Super Foods That Promote Healthy, Radiant Skin
At some point, everyone has heard the ancient saying 'beauty starts from within,' and honestly, this statement is completely true when it comes to taking care of our skin. What we eat has a direct effect on our skin, and consuming a healthy diet loaded with antioxidants, healthy fats, omega 3s, vitamin C, and amino acids can make a world of a difference between a fresh, youthful, glowing complexion and a tired, puffy, and wrinkled one. Find out what 'superfoods' are fantastic for the skin and will help you achieve an ageless, glowing, and healthy complexion now!
Super Seafood
Even if seafood is not your thing, there is no denying seafood, especially fish, is fantastic for the skin due to its high concentration of omega 3s and zinc. Foods such as oysters, crab, and many lean types of meat are rich in zinc, which helps soothe the skin, and zinc, in particular, helps reduce oil production and acne, and aids in wound healing. Fish like salmon, tuna, and trout are high in omega 3s, which are healthy fats that help to soften dry skin by containing the skin’s moisture, and decreases the look of wrinkles and plumps the skin. Omega 3s are polyunsaturated fatty acids that protect the skin from sun exposure, repair damaged skin, keep cell membranes healthy and hydrated, and protect the skin from harmful toxins.
Get Zesty With Citrus
By now, most individuals are aware the citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruit are brimming with vitamin C, which is fantastic for protecting the body from colds and boosting the immune system. But this vital nutrient is also excellent for the skin, as it can turn back the clock and prevent signs of premature aging such as wrinkles. Lemon, in particular, is wonderful for the skin, as its high vitamin C content helps to neutralize free radicals, which damage the skin’s collagen and elastin, and it is also one of the most alkalizing foods available.
Once metabolized, the minerals in lemons help to alkalize the blood and balance the body’s pH levels, as when these levels are not balanced, the skin tends to become incredibly sensitive, dry, and prone to irritation, therefore maintaining this balance is key to healthy skin. You can try making a lemon and honey mask and rubbing it over your face, adding lemon to your favorite teas, or incorporating sweeter citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruits, into your diet.
Powerful Proteins
Many may not realize it, but healthy fats and proteins, such as eggs and avocados, are highly beneficial not only for the body but the skin too. Sulfur-rich foods such as eggs and garlic are fantastic for the skin, as they help the skin from the inside out as sulfur helps keep the skin smooth by repairing tissue and elasticity. Thankfully, eggs are very easy to incorporate into a healthy, balanced diet, and sulfur masks made from egg whites are great to use on the skin as well.
Avocados are famously known to be wonderful for skin, as this powerful protein is high in both poly- and monounsaturated fatty acids, such as omega 9s, and help to keep skin looking firm and dewy. These mighty fatty acids also help to regenerate damaged skin cells, reduce redness and irritation, and omega 9s, in particular, keep the top layer of the skin moisturized, revealing healthy and hydrated-looking skin. Avocados are also packed with the antioxidant carotenoids that fight free radicals, and help the skin maintain its water content and elasticity.
Berries For Beauty
One of the most versatile foods we eat, berries, specifically blueberries, pack a nutritional punch as they are loaded with antioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals, which disrupt healthy cell production and damage collagen, resulting in wrinkles, dry skin, and aging skin. Antioxidants have proven to be one of the most significant factors when it comes to maintaining beautiful, glowing skin, and consuming blueberries is one of the easiest ways to get them. Blueberries are also packed with vitamin A, which helps normalize oil levels in the skin and is amazingly helpful with clearing up acne-prone skin. Try adding a handful of blueberries and other berries to oatmeal, cereal, yogurt, or just eating them on their own for a delicious and healthy treat.
The Almighty Turmeric & Green Tea
Turmeric and green tea are world-renowned for their health benefits but are also incredibly healthy for the skin as both possess anti-inflammatory properties. When inflammation strikes within the body, it can be especially harsh on the skin, leading to wrinkles and premature aging, and also causing the skin to look tired and puffy in the short-term. Turmeric can be consumed fresh or dried, and when ingested, this mighty spice helps fight inflammation, allowing the skin to look younger and fresher, while also relieving more severe inflammatory skin issues such as eczema and rosacea.
Green tea is also known as a powerful skin healer, as it helps to protect the skin against melanoma and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent towards acne. How does it do it, you may ask? The polyphenols in green tea are called catechins, and they are antioxidants proven to have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. One form of catechins green tea contains has been shown to be the most effective agent against skin inflammation and to protect the skin from cancer, such as melanoma.
Glowing Honey
Honey is so much more than just a healthy, natural sweetener. This amazing superfood is incredibly versatile and is known for its potent antibacterial and antibiotic elements, antioxidants, natural enzymes, and a diverse range of nutrients that can naturally heal and soothe the body from the inside out. Internally, honey has proven to soothe the skin and strengthen immunity, while also speeding up recovery from the common cold. Externally, honey is highly effective in decreasing inflammation and redness, healing burns and wounds, and helping to clear up numerous skin issues such as acne, due to its antibacterial properties. This wondrous food can be used as a mask, for spot treatment, makeup remover, or even as a face wash, and for a more potent antibacterial benefit, individuals should seek out Manuka honey, which contains the healing properties of the Manuka tree, commonly known as the tea tree.