Foods for Healthy Glowing Skin

You already know that eating superfoods can help fight chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. But did you know you can eat your way to healthier skin?

Your diet can affect your complexion- from acne to aging. Here are some suggestions:

1. Water- Drinking 8 glasses of water each day is one of the best things you can do for your skin. Water helps to hydrate the skin, which in turn makes lines and wrinkles less noticeable. Water also helps to flush out toxins, keeping skin looking healthy with a youthful glow.
2. Antioxidant-rich foods- Foods high in antioxidants help with speeding cell turnover to reveal healthier skin. Some will also help offset free radical damage (free radicals make skin more wrinkle-prone by reducing collagen in the skin). Examples include blueberries, tomatoes, blackberries, strawberries, kidney beans, and pinto beans.
3. Vitamin C rich foods- Vitamin C also has antioxidant properties. Vitamin C foods can help keep skin firm due to their collagen-producing properties. Examples include broccoli, red bell peppers, oranges, pomegranate, dark leafy greens, peas, and papayas.
4. Omega-3 fatty acid- Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help reduce the inflammation of acne and rosacea, in turn leading to healthier, smoother-looking skin. Omega-3 fats are commonly found in walnuts, salmon, tuna, mackerel, black cod, and anchovies.
5. Vitamin E- Vitamin E helps to ease dry skin. Our favorite vitamin E-rich food? Avocados.
6. Vitamin A- Vitamin A helps to protect the skin and increase cellular turnover. Topical Retinoids were created as a derivative of Vitamin A because of its amazing effect to on the skin. Vitamin A-rich foods include sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, pumpkin, and butternut squash.

Category: Expert Answers