nuts and their protective role against such disorders as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Inflammation is a key in the development of such diseases, and nuts exert beneficial effects by reducing systemic inflammation. These facts are according to Ying Bao, MD, ScD, a noted epidemiologist in the BWH Channing Division of Network Medicine. Bao stated that much remains unknown about how diet influences inflammation and the risk of disease, but their study supports the overall healthful role of nuts. She suggests that nuts are beneficial to reducing inflammation and protecting against cardiometabolic disorders.

Specifically, various nuts and seeds have different way to improve the skin.

Pumpkin seeds - packed full of vitamin E, zinc and magnesium, these seeds will keep your skin glowing, promote regeneration of skin cells and fight off bacteria that may lead to acne. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, and helps skin repair itself quickly. And zinc is a remedy for acne sufferers. Pumpkin seeds are also high in protein, which also can help with cell regeneration.

Walnuts can give your mood a boost with its abundance of fatty acids, which have shown to be critical to the brain's nerve cells, and help prevent depression and mood disorders. They also contain omega-3s and B vitamins, which are particularly great for your skin. B vitamins help with stress management and mood, and and prevent skin disorders. Because a handful of walnuts can reduce stress, they can help prevent wrinkles and fine lines.

Pecans can help your daily recommended fiber requirements. And fiber can do wonders for your health. Fiber helps with the elimination of toxins and waste. It's essential for a good digestive system and your beauty routine. All those toxins inside reflect your outside appearance. Your skin can suffer, causing breakouts, dullness and excess oil.

Sunflower seeds - loaded with protein, a handful of these seeds can curb your hunger pangs for a couple of hours. They are a great source of magnesium, as well -- a mineral shown to calm your nerves, muscles and blood vessels, which in turn means better blood flow to your skin. That's a key element to youthful skin. Plus, with calm nerves, frown lines will be prevented.

Nuts and seeds, particularly almonds, are a natural anti-inflammatory, so they also can help treat skin disorders such as acne, psoriasis and eczema. They can help make skin supple, smooth and younger looking.

Brain-friendly nuts are also full of B vitamins, which are particularly great for your skin. "B vitamins help with stress management and mood, and and prevent skin disorders.

Although nuts and seeds offer many benefits, they are high in calories. Stick to 1 to 2 ounces per day.

Some good caveats about nuts:

• Nuts and seeds are best eaten raw and unsalted.
• Store nuts and seeds in the refrigerator or freezer to preserve freshness.
• If you enjoy nuts and seeds roasted, roast them yourself in the oven.
• If you can't eat nuts and seeds without salt, buy them raw, roast them and sprinkle on a pinch of sea salt.
• Nuts and seeds make a great addition to salads (instead of croutons), stir-fries and oatmeal.
• Nut butters are easier to digest.