8 Foods to Eat for Healthy, Glowing Skin

Amy Taylor June 11, 2015

Who doesn’t want to have a young looking skin? Many people, men and women, invest heavily on skin care products – from pills to creams, lotions and derma treatments just to achieve a lovely, soft and really alluring skin. But the truth is that you really don’t have to spend much. The key to a young looking is skin may just be on your plate.

Below are the foods you want to include in your diet to boost your skin health.

Green Tea

Green tea is high in polyphenol antioxidant EGCG, which provides protection from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays. Not only that, the antioxidants in green tea work to prevent DNA damage and repair the existing one, leaving your skin soft, beautiful and blemish-free. Drinking tea also ensures hydration, which is another secret to youthful skin. And don’t throw that used tea bag yet. You can get the contents and apply it directly on your face.

Yogurt

Yoghurt is a great source of vitamin A – an essential nutrient needed for maintaining vibrant skin. Vitamin A helps the body produce collagen – a key nutrient that maintains the skin’s elasticity. Keeping a sufficient load of vitamin A may aid against collagen deterioration.

Berries

For more skin health benefits, top your yoghurt with berries. Raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and cherries are an excellent source of cancer-fighting, disease-preventing antioxidants. These super fruits replenish the natural antioxidant defences of your skin, mopping up dangerous free radicals that are caused by too much sun exposure.

Salmon

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation caused by too much sun exposure. This essential nutrient, found in salmon and flaxseeds, work to reduce inflammation and promote a healthy immune system. Here’s a bonus – wild salmon contains a potent antioxidant called astaxanthin which helps fight skin sagging and wrinkles.

Nuts

All varieties of nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts and peanuts) are good for the skin as they are rich in vitamin E – a major antioxidant that promote healthy skin. But Brazil nuts, in particular, are rich in selenium which is crucial in promoting immunity.

Dark Chocolate

Snacking on dark chocolate doesn’t only protect against heart disease, it also promotes skin health. The sweet stuff is high in antioxidants that fight wrinkle-causing free radicals, leaving your skin healthy, blemish-free and glowing. Also, natural cocoa butter is a great emollient which keeps the moisture and elasticity of the skin.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a potent source of curcumin which has been scientifically shown to thwart the progression of skin cancer-causing cells. Curcumin also reduces inflammation and works as an antioxidant to reduce skin damage.

Kiwi

This fruit is high in vitamin C and antioxidants. Along with papaya and guava, kiwi is an excellent source of collagen-sparing vitamin C.