Thursday, August 26, 2010

Things to Eat That Are Good for Your Skin



Things to Eat That Are Good for Your Skin



Eating a proper diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat proteins and dairy products is essential to overall health, both inside and out. However, there are a few foods that have been shown to be more effective than others in protecting the skin from damage while keeping it looking healthy and radiant for as long as possible.



Low Fat Dairy Products






Low fat dairy products such as skim milk and fat-free yogurt help skin cells regenerate at a faster rate because of their high vitamin A content. While other foods such as carrots contain vitamin A, some people cannot convert the enzymes to usable vitamin A. However, everyone can benefit from the vitamin A found in low-fat dairy products.
Berries







Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and cranberries are just a few of the berries that are good for your skin. Berries are particularly good for skin health because of their high antioxidant content, which can help keep free radicals that can damage and age the skin at bay. Berries also contain high amounts of vitamin C and fiber, which are good for your overall health.


Pomegranates and Pomegranate Juice






Pomegranates and pomegranate juice have been touted as being one of the healthiest foods you can eat for some time. This is because pomegranates contain an antioxidant flavonoid called anthocyanin, which help strengthen blood vessels while providing nutrients for the skin.


Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids






Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, halibut, walnuts, sardines, soybeans and flax seeds, are excellent for overall skin health, as they can help to reduce the regularity of clogged pores while reducing inflammatory agents that can cause dry, red and damaged skin. Omega-3 fatty acids have also been linked to helping skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dandruff as well.


Green Tea






Green tea promotes skin health, as it has a high concentration of antioxidants and vitamins, including vitamin C, vitamin D and vitamin K. Green tea also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help give puffy or red skin a more natural, even look. You can commonly find green tea used in commercial skin creams and tonics.


Whole Grains






Whole grains are good for the skin because they are rich in essential B vitamins, which help regulate the displacement of dead skin cells and the growth of new skin cells. B vitamins also help strengthen the surface of the skin.


Foods Rich in Vitamin E






Foods that are rich in vitamin E include sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach, papaya, collard greens and Swiss chard. Vitamin E can help protect the skin from sun damage while also helping the skin generate new skin cells faster.

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