As the largest organ in the body, your skin is easily influenced by what you eat. Not only does proper nutrition and diet improve your overall health, it also plays a key role in how your skin can look and feel. Eating a diet rich in omega-fatty acids, potent antioxidants and lean protein can ward off the signs of aging and provide visible benefits. Try to incorporate the following foods in your diet on a daily basis for healthy, glowing skin.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish contains the essential fatty acids that are required for promoting healthy skin. The essential fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6 are known to regulate cellular function and promote elasticity within the skin matrix. Essential fatty acids also exhibit an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin and prevent flare-ups of inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Examples of fatty fish choices include salmon, herring, anchovies, and mackerel. If you are a vegetarian, include flax oil in your diet as a source of omega-3.
Brightly coloured Vegetables and Fruit
Choose vegetables and fruits that are brightly coloured and pigment-dense, such as blueberries, tomatoes, and yellow or red peppers. Colourful vegetables and fruits are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E. These antioxidants prevent free radical damage to your cells and help reduce inflammation. They are essential for healing and repairing wounds, as well as preventing further damage to the skin. A diet rich in brightly coloured vegetables and fruits also tends to be higher in fibre and keeps the digestive tract healthy by promoting motility and eliminating toxins. The benefits of fibre and antioxidants is not limited to just promoting healthy skin, but it is also required for the prevention of chronic diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Green Tea
Sip green tea throughout the day to hydrate the skin and keep it smooth. Green tea naturally contains polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from diseases and slows down the aging process by neutralizing free radicals. Research demonstrates that green tea has 200 times more antioxidant activity than vitamins A, C, and E. Green tea can also prevent blemishes as it contains catechins, another potent antioxidant with anti-bacterial properties.
Lean Protein
Skin is made up of the amino acids found in protein. A diet that contains lean protein helps to grow and repair the muscle fibres and connective tissue in the skin. Including a lean protein choice with every meal also stabilizes blood sugar levels and prevents inflammation in the skin. Choose lean protein sources such as egg whites, lean cuts of chicken, and fish. Seafood is an excellent source of lean protein and it is high in zinc, a key mineral that prevents acne by reducing inflammation. Zinc is necessary for healing wounds and preventing scarring in the skin.
Eating a well-balanced diet provides the nourishment that your skin needs in order to look its best. A wholesome diet that includes the above mentioned foods will prevent signs of premature aging in the skin and keep your body in optimal health.
