You’ve seen that woman, the one who’s skin is glowing, smooth and healthy looking. What’s her secret? Instead of asking what’s in her medicine cabinet, ask what’s on her plate! Healthy, youthful looking skin starts from the inside out. The food that is on the end of your fork is as impactful on the appearance of your skin as the products and procedures you use.
By now, you know the importance of eating nutrient rich foods, but out of those ‘good-for-you’ foods, which ones are the very best for your skin? We’ve put together the top five best of the bunch, that pack a serious punch of healthy fatty acids, Omegas, vitamins and antioxidants. The results? Healthy skin and a nourished body.
Best Oil: Olive Oil
The Greeks were onto something when they began to press olives for their rich oil thousands of years ago. Luckily for us, olive oil is still readily available today and is one of the best oils to consume for glowing skin due to its content of monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants.
Runner-up: Sunflower Oil contains linoleic acid along with a laundry list of good for you fatty acids
Best Fruit: Avocado
There are quite a few great options of skin-nourishing fruits from which to choose. But you can’t beat the healthy fatty acids found in avocado along with vitamin E. So, it’s no surprise that everyone’s favorite toast topping is wonderfully hydrating and plumping for skin.
Runner-up: Blueberries full of antioxidants that attack free radicals from sun and environmental exposures
Best Vegetable: Broccoli
All vegetables are great for your body, but if you have to choose just one, make it broccoli. Chocked full of antioxidants and vitamins A,C and K, broccoli supports collagen production (which helps give the skin elasticity which is naturally lost from aging and sun damage).
Runner-up: Red and Yellow Bell Peppers pack a punch of Vitamin C and are filled with beta-carotene
Best Protein: Salmon
Salmon is one of the very best protein sources when it comes to eating your way to healthier looking skin. Full of omegas and fatty acids, salmon can help reduce inflammation which can cause premature aging and the loss of elasticity in skin.
Runner-up: Walnuts contain phenolic acids, tannins, and flavonoids, all of which are also found in skin and can contribute to overall healthy looking and feeling skin
Hydration: Water
You’ve heard it time and again, drink more water! Drinking enough H20 is the quickest and easiest way to give skin a hydrating boost. When you are not well hydrated, your body will pull water from your skin cells in order to hydrate the bloodstream and vital organs. Drinking water allows skin cells to retain moisture and can lead to less fine lines and wrinkles.
Runner-up: Watermelon! This refreshing summer treat is not a water replacement, but offers similar hydrating benefits of drinking water.