Our skin is the largest organ on our bodies so it makes sense that what is good for our whole body is also good for our skin.
The things we can do to beautify our skin are significantly similar to what we can do to live a long and healthy life, such as: get regular exercise, sleep 6-8 hours at night, avoid sun damage and eat a healthy, well rounded diet. Likewise, as it turns out, the foods we eat have the ability to work from the inside out to improve the appearance of our completion. So much so, in fact, that what we eat can be just as important as the serums and creams we apply to our skin. That is why we have rounded up the 7 best foods for your healthy, beautiful skin. Here’s to you, gorgeous!
Antioxidant Berries: Blueberries, Plums, Blackberries and Strawberries
These four fruits contain the highest total antioxidant capacity of any food. The antioxidants and other phytochemicals in these fruits can protect the skin cells from damage and disintegration from free radicals (like sun exposure).
Low-Fat Dairy Products: Yogurt
Vitamin A is an important ingredient in healthy, beautiful skin and one of the best places to get a healthy dose of Vitamin A is from low fat dairy products. Low fat dairy products such as yogurt is not only a great source of Vitamin A but also “acidophilus”…the “live” bacteria that is good for intestinal health.
Vitamin C Rich Foods: Oranges, Grapefruit and Acerola Cherries
Vitamin C assists in our body’s natural production of collagen. Collagen is a protein that forms the basic structure of our skin. Eating extra vitamin C in foods like oranges, grapefruits, Acerola cherries and tomatoes can help tighten the skin and prevent wrinkles.
Essential Fatty Acid Foods: Salmon, Walnuts, Canola Oil and Flax Seed
Essential fatty acids are responsible for healthy skin cell membranes and the healthier our skin cell membranes are the more plump they will appear, allowing for younger, healthier looking skin. Choose foods high in essential fatty acid Omega 3s, such as fish, walnuts and flax seed oil.
Whole Grain Pastas and Breads: Whole Grain Buckwheat
Whole grains, instead of processed carbohydrates, can improve your complexion. Whole grain buckwheat is a good source of anti-inflammatory rutin which helps protect your skin against environmental damage and promotes elasticity and general skin health.
Green Tea
Although not a food, green tea is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to protect the skin cell membranes. Whether you ingest green tea orally or you apply it to your skin, it has the ability to reduce the risk of damage from ultraviolet light, therefore reducing the risk of skin cancer.
Water
Like green tea, although it is not a food, water is absolutely vital for healthy skin. Not only does water keep skin cells healthy and plump making skin appear healthier and younger, water also has the ability to flush the toxins out of our bodies, provides nutrients to our skin cells and keeps our organs functioning. Experts recommend drinking about 8 glasses of water a day.
What food and drink do you find helpful to your skin? Leave your answer in the comments below…
