The type of food that you eat is responsible for your physical as well as mental health. Healthier foods are responsible for a good looking skin. If your diet is missing certain foods, then it could lead to certain skin conditions. This article provides information about the various foods one should consume to get a glowing skin.
There is a very old saying, “you are what you eat”, and nothing could be truer when it comes to our appearance. Deep-fried and junk foods can result in acne breakouts, dry or oily skin, or simply dull and lifeless skin. On the other hand, by including some very important foods in your diet, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, you can get beautiful and glowing skin. Here’s a list of foods that are good for your skin, based on the important food groups they belong to.
Foods that Give you Clear, Glowing Skin
Foods that are good for your skin and your body, are not difficult to find. Moreover, these may be foods that you consume regularly, but because of the inclusion of several additives such as oil, sugar, salt, butter, cheese, etc., these foods become less effective. Combine the following foods in a manner that will keep your body healthy and your skin looking bright. The foods mentioned below will work best when consumed with as little additives as possible.
Foods | Benefits for Skin |
Meat | |
Salmon | Rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, salmon is a great food that develops elasticity in the skin and prevents it from becoming dry. |
Turkey | Turkey is another form of lean meat that provides a number of health benefits including those for skin. Rich in iron, zinc, selenium, and B-complex vitamins, it is one of the important foods you should include in your diet to develop healthy-looking and glowing skin. |
Tuna, Sardines, and Mackerel | All these types of fish contain oils that are rich in essential fatty acids just like those in salmon. However, remember not to consume the tinned varieties as they are high in sodium, which can be unhealthy. |
Eggs | Though not exactly meat, eggs are non-vegetarian food that are excellent source of various proteins that help repair damaged skin. |
Vegetables | |
Sweet Potatoes | Though they are rich in carbohydrates, they also contain several other nutrients. Beta-carotene present in sweet potatoes help keep the skin smooth, soft, and protected from harmful UV radiation. Also rich in vitamin C, these keep your skin young by preventing wrinkles and dark spots. |
Greens Vegetables | Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, and kale are all rich in vitamin A that is essential for skin elasticity. These vegetables have also been found to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. Further, broccoli, cucumbers, green peppers, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts contain vitamin C, another important nutrient for skin. |
Carrots | Another important source of vitamin A and beta-carotene, carrots must be included in this list of foods for clear and healthy skin. |
Fruits | |
Tomatoes | Tomatoes are great for skin not only when consumed, but even when applied topically. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, tomatoes are perfect for those of you who are prone to acne problems. |
Papaya | Not only is it rich in vitamin A, but it also has the ability to clear the body of unhealthy toxins, that weaken the skin and make it prone to several skin problems. |
Berries | Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries, are all rich in antioxidants which protects the skin from harmful diseases. Combine these fruits with plain, low-fat yogurt for a healthy snack. |
Peaches, Kiwis, and Oranges | These fruits are rich source of vitamin C, and hence these must be included in your diet. Combine them together to enjoy a delicious fruit salad. |
Avocados | A vegetarians’ source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin K, and oelic acid, avocados do wonders for the skin by making it elastic. |
Plums | Plums and prunes (dried plums) are packed with antioxidants necessary for clear skin. They also consist of vitamin C, a necessary nutrient for great skin. |
Olives | Olives are packed with vitamin E, a very important nutrient for skin health. Consume olives and extra-virgin olive oil in the raw form for best results. |
Nuts and Seeds | |
Almonds and Walnuts | While the former is an excellent source of vitamin E that prevents skin collagen from breaking down, the latter is a good source of omega-3 that makes the skin soft, smooth, and clear. |
Flax Seeds | Another source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, these are perfect for glowing skin. Grind these in small batches and eat a teaspoon of it with water, twice a day. Refrigerate the remaining amount in an airtight container. |
Soy Nuts | Soy consists of proteins that prevent skin damage, it also enables the growth and development of healthy skin cells. |
Dairy | |
Milk | The power of milk for healthy skin cannot be undermined. Low-fat milk, soy milk, or goat’s milk are all great for skin as they are rich in proteins. |
Cottage Cheese | A healthier variety of cheese, cottage cheese consists of selenium, an important mineral necessary for the development of healthy skin cells. |
Yogurt | Packed with proteins, vitamin D, and vitamin A, yogurt is a perfect food for glowing skin. Consume the low-fat, unflavored varieties for best results. |
Beverages | |
Green/White Tea | Antioxidants present in the green and white tea are good for skin. Two cups a day will keep your body clean and your skin clear. It is perfect for those who are prone to acne. |
Water | The best drink to flush out the toxins from your body is, water. All doctors stress on the importance of drinking a good amount of water in a day. A minimum 8-10 glasses of water should be consumed daily. |
Fresh Fruit Juices | Health experts suggest that drinking fresh fruit juices such as orange juice, pomegranate juice, or prune juice clears skin. |
Along with the aforementioned foods one should also avoid certain foods and drinks. Beverages rich in caffeine (tea, coffee, soft drinks), processed and packaged foods, deep-fried foods, and foods high in cheese, butter, and heavy red meats should be avoided. Also, remember to exercise regularly, as it contributes to a healthy and glowing skin. It keeps you looking younger for longer. Do not forget to keep it protected by using a sun-screen. Cleansing, toning, and proper moisturizing should also be done.
Disclaimer: This BeautiSecrets article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert advice.