Diet plays a big part in the health of your skin. Many foods contain all the vitamins and minerals that our skin needs. These foods can help reduce wrinkles and improve that youthful glow. Let’s look at the top 10 foods for healthy skin. You’ll be amazed; perhaps you’ll even find that you already enjoy many of them. If not, it’s worth adding these to your diet for healthier skin and body. Healthy skin doesn’t just happen; it’s earned by taking proper care of your skin and eating the right diet.
Salmon
Many of us already know that salmon is full of healthy omega-3. These fatty acids help reduce dryness in skin and make it look healthier. Omega-3 FA help skin look softer, more supple and more youthful. It’s kind of like eating the perfect moisturizers and have them work from the inside out. Omega-3 helps protect your skin from sun damage and may increase a person’s immunity to sunlight. There is considerable evidence, circumstantial at this point, that omega–3 FA could reduce the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer. Two to three servings twice per week are recommended. Wild salmon has more omega-3 FA than farm-raised salmon. No matter how you prepare your salmon, it’s a great addition to any diet.
Avocado
Don’t let talk of high fat content turn you away from eating this delicious fruit. Avocados are full of monounsaturated fats, the so-called good fats. Your skin needs monounsaturated fats for hydration and proper absorption of many vitamins, such as Vitamin E. Avocados help to protect your skin from aging and from the harmful effects of UV rays. Glutathione, a naturally occurring antioxidant in avocados, is a compound of 3 amino acids necessary for tissue building. High amounts of glutathione help flush out toxins and relax wrinkles; they also help to reduce acne and improve the overall composition of the skin. Enjoy them in sauces, fresh, sliced or however you like.
Strawberries
Another top choice for healthy skin is organic strawberries, because they contain a high amount of Vitamin C. Vitamin C, is an antioxidant essential to collagen production. It helps prevent wrinkles and lines. Organic strawberries contain up to 130 percent of the recommended daily requirement of Vitamin C. Ideal with yogurt or simply eaten raw or in salads. Add them to flavor your drinking water, on ice cream, in salads, and just about anywhere else you desire. Your skin will look gorgeous and it’s all because you are eating a healthy diet.
Green Tea
No list of best foods for healthy skin would be complete without green tea. Studies have found that green tree kills cancer cells and is key to prevention of many types of cancer, including skin cancer. For best results, skip packaged teas and use loose leaf green tea. You can brew it as strong as desired and enjoy several cups each day. This delicious beverage will keep you hydrated and feeling healthier. If you need a sweetener, try delicious organic honey.
Red Peppers
Red peppers are more than just a crunch in your salad. Organic red peppers provide 100 percent of your daily requirement of Vitamin C. Say goodbye to wrinkles and enjoy some red peppers in your next salad. Your skin will be moister and suppler. You’ll probably see fewer wrinkles when you enjoy this delectable fruit. Ideal for dips and in salads, also grilled and fried. You can’t go wrong when you add these into your daily menu.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Full of Essential Fatty Acids that do a lot of good for your skin. They lower the risk of damage from UV rays. They also enhance the skin’s ability to retain moisture and give it that healthy glow. For best results, add one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to your diet daily. Because of its delicate taste, light EVOO is ideal on salads, grilled veggies or simply drizzled over your avocado. EVOO does not lend itself well to high heat cooking because it has a relatively low smoke point, so for grilling or frying add a quality oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower or hazelnut oil.
Blueberries
Blueberries, often described as a “Superfood,” are packed with antioxidants and phytoflavinoids. These delicious little beauties are also high in potassium and vitamin C. Just half a cup gives you almost double the daily requirement for antioxidants. This helps to destabilize free radicals, improve collagen in the skin, and relax wrinkles. Blueberries promote healthy cell regeneration and are a top choice by doctors and nutritionists. Eat them with yogurt, pancakes, and in salads or as a snack. Start with ½ cup daily until you know how your body reacts. Blueberries are high in fiber and should be introduced in moderate amounts.
Sweet Potatoes
If you’re one of those people who eat this delicious root vegetable only on holidays, you’re missing out on some great benefits for your skin. Sweet potatoes are a powerhouse of good nutrients. They are low in sodium and provide over 400% of your daily need for vitamin A, as well as lots of fiber and potassium. The benefits to your skin are quicker cell turnover and regeneration. Many skin products contain retinoid, a derivative of Vitamin A. The beta-carotene in sweet potatoes has also been found to protect skin from sunburn, although that’s not a free pass to eliminate SPF products from your daily regimen. Eat sweet potatoes boiled, mashed, baked or raw. Your skin will be beautiful from within when you add these to your weekly diet plan.
Pomegranates
The health benefits of pomegranates have been known for thousands of years. One pomegranate supplies about 30 milligrams of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant needed for healthy skin. The antioxidant properties of Vitamin C help reduce the accumulation of free radicals and protect your skin from environmental damage. Eating sweet potatoes regularly has been found to lower your risk of skin cancer, improve the skin’s appearance and increase suppleness. Sprinkle the arils, those transparent little sacs filled with tart, juicy pulp, on anything from yogurt to salads to ice cream. Goodbye, fine wrinkles; hello, new and beautiful you.
Grapes
Grapes are rich in health-protecting antioxidants, including resveratrol and flavonoids. If you struggle with skin inflammation, eat grapes. Grapes contain a mix of antioxidants, including flavonoids and resveratrol. Resveratrol, found mostly in grape skin, has anti–inflammatory properties and is a potent antioxidant that benefits skin by reducing the effects of UV damage. Eat grapes three to four times a week to get the full benefit of this delicious fruit. They are the ideal portable snack full of nutrients that slow down skin-aging.
