Health Eating for Healthy Skin


Translate this Site : Healthy Eating for Healthy Skin Has your skin been a little ‘off’ lately? A little dull or maybe not so firm? Perhaps a couple blemishes? Billions are spent every year on skincare regimens to help keep skin smoother, firmer, exfoliated and glowing. Many of them do work- but it’s only half the battle. The other half of skincare has to do with nourishing the skin, the body’s largest organ, from the inside out. Here is a list of foods to add to your diet to get that fabulous glow: Water! : Are you drinking enough? Skin that doesn’t get enough moisture becomes dry, dull and flaky! Get at least 2 liters per day. Water improves your skin’s elasticity and flushes out impurities through the pores that can otherwise become trapped causing breakouts. Green tea : While the debate rages on about what green tea can and can’t do, one thing is for certain: green tea is packed to the gills with polyphenols and ECGC, powerful antioxidants superior to any other type that occurs naturally, including vitamin E. These free radical fighters improve skin with their anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. Smoothies and Juices : Look for juices that are high in carotene or make your own fruit smoothies using tropical fruits such a papaya or mango! Like polyphenols in green tea, carotene fights the free radicals that wreak havoc on the skin. Spinach, Carrots and Broccoli : Dark green or orange veggies are also an excellent source of carotene and should be added to your diet. Add fresh spinach leaves and shredded carrots to a salad. Lightly steam broccoli or keep some fresh florets around for dipping and snacking! Yum! Have fresh fruits for dessert! : Forgo the sugary after-dinner desserts and instead opt for fresh fruit medleys like apples, strawberries, grapes and peaches- whatever peaks your palate. Bored with the usual fruits out there? Try a medley of tropical fruits instead! Stick with whole grains! : Refined white carbs (white bread, rice, pastas and sugars) are digested quickly and boost insulin levels, setting off a chain reaction that leads to those pesky breakouts! Go with whole grain breads, pastas and brown rice instead. Get your EFA’s : Essential fatty acids, such as Omega- 3 and Omega- 6 keep pores from becoming clogged by reducing inflammation in the skin. You can get these from eating tuna, mackerel and salmon. Not a big fan of fish? Snag a handful of almonds at snacktime or introduce flaxseed to your diet. Both are great sources of EFA’s! Add the Olive Oil :We sometimes forget that a little fat is good! Without it, skin dries and dulls. Not only that, fat is needed to absorb vitamin A, a vitamin that prevents the premature aging of skin! Including olive oil in your diet will help your skin but won’t hurt your figure! Toss it in with a salad full of dark leafy greens for a double whammy healthy skin booster! Regular exercise, limiting the intake of alcohol and caffeine and a good SPF 15 or 30 sunscreen are also healthy habits your skin will love you for!