Six Foods For Healthy Skin

 It is true that genetics and lifestyle habits play a significant role in our skin health, the right foods can also help us improve and enhance our skin's natural beauty.

Here are my favorite six.   

          1.     Broccoli. Basically belongs to the family of green leafy vegetables like cabbage, spinach         and Brussels sprouts whose stalks and large flower heads are edible.

This plant is native to the Mediterranean where it was derived from the careful breeding of cultivated leafy cole crops.

Like other green veggies, broccoli is beneficial to our skin because of the presence of dietary fiber, minerals, antioxidants (such as vitamins C and E). Vitamin C stimulates collagen production, thus keeping your skin healthy whereas vitamin E protects and repairs our skin.

2.      Strawberries. They have more anti-aging vitamin C per serving than oranges or grapefruit. Research shows that people who eat foods rich in vitamin C have fewer wrinkles and less age-related dry skin than those who don’t.

Vitamin C fights free radicals, which damage cells and break down collagen, leading to fine lines.  In a food processor or blender, combine 1 cup of fresh strawberries (or a mix of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries—they’re all antioxidant stars). Blend all the berries, 1 cup vanilla or plain yogurt together to make a smoothie and enjoy.

3.      Almonds. These nuts are one of the best food sources of vitamin E. Eat whole almonds as a snack or add sliced almonds to salads, cereal, yogurt, stir–fry or baked goods. You can also toast almond and serve them on top of fish, chicken, or even rice or pasta dishes. The vitamin E in almonds can help nourish your skin and protect it from the sun's damaging UV rays. Just be sure to eat them in moderation, since almonds and other nuts are calorie–dense. 

     You can also get oil from Almond. Almond oil is a popular essential oil commonly used in aromatherapy and is suitable for most skin types. It is also commonly used in many baby skin care range of products also. This oil is rich in vitamin A, B and E, which are great for skin health. The oil helps maintain moisture levels of the skin and gets absorbed in a jiffy without blocking the pores. Overall, almond oil for skin care helps:

·         Improve the complexion and retaining glow

·         Moisturize better and deeper

·         Soothe skin irritation and skin inflammation

·         Relieve dry and irritated skin

·         Nourish skin, making it softer and smoother

·         Cures chapped lips and body rashes.

4.   Carrots. Crunch on carrots to keep your skin healthy and vibrant. Carrots are high in beta carotene, an antioxidant that is converted to vitamin A inside the body. It helps repair skin tissue and protects against the sun's harsh rays. Enjoy carrots raw in salads or with a low–calorie dip, or try roasting them to develop a rich, sweet flavor. 

Carrot oil is also beneficial; it is very effective in relieving stress and anxiety and giving a refreshing feeling. It is good for the skin and protects it from developing wrinkles. Carrot seed oil also relieves muscle aches, cures anorexia, enhances the production of erythrocytes and improves eye sight. The oil can be mixed with Bergamot, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Avocado, Cedar Wood and Geranium oils for different purposes. 

Few Words of Caution: Pregnant women are advice to avoid it, since research has not been conducted to tell which attributes and stimulating qualities are passed to the fetus.

5.  Fish. Salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, and rainbow trout all contain omega–3 fats, which help fortify skin cell membranes, protect against sun damage, and may also reduce the risk of certain forms of skin cancer. These healthy fats allow water and nutrients into the skin while keeping toxins out, and may also fight inflammation in the skin. Avoid deep–fried fish, and go for baked, grilled or roasted instead!  

6. Water. It's not a "food," per se, but water is important if not the most important when it comes to skin health because it flushes toxins out of your body, delivers nutrients to your cells, and keeps your organs functioning. It also helps keep your cells plump and full, which makes your skin look firmer and clearer. To get more water in your daily diet, fill up a large reusable container with ice–cold water each morning, and keep drinking from it throughout the day.

 

 There are more foods that can improve our skin health like Pumpkin seeds, Whole grain pastas and breads, Tomatoes, Fennel, Oat milk and many more. 

Take care of  your skin! *Winks*