Foods to eat for healthy skin

There is a saying that goes, “we are what we eat,” and this is true especially in terms of our skin. The skin is the body’s largest organ, so it is indeed essential to treat it with care. Be aware of what you eat, because that is what your skin consumes as well.

Vitamin A is one important factor for healthy skin, so if you want to pamper your skin, then you should consume milk products that are low in fat. One example is yogurt, although of course you should be sure that it is low fat. Another is Acidophilus, which is a living bacteria. Acidophilus works to keep the intestinal tract healthy, and can also have an effect on our skin. In addition, our skin’s health relies on Vitamin A, which can be found in sources such as fortified cereals, carrots, sweet potatoes, cod liver oil and leafy vegetables.

You should try to regularly consume foods that contain antioxidants — such as plums, blueberries, blackberries and strawberries, as they are abundant in benefits to maintain a healthy and glowing skin. In fact, some phytochemicals and antioxidants contained in those fruits protect the cells of the skin; thus reducing the chances for harm. Not only that, premature aging is less likely to occur, so that your skin will remain younger-looking. Some other vegetables and fruits that are high in antioxidants are pecans, prunes, red, pinto and black beans.

Essential fatty acids, or EFAs, are also necessary for healthy skin. These are found in flax seeds, walnut, canola oil and salmon. EFAs help maintain the healthiness of the cell membranes and allow nutrients to pass through.

Healthy oils are also essential for our skin because they include sufficient Essential Fatty Acids. Oils that are high in quality make the skin appear smooth and healthy. Extra virgin oils and olive oils are a good example. Just two tablespoons daily are can make use of those healthy oils wisely.

Furthermore, another thing to consider to make skin healthy is Selenium. Eat foods such as Brazil nuts, turkey, cereals, muffins, whole-wheat breads and tuna, as they are rich in this very essential nutrient. The latest studies have proven that the higher the level of Selenium, the less damage the sun can cause to skin.

In addition, insulin levels are best controlled when you select versions of complex carbohydrates such as whole grains. Refined and pure sugars can lead to inflammation, which may be connected eventually to breakouts of the skin.

Green teas contain anti-inflammatory qualities. They also protect cell membranes and can help lessen or possibly avoid the risk of skin cancer.

Water is very important not only for your skin, but for your entire body. The effects of drinking the proper amount of water are obvious and immediate. Your skin will look young and healthy if you drink at least eight glasses of water each day. Not only that, but water helps to remove toxins from your body, so that the risk for potential damage is minimized.

Many people are under the impression that multivitamins have the same amount of nutrients that they get from the usual foods they eat. What they do not know is that the nutrients contained in fresh fruit juices and nutritious foods are far more effective in providing all the vitamins and minerals that we need. In fact, the majority of people would prefer eating healthy foods to dealing with the confusion of deciding which multivitamins would be best for them. In addition, among those who take multivitamin supplements, many report that there is often an undesirable after-taste.

Your body has a more difficult time utilizing and breaking down vitamin supplements, so that you may not fully absorb the vitamins and minerals that you take as supplements. If you consume a diet of nutrient-dense foods to obtain the equal value, then it is easier for your body to process and use without waste. Further, all of us process nutrients throughout the day every time we acquire them from the food that we eat, which is more efficient than obtaining those nutrients just once a day through supplements.

Many vitamin supplements that are being marketing today also contain binders and fillers, as well as the coatings used on capsules and tablets. Our bodies do not need these superfluous substances, because they are of no physical use. In fact, some people suffer allergic reactions to the fillers and dyes contained in supplements.

On the other hand, vegetables and fruits have fiber, which our bodies need. More often than not, vegetable skins contain the most nutrients, such as that of a potato. With multivitamin supplements, people sometimes experience increasing stomach discomfort. In most cases, this can be alleviated by switching to a different kind of supplement. This sort of discomfort can occur not just because of allergic reactions, but also because of a supplement’s smell and taste. With the wide selection of vegetables and fruits available, a meal’s flavor is enhanced, and the fiber they contain helps in the digestion process.

Last updated on Mar 3rd, 2009 and filed under Healthy Eating, Skin Care. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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