We all know healthy eating and drinking is important for your organs, metabolism, mental state and overall health. Food provides us with the nutrients and nourishment our bodies need to function properly. Especially when we provide ourselves with the right foods!
Your skin is one of the biggest organs your body has, and taking care of it is important! When you’re going through a difficult period in your life, the stress can show on your skin. Overtime, it can cause a whole host of skin conditions to develop, such as redness, inflammation, dryness, hives or eczema. It’s no surprise since remembering to take care of your body during a difficult time can easily get pushed down your list of priorities. So let our list do the work for you.
There are many foods that are especially good for keeping your skin in the healthiest state it could possibly be. Including much needed vitamins, fats and fruits, and other foods that will increase the level of collagen and elastin production (this keeps your skin strong and healthy). Take a look at the list below for some of them –
1. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are rich in a compound called beta carotene which is an antioxidant. This protects the skin from developing any illnesses or cell damage, keeping it supple, healthy, and strong. There are many tasty recipes for sweet potato that you can include in your daily meals to bring health back into your skin, leaving your body feeling and looking better than ever.
2. Dark Chocolate
Who doesn’t love chocolate? Although most reach for the milk chocolate on the shelves, the dark chocolate alternative is much healthier and more beneficial for your body. It’s high in antioxidants that protect the skin from cell damage or developing illness and can help keep your skin smooth and hydrated. This reduces the early appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Dark chocolate is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties, meaning that your entire body is benefiting whilst you enjoy the tasty, rich snack, not just your skin.
3. Avocado
The fats in avocado help the skin stay moisturised, supple, and springy. They also contain vitamin E which is a strong antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage or developing any skin-related illnesses. Avocados also contain vitamin C which enhances the powerful effect of vitamin E. It helps the skin make collagen – a strong and healthy structural protein in the skin. It also tastes great on toast with an egg or some balsamic!
4. Honey
Honey is fabulous for your skin, whether you consume it as part of your diet or massage it (along with other ingredients) all over your skin. Honey can act as a pore cleanser and moisturiser for the skin, hydrating your body and preventing the early signs of ageing.
Go read our article on ‘The Magic of Lemon and Honey’ to find out some recipes you can use on your skin.
5. Olive Oil
Similar to honey, olive oil is great for your skin! Whether you consume it as part of your diet or use it directly on your skin, it has numerous benefits. Olive oil contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that keep your skin young, fresh, and healthy.
6. Green Tea
Green tea is not only good for providing an energy boost, it’s also very beneficial for the skin. It contains catechins which are powerful antioxidants that protect the skin from developing any illnesses or cell damage.
7. Fatty Fish
Salmon and mackerel are great for skin because they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These help your skin stay moisturised and supple. Fatty fish have anti-inflammatory properties that can help skin conditions such as acne and redness. It also contains vitamin E which is a strong antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage or developing any skin-related illnesses.
Fatty fish are also a good source of zinc which is important in generating new cells.
8. Walnuts
Walnuts are rich in essential fatty acids such as omega 3 and 6 which are important for moisturised, supple skin. Our bodies can’t make these essential fatty acids so we need to get them from our foods.
Walnuts also contain zinc, which is essential for healthy skin.
9. Red Grapes
Red grapes contain resveratrol which is a strong antioxidant. Resveratrol protects the skin from oxidative stress and free radical damage, keeping its suppleness and elasticity. It also keeps your skin healthy enough to heal itself more efficiently.
10. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and carotenoids which help your skin stay protected from cell damage. This prevents the development of any skin-related illnesses. Tomatoes are great for keeping your skin hydrated, wrinkle free and healthy, making it a healthy addition to your daily meals.
11. Broccoli
Broccoli is brimming full of vitamin A, C and zinc which are important for healthy skin. It contains lutein which keeps the skin hydrated and protected from cell damage. Broccoli also contains sulforaphane that can help protect from skin cancer and sun damage.
12. Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E and selenium. Both are excellent antioxidants and protect the skin from any illnesses and cell damage, making it a great snack for your body’s health.
13. Papaya
When applied directly to the skin, mashed papaya is excellent for skin care because it’s rich in an enzyme called papain. This helps heal skin irritations and acne. It also aids the production of collagen, promoting skin elasticity and overall good health.
14. Oatmeal
With this food, it’s typically applied to the skin rather than ingested for better results on the skin. Oatmeal is added to many skin care products because it is fabulous for hydrating the skin. It can also be used as an exfoliator and cleanser too. Oatmeal can reduce skin inflammation and help encourage collagen production, keeping your skin supple and smooth.
Try and add some of these foods to your everyday meals and let us know if you have any good recipes on our forum and social media. It’s a great chance to expand your palette too. Go read some of our other articles on food and health to help you keep yourself feeling happy and healthy. Your body will love you for it!
DISCLAIMER
Before you start any new diet, health programme, exercise routine, and ingest or topically use any oil, vitamin, mineral, product or compound, it is very important to consult your doctor, therapist or do a patch test to make sure you do not have any adverse reactions.
We do not offer any form of medical or psychological advice. The information in our wellbeing articles are offered for educational purposes only. Our wellbeing articles are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. Thank you.
