Eating the right foods can banish breakouts, prevent fine lines, and give you a radiant glow! Outlined below is your very own science based, healthy skin diet…
AVOCADOS – The super hydrating and soothing omega fatty acids in avocados make skin look supple and radiant and lessen inflammation, redness, and even acne. Along with adding this fruit to your meals, you can apply it directly to your face. To make: whip half an avocado and a drop of honey in a bowl until smooth. Then apply to skin for 10 minutes and rinse.
BERRIES – Eat blueberries, mulberries, and cranberries help prevent broken capillaries that pop up out of nowhere around your nose and on your legs. These berries are also antioxidant powerhouses and play a crucial role in turning back the clock!
RED GRAPES – Resveratrol, found in red grapes, is an antioxidant that protects the skin against free radicals, reduces inflammation and encourages cell renewal. Research has shown that it also helps fight lines and erase sun damage. Red wine is the most notable source…red grapes, peanuts, and dark chocolate contain it too.
COCONUTS – Coconut oil is the ultimate moisturizer, even for people with sensitive skin. It’s an emollient that helps strengthen the outer layer of skin so that it retains more moisture. Plus, the oil is packed with vitamin E. Along with slathering coconut oil on your skin, add it to your morning smoothie!
CUCUMBERS – In addition to being packed with H2O (they are 96% water), cucumbers are an excellent source of silica, a trace mineral that helps make skin stronger. Cucumbers are also natural anti-inflammatory agents that can soothe skin.
GREEN LEAFY VEGGIES – Spinach, broccoli, kale, chard and collard greens are rich in lutein, which increases skin hydration and elasticity. Broccoli and spinach contain the antioxidant and anti-inflammatoryalph lipoic acid, a substance that helps shrink pores, prevents lines and puffiness around your eyes, and promotes radiance.
CITRUS FRUITS – Your skin needs vitamin C to produce collagen for more elasticity, a smoother appearance, and fewer lines. Research has found that a diet that lacks this nutrient can lead to more wrinkles. And because vitamin C is also a natural antioxidant, it protects skin from the damaging effects of the sun, stress and pollution and helps even out skin tone. Along with classic citrus fruits like oranges, mandarins and lemons, others, including berries, cantaloupes, kiwis, mangoes and papayas, are excellent sources.
(From FITNESS Magazine July/August 2014)
