We all know that what we eat impacts our body weight but what some of us might not know is that what we eat also impacts the quality of our skin. While some skin conditions are determined by genetics, others can be controlled with your diet. For skin that is soft, fresh and unblemished, look to your diet to help feel great from the inside out.
So, what should you eat to keep your skin looking vibrant and young?
“In general foods rich in antioxidants and vitamins will help keep skin healthy, ” said Dr. Tess Mauricio, a cosmetic dermatologist, author and physician educator. “Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and decaffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages will help keep your skin cells healthy.”
Salmon: Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which our bodies can’t produce naturally, salmon also offers protein, Vitamin K, Selenium, Vitamin B12. This helps give our skin a beautiful glow and helps keep our skin plump. Try Barbecue Roasted Salmon or Salmon Potato Pie.
Carrots: Rich in Vitamin A, fiber, biotin, Vitamin K, vitamin C and numerous antioxidants that reverse signs of aging, carrots help prevent oxidative damage to skin that occurs naturally from environmental factors. Try Carrot Yogurt Salad or Orange Baby Carrots.
Green Tea: Proven to be a wonderful antioxidant, green tea (natural or decaffeinated) is not only great for skin when consumed, but also in your favorite skin care products. “There may be some benefits of green tea in the human skin products,” Hasan Mukhtar, PhD told WebMD.com. Beyond green teas, black and oolong teas contain large quantities of polyphenols. Polyphenols, which are a class of bioflavinoids, have been shown to have antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, and antiviral properties (WebMD.com). Shake things up with Minted Green Tea or mix green tea with your favorite juice.
Blueberries: Small but mighty, blueberries are full of antioxidants and low in calories. Blueberries, along with other berries, are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin E, riboflavin. Blueberries are loaded with fiber and some nutritionists even call them a “super food.” Whip up a blueberry shake or top-only blueberry pie.
For overall skin health, Mauricio cautions against eating foods with a high sugar content, that can increase oxidative stress on the body and speed up aging of the skin. Also, it has been noted that drinking too much alcohol can cause dehydration and can cause skin to look dry and dull.