If your eyes are the window to your soul then your skin is the window to your health. Your skin reflects what you eat and that is why topical creams and lotions can only do so much for its appearance. Since aging starts from the inside out, it is only logical to start caring for your skin from the inside out as well. The good news is that you can easily do this by eating right. Below are the best foods to eat for a glowing skin.
Fatty Fish
Fish that are high in Omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, mackerel, sardines and tuna are essential for healthy glowing skin. Omega-3 fatty acids keep the skin supple and moisturized and reduce inflammation. These fish are also a great source of Vitamin E which has antioxidant properties, and zinc. Zinc is a wound healing mineral that helps get rid of acne and irritations.
Nuts
Just like fish, nuts are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and Vitamin E. One top of that, they contain other minerals and vitamins that keep your skin young and glowing. By eating nuts regularly, you will supply your body with several B Vitamins including folate which prevents dermatitis, selenium which is another good antioxidant for the skin, and Vitamin C which has anti-aging properties. Walnuts are especially beneficial if you want your skin to stay young for as long as possible as they delay skin aging.
Avocado
Avocado is one of the important foods to eat for a glowing skin. It is filled with the healthy fats that improve your skin’s elasticity and moisture barrier. One more benefit is that avocados are rich in carotenoids which protect the skin from skin damage. What makes avocado standout is that they contain D-mannoheptulose, a unique phytochemical that is believed to stimulate collagen production.
Green Tea
A favorite drink of many people, green tea is not only tasty but also highly beneficial for your skin’s health. It is full of polyphenols and catechins, and these are antioxidants that reduce skin redness by fighting inflammation. They also effectively protect your skin from sun damage.
Yogurt and Kefir
Yogurt and kefir are loaded with living probiotics that help your skin look young by reducing redness, irritation and acne. The friendly bacteria fight inflammation in the gut, which is where a lot of skin problems take root. You can also apply yogurt to your face as a facial mask. This is great way to rejuvenate your skin. The lactic acid in yogurt has anti-aging and exfoliating properties to reduce fine lines and give your face a healthy glow.
Oranges
There are two main reasons why oranges are good for your skin. They are packed with Vitamin C and they are loaded with water. Water hydrates the skin from the inside and prevents breakouts and Vitamin C, while also being an antioxidant, plays a significant role in collagen production. Collagen keeps your skin supple and firm preventing sagginess and wrinkles.
Pomegranates
Just like oranges, this fruit is rich in skin friendly Vitamin C. On top of that, pomegranates contain ellagic acid and punicalagin. Punicalagin is believed to increase your body’s capacity to preserve collagen, and ellagic acid fights damage from free radicals and slows the breakdown of collagen.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a great source of Vitamin C and carotenoids. Carotenoids protect your skin from sun damage and prevents wrinkles. They are also naturally anti-inflammatory. To reap the full benefits of tomatoes, it is best to cook them using a healthy fat such as olive oil. Eating them cooked, rather than raw, helps your body to absorb more lycopene.
Spinach and Kale
Green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale are full of vitamins that the skin loves, including Vitamin A, C and E. Vitamin A controls sebum production, Vitamin C boosts collagen and Vitamin E protects from oxidative damage. Together, they help your skin remain moisturized, plump and free of wrinkles and spots. Both spinach and kale are also anti-inflammatory.
Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the essential foods to eat for a glowing skin. They are anti-inflammatory and therefore, helps to heal acne and calm down redness. It also prevents oxidative damage to the skin, repairs existing sun damage and even prevents skin cancer.
Oats
Oats are full of manganese, and this mineral helps your body absorb essential skin vitamins and minerals such as choline, biotin and Vitamin C. Together, they help to preserve your skin’s elasticity and fight free radical damage. Oats also contain the skin healing zinc and antioxidant selenium.
Olive Oil
One of the most beneficial oils for your overall health, olive oil is also good for your skin. It contains Omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols. As mentioned before, Omega-3 keeps your skin supple and moisturized, and polyphenols protect it from oxidative damage and fight inflammation.