Key foods to healthy skin
So the old adage goes: You are what you eat. True enough, what we eat is reflected through our complexion. Without a healthy diet, it is impossible achieve healthy skin.
Therefore, we need to choose our foods carefully. Although a balanced diet is great for the skin, certain foods can give your complexion a boost as these foods contain nutrients like Vitamins A & C and anti-oxidants that can protect and enrich the skin. Too much of fatty and processed foods can damage your skin.
Since beauty is synonymous with health, it would not be wrong to say the majority of us desire healthy skin. To achieve that, we have to eat wisely. Then, how do we know what is good for our skin?
Vitamin A
Found in dark green vegetables (broccoli and spinach) and dairy products like milk and eggs, Vitamin A helps in the development and formation of cells.
It is good for the eyes and hair and protects against skin infections. Other sources of Vitamin A are cod liver oil, cheese and meat.
Vitamin C
It is a must have. Fruits like oranges and grapefruits have lots of vitamin C and produce collagen which helps to firm up the skin and keep it free from wrinkles.
It repairs skin cells, heals wounds and at the same time protects skin from UV rays. Studies have reported that women with lesser intake of vitamin C have higher incidences of dry and wrinkled skin.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants which are natural occurring substances found in many foods help to neutralize free radicals in our body. It is known to lower blood pressure and prevent cancer and heart disease.
Berries such as blackberries and blueberries are fruits loaded with antioxidants. Green tea, another important source of antioxidant, is valuable to the skin as it has anti-inflammatory properties, can reduce risk of skin cancer and improve your immune system.
Essential fatty acids
Essential fatty acids, sources of good fats for our body are omega 3 and omega 6. Foods such as salmon, avocado, walnuts, almonds and sunflower seeds are good for cell membranes as they lubricate the skin and prevent water loss.
Water
Water is undoubtedly the best food. Clean and calorie-free, it hydrates your skin and flushes toxins out of your body.
Although the rule of thumb is to drink at least eight glasses of water everyday, it all depends on the individual and how physically active you are. If you exercise more, drink more. Do not wait till you are thirsty because if you do, your body is already 2-3 percent dehydrated.
Good eating habits play a part to having healthy skin. Do not overeat and try to include more fruits, vegetables and nuts in your daily diet. Eat less at night as physical activities decrease so that your body does not have to work so hard.
In general, established a good dietary habit now by eating less fatty foods, processed foods and foods that have high contents of carbohydrates and preservatives, so that you can achieve good health and beautiful skin in time to come.
Tags: antioxidants, essential fatty acids, foods, Healthy Skin, key foods, Skin, vitamin a, vitamin c, water
Health and Beauty | jan1003 January 7, 2009
