Did you know that the food you eat not only has a major impact on how you feel in your day-to-day life but how you look as well? You might not think the choices you make in terms of food make much of a difference, but a good diet is extremely necessary for all aspects of your health – including that of your skin.
Now, eating foods for healthy skin isn’t at all complicated. The main thing to know is that processed, high-sugar foods are bad for your skin. And whole, nutrient-dense foods are good. This means eating plenty of lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats.
That said, there are certain foods that are better for your skin than others. To learn about 6 nutritious foods to add to your diet that will help you achieve healthy skin, keep reading!
1. Salmon
Salmon is what’s known as a fatty fish, which might sound unhealthy, but is actually one of the most nutrient-dense proteins you can eat. This is because salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential fat, meaning they’re necessary for survival, but aren’t produced by your body. They must be consumed through diet. They reduce inflammation that can cause acne and skin irritation, and keep your skin thick and moisturized.
Salmon is also a good source of vitamin E and zinc, both of which are crucial for overall skin health, the production of new skin cells, and reducing free radicals and inflammation.
2. Dark Chocolate
If you have a sweet tooth to satiate, there’s no better option than dark chocolate. On top of being a tasty treat, dark chocolate offers a wealth of health benefits, when eaten in moderation.
Dark chocolate has a high cocoa content, making it an effective food to reverse aging by improving the appearance of wrinkles. This is because cocoa is high in antioxidants, giving your skin a thicker, more hydrated appearance. Cocoa also makes skin smoother and less sensitive to sunburn.
Now, in order to receive these benefits, you can’t eat just any dark chocolate. It needs to be high-quality chocolate, with at least 70% cocoa.
3. Green Tea
Green tea is as close to a miracle drink as you can find. The health benefits of drinking green tea on a daily basis are many and include improving brain function, aiding fat loss, and lowering your risk of certain cancers.
Green tea is also great for protecting your skin from damage and the effects of aging. This is why many CBD beauty products have green tea in their ingredients list!
This powerful health drink is loaded with antioxidants and catechins, which improve the health of your skin by protecting it against sun damage, reducing irritation, and improving thickness and elasticity.
To maximize the benefits of green tea, drink it without sugar or milk. Added sugar or milk will work against the effects of the antioxidants.
4. Avocados
If you need more healthy fats in your diet, look no further than the avocado. Avocados are delicious and chock full of fats that your body needs to keep your skin flexible and supple.
Like salmon, avocados also contain vitamin E, an important antioxidant that many Americans don’t get nearly enough of through diet. In fact, over 30% of the population in the United States is at risk of at least one vitamin deficiency.
In addition to vitamin E, avocados provide compounds that act as a UV protectant for your skin, as well as vitamin C. Vitamin C enhances the effects of vitamin E, protects your skin from oxidative damage that can lead to signs of aging, and aids in the production of collagen.
You’ve probably heard the term “collagen” before in your search for healthy skin. This is because collagen is the main structural protein for strong, healthy skin.
5. Broccoli
For optimal health, your diet should contain a variety of vegetables. But one of the best for healthy nails and skin is broccoli. Broccoli contains vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, lutein, and certain beneficial compounds.
One of these compounds is called sulforaphane, which helps to protect against cancer, sun damage, and the production of free radicals. It’s also thought to maintain collagen in the skin.
In addition, broccoli is a good source of vitamin K. This vitamin is important for speeding up the healing process, including that of bruises. This means it’s great for improving the appearance of undereye dark circles.
6. Yogurt
Yogurt is an excellent choice for those looking for healthy foods that don’t taste “healthy”. Throw a handful of berries into a cup of yogurt and you have a tasty dessert that’s secretly good for you.
You can eat regular or greek yogurt, just pay close attention to the sugar content, as many storebought yogurts have so much sugar that they’re not worth eating if you want to improve the look of your skin.
That said, sugar-free yogurt is a fantastic source of protein, probiotics, and B vitamins. Probiotics fight inflammation and skin irritation, reduce skin sagging, and increase hydration.
Add These Foods for Healthy Skin to Your Diet Today
We all love a treat every now and then. And while there’s nothing wrong with an occasional dessert or handful of chips, these foods are full of empty calories that do nothing for your health or your skin.
By making the bulk of your diet foods for healthy skin, you’ll quickly notice that you look and feel a thousand times better than ever before. Your energy levels will be off the charts and your skin will be glowing, smooth, and blemish-free!
Looking for more ways to improve your appearance through healthy lifestyle choices? Be sure to check out the rest of our blog!
Read Also:
