Want fabulous looking skin? Of course you do, who doesn’t. The best way to do it is to nourish the skin from the inside out. The beauty industry has told us to apply skin products onto the skin, nourishing from the outside in. Although some nutrients soak into the skin, with different environmental and lifestyle factors the skin care products become ineffective. That’s why it’s important to put foods for healthy skin on your plate everyday. Everything you eat becomes a part of your body. The healthier the food you consume, the better your body and your skin will look. By eating a balanced diet you can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, prevent acne, improve your skin texture and complexion and have beautiful, glowing youthful skin. Feed your skin these foods to have clearer, smoother, younger looking skin.
1. Avocados
Avocados are a great food for the skin.
They are rich in essential oils, fatty acids and vitamins. The fatty acids in
avocados are monounsaturated fats, which are healthy fats but should be eaten
in moderation. Healthy fats and oils keep the skin hydrated and give it a plump
and youthful look. Avocados are filled with B complex vitamins, which nourish
the skin. Avocados are filled with niacin, vitamin B3. Niacin is important for
healthy skin because it is an anti-inflammatory, which soothes irritated, red
and blotchy skin. Avocados are also full of biotin, another B complex vitamin.
Biotin prevents dry skin, hair and nails. Avocados also contain antioxidants
vitamin E and C. These antioxidants stop free radicals from damaging skin
cells, which keeps skin looking young.
2. Pomgranates
Although pomegranates only have a
short growing season, their fruit and juice are a great skin protectant.
Pomegranates are loaded with polyphenol antioxidants, which fight free radicals
and decrease the signs of aging. One antioxidant is anthocyanins, which
strengthens the blood vessels in the skin. By strengthening the blood vessels
more oxygen, nutrients and blood flow to the skin giving you a rosy complexion.
Pomegranates also contain the antioxidant vitamin C, which helps to create more
collagen the basic structure of our skin. Vitamin C also speeds up the healing
of damaged skin cells.
3. Green Tea
Green tea has been touted for several
health benefits throughout the body. Its ability to benefit our skin is just
one more reason to drink it on a daily basis. Green tea is loaded with
antioxidants, which fight free radicals from damaging skin cells. These
antioxidants protect the cell membranes, which fights off inflammation. ECGC is
one of the major antioxidants that green tea contains and has been proven to
reduce redness from inflammation. The antioxidants contained in green tea play
an important role in preventing and reducing skin damage from UV light. Whether
you drink green tea or apply it directly on the skin you will notice a change
in your skins appearance.
4. Walnuts
Most people skip right over all the other
nuts and go directly to almonds, but walnuts are also a very healthy nut to
help soften the skin. Walnuts are loaded with omega 3 fatty acids, which supply
skin with its natural oils keeping skin smooth and plump. Essential fatty acids are necessary to
maintain health cell membranes. A stronger membrane holds water in, keeps
toxins out and keeps nutrients flowing into the cell and waste flowing
out. When skin cells get the
proper nutrients it improves the skins complexion and texture. Walnuts also
contain the mineral copper, which helps to boost collagen production. Collagen
gives the skin structure and needs to be replaced as it breaks down.
5. Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are also high in
essential fatty acids, which keep the skin lubricated and hydrated. These fatty
acids make skin soft and supple. Sunflower seeds are also loaded with antioxidants;
especially Vitamin E. Vitamin E slows down the aging process sand protects the
skin from damaging free radicals. Vitamin E also protects against damage from
the sun. With these ingredients the skin is protected against acne, psoriasis
and atopic dermatitis and other skin problems.
6. Kidney Beans
Kidney beans are a great source of
protein and high in minerals like zinc. Protein in the body is broken down in
to amino acids the essential building blocks of cells. When supplied to the
body, amino acids help speed up the repair of cells and collagen for the skin.
Zinc has amazing healing properties for the skin. Zinc helps to reduce zits and
the appearance of acne by killing acne causing bacteria.
7. Chocolate
Most people have no idea about the health
benefits of chocolate. However we aren’t talking about milk chocolate that most
people eat, which has little to no health benefits. The chocolate that is good
for the body and skin is dark chocolate or chocolate with 70% or more of cocoa.
Cocoa is the bean form which chocolate is made is filled with flavonols, potent
antioxidants. Flavonols hydrate the skin, giving it a flow, firmness and more
suppleness. The caffeine in chocolate can also temporarily reduce skin
puffiness. Only a few squares of chocolate a day is necessary to give skin a
glow.
8. Yogurt
Yogurt is full of nutritious elements that
are good for the body and skin alike. With protein, probiotics, zinc, calcium
and vitamins B1, B2, B6, and B12. Yogurt has the essential nutrients to reduce
wrinkles and acne, and leave the skin soft, moist and smooth. For double the
protein try Greek yogurt. The protein helps to repair damaged to the skin from
free radicals. Zinc helps to zap zit and acne. Lactic acid in yogurt is a
natural exfoliant, which reduces pore size, smoothes out skin tone and texture
and leaves skin smooth. The enzymes in yogurt naturally moistures skin making
it soft and glowing.