Your skin can be dull or divine, depending on what foods feature in your diet. Here are foods to eat – and others to skip! – for healthier, more vibrant skin.
Foods that Beautify Your Body
Since they’re packed with vital nutrients that work to make your skin look its best, these foods are a must to consume.
1. Vitamin E Foods
Vitamin E nourishes skin by protecting it from cell damage, while also ensuring healthy skin growth. Stock up on Vitamin E foods such as hazelnuts, almonds and avocados. As for your avos, you can do more than just eat them – when applied to the skin, these fruits can ease dryness, so use them in face masks.
2. Tomatoes
A study by British researchers found that tomato paste which was rich in an antioxidant called lycopene can prevent sunburn when combined with olive oil! Since they also contain nutrients known as carotenoids, tomatoes can prevent cellular damage from free radicals.
3. Leafy Greens
Green veggies such as spinach contain water that enters the cell membranes, resulting in less wrinkles and plumper, more youthful skin. Another good leafy green to eat is watercress because it’s great for clearing skin right up. Since it contains antioxidants, minerals and potassium, it helps to soothe the skin while also allowing your body to flush out toxins. Bye, annoying spots!
4. Zinc
Love the feeling of soft, supple skin? Think zinc! This powerful mineral also helps the skin’s sebaceous glands to work properly, while repairing skin damage. Foods rich with zinc include whole grains, nuts, seeds and shellfish.
Foods/Ingredients that Harm Your Skin
Eating the wrong foods can play a role in ruining your complexion. Stay away from these baddies!
1. High GI Foods
Foods that are high GI carbohydrates make your glucose levels spike. These include foods high in sugar, such biscuits and honey, which are common offenders. Worse, they produce insulin, which can damage the skin’s collagen and increase your wrinkles.
2. Caffeine
Although you love coffee, tea and/or chocolate, caffeine is a diuretic that dehydrates your body, leaving your skin looking dry. It can also cause skin to flare up, such as if you suffer from a skin condition called rosacea. Ditch that second cup and top up on water instead to keep your body and skin moisturised!
3. Salty Snacks
Sodium is present in many snacks, such as popcorn, chips and crackers. Too much of it can lead to water retention, making your skin look puffy – and it’s usually most visible under your eyes. Decrease your salt consumption to beat the bulge!
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