Being healthy means having a healthy skin as shown by the skin complexion. Inner beauty radiates from within and is exuded even without makeup. Eating a balanced diet is the easiest way to get your share of good food for the health of your body including your skin.
A very important component of skin health is vitamin A. A regular intake of this vitamin is effective in reducing and preventing acne, wrinkles, and other minor skin problems. The best source of this vitamin is low-fat dairy products. However, care should be taken not to overdose as very high intakes of this vitamin may result to serious health problems especially liver diseases.
A diet rich in antioxidants is also good for the skin as they help fight free radical damage caused by sun over-exposure on the skin. Antioxidants are found in the green, leafy vegetables, and deeply colored fruits like blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, plums, etc. They are also present in foods that are rich in carotenoids such as carrots as well as food supplements such as vitamins E and C.
Essential fatty acids ‘omega 3 and omega 6’ are also important for healthy cell membranes. Cell membranes act as barriers to harmful substances and a passage for nutrients in and out of the cells. Wastes also escape out of the cells through these membranes. These membranes hold water in, in form of moisture; the stronger the membranes are, the stronger the barrier and the better the cells can hold moisture hence younger looking and radiant skin. These fatty acids must be consumed in balance for good health as well as good skin. Most people get omega 6 easily, unlike omega 3. The omega 3 fats are found mostly in old-pressed extra virgin olive oil, mackerel, tuna, the superfood called salmon, flax seed oil and walnut.
It is also important to consume diets rich in vitamin C. Exposure of the skin to the sun leads to a drop of vitamin c levels hence constant replenishment of vitamin c levels helps the skin combat the harmful effects of the sun rays on the skin. You get this vital vitamin mostly from vegetables and fruits.
It is therefore very important to be aware of what we eat as it reflects on the skin’s appearance. As the saying goes, ‘you are what you eat’. Most foods that make your body feel good make it look good, too. The best foods recommended for that luminous glow and supple skin are therefore: minimally processed seasonal foods, lean meat, low dairy fat, deep colored fruits and greens and Alaskan salmon. Use of tobacco, alcohol, coffee, candy, and caffeinated sodas should be avoided as they are detrimental to your skin as much as they are to your health.
We at SliceofNature care for your health as well as the health of your skin.
We at SliceofNature care for your health as well as the health of your skin.
