8 Superfoods for Glowing Skin
You don’t need to be a nutritionist to know that a diet high in processed foods and sugar laden treats is bad for your health and is a gateway to a lot of diseases. Your diet also has an impact on how your skin looks and eating a nutrient-rich diet can greatly improve your skin as well as your overall health.
A diet overhaul may be a drastic change for some and that is understandable. Changes may take time to implement but one thing we are very particular about is choosing progress over perfection. When it comes to adopting a healthier diet, tiny drops of water will eventually make an ocean. Small steps like incorporating leafy greens and swapping high sugar drinks for water, if done consistently and frequently will, in time, lead to a lifestyle change.
We have made a list of some of the best superfoods that will make your skin glow.
Water: It is recommended that we drink a minimum of eight glasses of water a day. Water flushes out toxins from the body and also keeps wrinkles at bay. Dehydration can also affect the skin’s elasticity and result in puffiness. The body can sometimes respond to dehydration by retaining water which leads to puffiness.
A tip for drinking more water is to drink a glass first thing in the morning. This gives you one less glass to worry about through the day. Another tip is to load up on foods with high water content such as watermelons and pineapples. People who do not like the taste of water can infuse their water with some fruits.
Green tea: Green tea is a rich source of antioxidants, which fight free radicals and prevent the growth of cancer cells. Free radicals are produced when your body breaks down proteins for energy. Antioxidants scavenge and neutralize these harmful by-products, preventing them from damaging your skin’s collagen structure. The result? Glowing skin!
Green tea contains catechins and polyphenols that help protect against aging-related skin conditions like wrinkles, fine lines and dark spots (hyperpigmentation). Catechin is an antioxidant found in green tea that can help improve elasticity while polyphenols help balance sebum production, making it easier for oily areas to shed excess oil without clogging pores or causing breakouts—a common side effect with many other blemish fighters on this list!
Leafy Greens: Leafy greens like spinach, ugu, and kale are a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, including iron, which will boost your skin’s natural radiance. They are also rich in antioxidants that protect against free radicals that cause damage to the body’s cells.
Leafy greens are loaded with zinc which has been shown to reduce inflammation and also help with scarring. Other vitamins such as Vitamin A and Vitamin C are greatly beneficial for maintaining your skin’s health.
Avocado: Avocado is rich in Vitamin E and antioxidants, which help protect your skin against damage. Avocados are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids and healthy oils that repair the skin barrier.
The best part? Avocados are delicious and can be eaten in a variety of ways: from guacamole to an avocado toast, there are so many ways to include them in your diet.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, an antioxidant that protects against sun damage and promotes healthy skin. Lycopene is also found in other foods that help to protect the body from cancer, including watermelon and red peppers.
This salad fave contains high levels of vitamin C and beta-carotene (the precursor to vitamin A), both nutrients essential for maintaining healthy skin as well as preventing wrinkles. Beta-carotene may also protect the skin from harmful UV rays.
Berries: Berries are rich in antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative damage to the skin. They’re also high in vitamins and minerals, so they can be beneficial for your overall health.
Berries like raspberries and blackberries contain many different types of fiber, including soluble fiber (which helps lower cholesterol) and insoluble fiber (which aid bowel movements).
Fatty fish: Fish like salmon, tuna and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin. Fatty fish also contain vitamin D which has been linked to improved circulation and reduced puffiness under the eyes.
Watermelon: Just like tomatoes, watermelons are high in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that protects your skin from UV damage. Watermelon is also one of the richest sources of vitamin C and A (both antioxidants) in its natural form—and it’s pretty delicious too! Vitamin C helps boost collagen production while vitamin A supports healthy skin cells. When combined together they create a powerful duo that will leave your face glowing!
The food you eat is directly connected to your overall health. While splurging on products is great, remember that the best way to keep your skin glowing and take care of your body is by eating a healthy diet.