What you put in is what you get out. This applies to life in general as well as to your skin care…
What you eat affects your skin, and your overall health. It is important for you to follow a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables to get the essential vitamins and nutrients that your body needs to function optimally.
Here are six essential foods to add to your diet for healthy skin:
1. Fatty fish
Make sure you’re getting your omega-3 fatty acids to maintain your skin health. Omega-3s keep your skin moisturised and reduce inflammation. Fatty fish also contains vitamin E which helps protect your skin from sun damage, and zinc which promotes the production of new skin cells.
2. Sunflower seeds
While most nuts and seed contain healthy fats that are good for your skin, sunflower seeds really pack a punch when it comes to vitamin E, zinc, selenium and protein! Add these to your diet as a healthy snack.
3. Broccoli
Besides being great for digestive health, broccoli is packed with vitamins and minerals that aid skin health including Vitamin C, A, and zinc. Broccoli also contains sulforaphane which has been shown to help combat cancers including skin cancer.
4. Red and yellow bell peppers
The beta carotene in peppers is converted into vitamin A by the body, which is essential for skin and eye health as well as boosting the immune system. Did you know that peppers are also a great source of vitamin C (even more than oranges!), which helps build the collagen that keeps skin from sagging.
5. Oats
Not only do they make a tasty, energy-boosting breakfast, oats are also rich in selenium which protects cells from damage. Oats also contains zinc which has anti-inflammatory benefits and can even help to reduce scarring.
6. Dark chocolate!
Yes please! Now you have a reason to eat dark chocolate (70% cocoa or more) guilt-free. Cocoa powder is really high in antioxidants which help to protect your skin from sun damage. Dark chocolate has also been shown to improve blood flow and skin hydration.
