Expensive face creams won’t be able to salvage your skin if you eat fries all day. If you’re still not convinced about eating well for your health, then at least eat for the sake of vanity! The right foods can nourish your skin from within, leaving you glowing with good health. If you want skin so luminous that people need to wear shades around you, here are a few foods you need to add to your diet.
1. Berries
Which type, you ask? All of them. If size is no measure of strength, then berries are proof of that. Every type of berry is a power-packed nugget of deliciousness that you can gorge on guilt-free. They’re rich in vitamin C which is vital for the formation of collagen, the stuff that keeps your skin elastic and taut. Berries are also packed with antioxidants which fight off free radicals and protect you from ageing.
2. Ginger
Brew one cup of ginger tea a day and you might have a recipe for flawless skin on your hands. Ginger’s benefits for your skin stems from its main compound, gingerol. Gingerol is a powerful antioxidant and by now you probably know why antioxidants are so great for your skin. It’s also one of the best anti-inflammatory foods out there, so it can keep several skin conditions at bay. Ginger even has several topical uses for your skin. Slices of fresh ginger root placed directly on your skin, can calm a zit, soothe rashes and give you brighter skin.
3. Oatmeal
Oatmeal doesn’t look very glamorous, but beneath its beige exterior lies a wealth of amazing skin benefits. It has a very low glycemic index which prevents your blood sugar levels from spiking. When your sugar levels are under control, you are less prone to inflammation and acne breakouts. The fiber in oatmeal also helps your body’s digestion function well, so waste can be carried out better instead of sitting in your body and ruining your complexion.
4. Fermented Foods
We’re not going to push just one kind of fermented food down your throat because everyone has their favorites. But no matter which one you favor, all fermented foods are rich in probiotics that help your gut bacteria flourish. Healthy skin starts in your gut. It’s where food is broken down and nutrients are absorbed. If your gut flora is unbalanced, you’re going to have digestive issues that will show up on your skin. Consuming fermented foods often gives you insurance against developing digestive problems. You could choose yogurt if you want something creamy, that’s also a good flavor vehicle. If you prefer sour, tangy foods, give miso a try. You could also start pickling your own vegetables to ensure the best ingredients are going in.
5. Cinnamon
We haven’t yet met a person who doesn’t already love cinnamon, but if you’re one, it’s time you converted. Cinnamon stimulates blood flow and oxygen to your skin, leaving you glowing. If you have oily or dull skin, cinnamon will rejuvenate it from the inside. Scoffing down cinnamon sugar cookies doesn’t count though as all the other unhealthy ingredients in it will completely negate the benefits of cinnamon. However, you could mix it in your morning beverage or add a dash to healthy smoothies to keep your taste buds festive through the year.
6. Oily Fish
Everyone usually sings praises of salmon for its high omega-3 content, but it isn’t always accessible to every region and every budget. While the applause for salmon is fully justified, mackerel, sardines and herrings are just as good. Unlike fresh salmon, they’re usually very easily available and quite cheap too. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for your skin as they boost collagen production and replete your skin’s moisture levels. You could pop a supplement if you’re lazy, but then you’d be missing out on the amazing flavor and hidden nutrients these fish have.
7. Tomatoes
Amazing skin benefits are hidden inside this humble pantry staple. Tomatoes contain an antioxidant called lycopene which protects your skin from the effects of oxidative damage. Most red-colored fruits and vegetables are rich in lycopene, but tomatoes contain the highest concentration of it. While fresh heirloom salads are a refreshing dish on a hot day, our body cannot process lycopene in raw tomatoes. To increase its bioavailability, you could cook it or make it into a paste.
8. Pumpkin Seeds
Can you believe we used to once throw these out? Thankfully though, we have now mended our ways and recognized pumpkin seeds for the skin care superheroes that they are. Pumpkin seeds are extremely high in zinc, a trace mineral which is essential for our body. Zinc helps our skin heal faster and gets rid of any existing conditions. If you have an acne problem, you could add a good handful of pumpkin seeds into your salads to combat it. Not only does it fight acne, but it also contains vitamin E which can fade away scars.
9. Leafy Greens
Whether you’re being adventurous with mustard greens or if you prefer sticking to plain old spinach, you’re still reaping the long list of health benefits that all greens offer. Green leafy vegetables might have been the bane of your childhood, but now that you’re all grown up, you should turn to them to take care of your adult skin. They contain huge amounts of nutrients and antioxidants that can keep your skin looking bright. Many who have started drinking green smoothies have noticed that their skin was the first to show signs of improvements from it.
10. Paprika
What’s the use of all these foods without some spice to shake things up and add a flavor boost? Paprika not only elevates your food from bland to delicious, it also comes with its own set of skin benefits. It’s filled to the brim with vitamin C and E, our favorite skin vitamins. It also contains carotenoids that prevent UV damage to the skin and have anti-inflammatory properties.
