There’s a lot of truth to the old saying “You are what you
eat.” And if this is so, then it’s in our best interest to fill up on wholesome
choices that will keep our bodies healthy. An added bonus? Lots of healthy
foods won’t just keep you in good health, but will help your beauty out in the
long run. Let’s look at some of our top Beauty Foods:
Nuts:
Not only do nuts help you feel fuller (leading to a little
potential weight loss) and give you a dose of protein, but they can help make
your skin beautiful. Most will pack a dose of Vitamin E or B, which are
essential for healthy skin. Walnuts are beneficial, in particular, for their
Omega-3 fatty acids, which will keep your skin hydrated and help reduce signs
of aging. Try adding them to salads or oatmeal, but take care to not overdo it.
These delicious treats are not low in calories, so no more than an ounce or two
will be more than enough.
Green Tea:
In an earlier entry, I highlighted the benefits of green tea
when topically applied to the skin. However, drinking it can do a lot to help,
too! Green tea’s anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can help fix
skin damage, particularly damage caused by the sun. It’s also good for flushing
out your system, keeping you free of toxins.
Soy:
If you’re going to use soy, I suggest sticking to its more
natural forms, like edamame and tofu. That being said, it’s not like both of
those can’t be made delicious! Soy will help you produce collagen, improving
skin elasticity, reducing the signs of aging. It’s also a great aid for those
that are going through a period of significant weight loss, as the more elastic
skin is, the less it’ll hang loosely as you burn away inches.
Carrots and hummus:
Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene (a form of
Vitamin A) that is excellent for fighting ultraviolet damage. Additionally,
people who consume carrots regularly have noticed their ability to reduce acne
and vanish acne scars (beta-carotene helps heal damaged tissue.) If you’re not
a fan of munching plain raw carrots, then add a dollop of hummus for a
delicious treat. The chick peas in hummus contain lots of zinc, an aid to
collagen production that will keep your skin plump and radiant.
Greek Yogurt:
Another ingredient previously mentioned. Not only will the
protein keep your skin nice and firm, it gives you a nice dose of vitamin A and
other essential nutrients. I prefer Greek yogurt, because it has less fat and
more protein than regular yogurt. Go for the plain variety (flavored ones often
have a ton of added sugar) and mix in your own fruit and perhaps some nuts
(like the ones mentioned in this entry!)
Berries:
The antioxidants found in berries will help protect your
skin from free radicals. Strawberries in particular have a high content of
vitamin C, one of the ultimate nutrients for protecting your skin from the sun.
Cranberries are also a great choice, as their diuretic properties will help
flush out your system more quickly, ridding you of toxins.
Leafy Green Veggies and Tomato:
Dark green leafy vegetables, like spinach and kale will
provide your skin with lutein. Lutein is essential in protecting the loss of
collagen, keeping your skin fresh. Make a tasty meal of it, by throwing on some
tomato. The acidity of tomatoes works as an astringent against excessive
oiliness, helping fight acne from the inside out. They also contain all of the
four known carotenoids (lutein, beta-carotene, carotene, and lycopene) which
will not just benefit your skin, but will improve your all around health.
Papaya:
Another punch of vitamin C! More importantly, however, is
the enzyme papain. Found only in papayas, this enzyme is an excellent way to
boost up your body’s natural healing processes, helping to renew and refresh
your skin. Want to speed things up? Mix up some papaya chunks with fresh (not
canned!) pineapple. Pineapples contain bromelain, an enzyme that speeds up the
effects of papain. Not that you needed another excuse to enjoy such a delicious
fruity snack!
Salmon:
Not only does salmon contain some of the omega-3 we saw
earlier, it also will give you a nice dose od selenium. Selenium will help
reduce the inner oxidation of your body, leading to less acne-related
complications. Try to consume it raw, but if that’s not to your liking, make
sure to not overcook it.
Avocado:
Another familiar name on this blog! The healthy fats in
avocado will keep your skin naturally moisturized. Erm…do, however, wait until
the avocados are ripe (unlike the ones pictured) before you consume them. The
ones in my yard won’t be ready for another month or so.
Pomegranates:
Ah, pomegranates. Not only have they become one of the most
talked about fruits in terms of antioxidants, they contain a very special one
called ellagic acid. Ellagic acid helps rejuvenate skin, by accelerating the
renewal of skin cells. This is especially beneficial to people who suffer from
hyperpigmentation caused by skin damage.
Enjoy!
No comments:
Post a Comment