Is your skin feeling a bit hungry? Your body isn’t the only thing that needs vitamins and nutrients – your skin does, too. Eating the right foods can have a dramatic effect on the appearance of your skin, such as by reducing wrinkles, destroying free radicals and treating certain skin conditions. Let’s take a look at some of the best foods you can eat that will improve your skin’s health and appearance. These foods are also good for your mind and body, so you can enjoy improved well-being in general!
Fruits and Vegetables
The skin, hair and nails need the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants from fruits and vegetables to grow healthy and strong. Any types of fruits and vegetables are good options, especially when you swap them out for processed or high-sugar foods. Some of the best options include:
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Blackberries
- Plums
- Prunes
- Artichokes
- Kiwi fruit
- Broccoli
- Tomatoes
The reason why these fruits and veggies are great picks is because they are especially high in skin-boosting antioxidants such as selenium, zinc, thiamine and Vitamins C and E.
Fish and Omega-3’s
Essential fatty acids are found in fish, olive oils and some nuts. These fatty acids are responsible for decreasing inflammation in the skin and generating healthy cell membranes. Also, since healthy cell membranes hold more water in, they create a stronger barrier and retain moisture, which leads to plumper, younger looking skin. Foods to eat include:
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Tuna
- Flaxseed
- Olive oil
- Walnuts
Low-Fat Dairy Products
Sometimes, dairy gets a bad reputation, but when it comes to healthy skin, a bit of low-fat dairy is welcome. This is because one of the most important vitamins for the skin is Vitamin A, which is found in dairy products. Some low-fat dairy products such as yogurt have live bacteria that is good for intestinal health. The best foods to get your Vitamin A from include:
- Low-fat cottage cheese
- Greek yogurt
- Skim milk
- Fruit smoothies
- Low-fat cheeses
So what would a skin-healthy meal look like? Experts recommend a six-ounce piece of salmon, a side salad topped with an olive oil dressing and a piece of fruit. Round out the meal with a small glass of milk or frozen yogurt for dessert, and you’ve just fed your skin!
