How do foods affect our outward appearance? Are there superfoods for our skin? Absolutely, and here’s the top five things to consider when shopping in your local supermarket or farmers market that will make you beautiful both inside and out!
How do foods affect our outward appearance? Are there superfoods for our skin? Absolutely, and here’s the top five things to consider when shopping in your local supermarket or farmers market that will make you beautiful both inside and out!
Vitamin C rich foods, especially strawberries can help keep your skin glowing and bright! Vitamin C is an important building block for collagen, which supports the underlying structure of your skin. Just 1 cup of delicious strawberries contains over 100 percent of your daily vitamin C recommendation. Other vitamin C rich foods include: bell peppers, broccoli, pineapple, kiwis, kale, oranges, and most other fruits and vegetables – especially raw.
Another foods that helps boos collagen is soybeans, so grab your self a bag of edamame for a great beauty snack or to top a salad. Rich in isoflavones, edamame and other soy foods will not only work to preserve collagen but help protect against UV light damage, working to keep skin wrinkle free!
Quercetin rich foods. What do onions, apples, sage, parsley and citrus have in common? Quercetin, of course, which is an antioxidant that provides some protection from the "burning" UVB rays. Quercetin also acts like an antihistamine and an anti-inflammatory, which can keep skin irritation at bay.
What else is important for glowing skin? Fats, specifically the omega-3 fatty acids, of course! Great sources include, walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, sardines, and salmon. Getting plenty of essential fatty acids help keep our cells communicating properly as well as making sure our skin is hydrated and smooth.
Stay hydrated! Green tea is rich in antioxidants (i.e. EGCG) that work to decrease inflammation and protect cell membranes. Some studies have demonstrated that tea may also reduce the damage of sunburns and overexposure to ultraviolet light. Make sure you get plenty of water. Skin cells contain mostly water, and if you're dehydrated, skin can look and feel dry. Water with fresh squeezed lemon, and herbal tea are two great choices to stay hydrated.
In general choosing a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes, lean meats and cold-water fish will have you glowing from the inside out! And make sure to drink plenty of hydrating fluids like water!