Maintaining natural radiant beauty may be a challenge for many of us. From free radicals, which can cause damage to the skin over time to the day-to-day activities we partake in, all can thwart our efforts to sustain beauty. However, if you can reduce your intake or eliminate certain foods altogether you can make the most of your appearance and your overall health. Here are eight foods one should avoid to maximize one's beauty:

1. Sugary Drinks. According to the Mayo Clinic, a 12-ounce non-diet soda contains nearly 140 calories. Sugary drinks can lead to weight gain and acne. According to health experts from Harvard University and three other leading nutrition research institutions, sugary drinks are contributors to obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

2. Processed lunch meats. Not only is bologna and ham high in fat and sodium, but also bacon and sausage. These meats can lead to heart disease and high blood pressure.

3. Salty snacks. Anything from a bag of chips to french fries constitutes as salty snacks. These salty goodies can be loaded with calories and unnecessary salt. A high intake of salt can lead to hypertension. Additionally, a study found french fries can harm your heart in just 30 minutes.

4. White bread/white rice. When consuming processed grains the body does not receive an adequate amount of fiber, which can be found in whole grain alternatives, according to the United States Department of Agriculture Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion.

5. Fruit yogurts. Although yogurt is a better alternative compared to sugary snacks, the fruits in yogurts contain fat and sugar that can undermine your choice of a healthy alternative.

6. Microwave popcorn. Besides the fact popcorn is a salty snack, a study conducted by UCLA researchers says the chemical in the lining of the popcorn bag may be associated with infertility in humans.

7. Farmed salmon. Always choose wild salmon. Farm salmon exposes you to unhealthy chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), flame retardants and pesticides like DDT.

8. Fried foods. Fried foods can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity. However a recent study conducted by researchers from Autonomous University of Madrid found that fried foods are okay when fried in olive or sunflower oil.