We all want our skin to look bright and healthy, and we often turn to scrubs, creams, and makeup to reach this goal. However, one of the most crucial elements in maintaining the health of our skin is actually what we consume.
Nutrition is imperative as far as healthy skin is concerned. A poor diet might harm your body, can damage your metabolism and can even hurt critical organs like your heart and liver. Unhealthy food can also take a toll on your skin.
Skin care experts suggest that what you eat has a direct impact on the way your skin looks and feels. Over the years, it has become clear that certain foods can significantly improve your skin’s health and slow down the signs of aging. Simply by changing your diet, you may be able to see noticeable improvements in your skin.
The following are five foods that are great for the health of your skin and its overall appearance.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes not only contain vitamin C but also provide you with essential carotenoids including lycopene. Carotenoids like lycopene, beta-carotene, and lutein can help protect your skin from harmful sun damage. Tomatoes contain all of the major carotenoids that play a large role in maintaining skin health. It is recommended that you pair carotenoid-rich foods such as tomatoes with a source of fat like olive oil or cheese. Fat may have a bad reputation, but healthy fats are crucial to your wellbeing and can help enhance the absorption of carotenoids.
Fatty fish
Herring, salmon, and mackerel are great for healthy skin. These fish are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that play a significant role in maintaining skin health. They moisturize your skin and help make it thick and supple. Scientists have found that omega-3 fat deficiency can lead to dry skin, too. Omega-3 fats in fish play a crucial role in reducing inflammation that can cause acne and redness. They can also help make your skin less sensitive to harmful UV rays.
Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes contain a vital nutrient called beta-carotene. Your body converts this antioxidant into vitamin A, which is a key player in the overall health of your body. Carotenoids like beta-carotene are essential in keeping your skin healthy because they function as a natural sunblock. Regular consumption of this antioxidant gives your skin the ultimate protection against harmful sun exposure. In turn, it helps prevent the likelihood of developing sunburn, dry skin cells, and wrinkled skin. In addition to sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, and oranges all contain beta-carotene, too.
Green tea
A cup of green tea does much more than you might expect. This comforting drink contains plenty of antioxidants that help fight inflammation. In addition to these antioxidants, green tea contains vitamin B3 and EGCG chemicals that help facilitate the development of healthy skin cells. In fact, green tea is so essential in maintaining healthy skin that dermatologists frequently recommend it. Green tea is one of the best things you can drink to help you stay hydrated all day long. Despite its benefits, remember that green tea also contains caffeine, so you may want to reduce your intake if you are caffeine-sensitive.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is full of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins A and C, which are all important elements in maintaining the health of your skin. Additionally, pumpkin contains zinc, which not only creates new skin cells but also controls the production of oil, reduces open pores, and enhances skin tone. Eating pumpkin seeds each day proves useful in brightening your complexion, and can give you the glow you’ve always wished for. One way to see quick results is to apply a DIY face mask made of a combination of pumpkin, honey, and milk.
In addition to watching what you eat, making sure to stay hydrated is important for your skin. Water keeps your skin flexible, and will prevent it from drying out. Experts recommend drinking six to eight glasses of water a day in order to reap the benefits of a well hydrated body. If you’re even slightly dehydrated, your skin may start to look dull and tired, so staying on top of your water consumption is a key component in maintaining the health of your skin.
Yearning for great skin? Consider adding these five foods to your diet. Tomatoes, fatty fish, sweet potatoes, green tea, and pumpkin contain vitamins and minerals that can make a big difference. Not only are they delicious and great for your body, they may also have noticeable effects on the health of your skin.
