Skin Foods
Why are Skin Foods so important for your Health? Everything you put into your body will be reflected in your skin. If you are currently on a diet that is high in fat, processed foods and little fruit and vegetables, your skin will surely reflect that.
Here are a few must have foods to incorporate into your daily diet.
Green tea and White tea
Not only are these teas loaded with Antioxidants, they will also help to reduce inflammation and fight Free Radicals that cause skin damage. So drink up.
You probably already know this one but we need approximately 8 glasses of clear water a day (no sodas, soups or other drinks are included in this quota). For maximum benefits clear water is best. It helps purify your body and eliminates toxins.
Selenium
This powerhouse nutrient is found in foods such as turkey, brazil nuts, tuna and whole grain breads. Include at least one of these foods in your daily diet.
Fatty Acids
These are found in oils such as walnut and flaxseed. Oily fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel are also rich in essential fatty acids.
Dairy
Low fat dairy products are high in Vitamin A and great skin foods. Low fat yogurt is also good for the digestive system which in turn helps to increase skin health.
Fruits and Vegetables
A variety of fruits and vegetables are not only wonderful skin foods, but vital for overall health. However, there are some foods in particular which are very high in powerful antioxidants. Berries, such as Blueberries, strawberries and blackberries are great for fighting against free radicals which can cause cell damage. Vegetables that are brightly colored such as red peppers, yellow peppers and Sweet Potatoes are also great foods.
Now that you know what to eat there are some things that should be left out altogether if you want to look young longer:
White Flour Foods
White bread, rice, pasta and sugar are less nutritious than the whole grain types and will cause inflammation which can lead to aging. Try cutting these items from your diet for two weeks and look in the mirror.
Alcohol
Alcohol dehydrates the skin and speeds the aging process, try to only have it in moderation. A little Red Wine may have some health benefits whereas beer does not.
Smoking
This accelerates the aging process. Cut back or, better yet, cut it out altogether. Your lungs will thank you for it.
Processed Foods
Processed foods are loaded with sugar and additives, these cause havoc and are best left out of your diet altogether. Sodas and other sugary drinks are not only bad for your health but can also rob you of essential nutrients. They’re also not good for your waistline and have been known to cause cellulite (even the diet variety).
For truly glowing, young skin a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and essential oils is best.