Superfoods for skin

January 3, 2023

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Written by Aradhna Juneja

January 3, 2023

·

Written by Aradhna Juneja

Superfoods for healthy skin

During the holiday season, it's just about impossible not to indulge in some of the delicious food you only see at this time of year. However, it's very important to eat healthy, nutritious food as much as possible. Of course, we also need to maintain other healthy habits such as getting enough, good quality sleep, regular exercise, and minimizing stress levels. Our focus here is on eating foods that help promote healthy skin; this will have the additional benefit of helping you improve your overall health.

Nutrients that benefit your skin

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids help your cells stay hydrated. They can also help reduce inflammation in your body. They help preserve collagen in your skin and keep it firmer.

The top source of omega-3 is fatty fish including

salmon (wild caught is best)
sardines
herring
mackerel
tuna.

If you do not eat fish, there are several plant-based options:

flaxseeds ( which should be ground so your body will be able to absorb the nutrients)
chia seeds
walnuts or almonds
edamame.

Lycopene

Tomatoes and papaya contain lycopene, an antioxidant that can help keep your skin smoother.

Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants that can be found in tea and coffee. One study found that polyphenols in green tea and coffee helped to prevent photoaging and hyperpigmentation. Be careful not to consume too much caffeine; you can choose a decaf version.

grapes
dark chocolate
olive oil

Vitamin C

Some fruits and vegetables not only contain antioxidants, but also healthy amounts of vitamin C which is very good for the skin. Some good choices include:

citrus fruit - oranges, grapefruit, lemons and limes
bell peppers - green, orange, red or yellow
strawberries
kiwi

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage. Some great foods that contain vitamin E are almonds and sunflower seeds.

Other great superfoods:

Turmeric helps slow aging, and may reduce inflammation
Blueberries contain anti-aging antioxidants
Beets contain vitamin C plus fiber, antioxidants, and nitrates (which convert to nitric oxide that keeps blood vessels healthy and the brain functioning well).
Broccoli contains vitamin C plus a compound that converts to sulforaphane which helps slow DNA damage and aging, and helps eliminate carcinogens (cancer-causing substances).

Sources