You Are What You Eat
If smooth, supple skin is your goal, we have 10 foods that can help you acheive it. You might even be a little surprised by the options open to you!
1 - Avocadoes
"Going green" is all the fuss today. Who knew it could be healthy for your face too?! Avocadoes are rich in B-complex vitamins that help to nourish your skin inside and out.
Niacin (vitamin B-3) is very important for healthy skin. It acts as an anti-inflamitory by soothing irritated skin. It also calms red, blotchy skin. Just 1 avocado contains 3.8 mg of niacin. This fullfills 27% of your daily need.
Tip: Try substituting your banana with half an avocado in your morning smoothie. Blend it with yogurt and frozen berries and you'll get a creamy nutty flavored boost for your skin.
2 - Mangoes
Mangoes contain more than 80% of your daily vitamin A requirements. This equals great face food as vitamin A is a powerful tool in repairing and maintaining skin cells. It functions as an antioxidant to fight free radical damage that can cause premature aging of your skin. And, at only 70 calories per serving, magoes are great for your figure!
3 - Almonds
Is your skin driving you nuts? Fight back with powerful almonds! They provide 150% of your daily requirement for vitamin E. These rich oils moisturize your skin while the antioxidants protect your skin from damage and premature aging.
4 - Cottage Cheese
Dairy is great for your bones and your skin! Cottage cheese contains selenium. When paired with vitamin E, selenium is a force to be reckoned with in fighting free radicals and providing powerful antioxidants. The benefit to you? Beautiful skin! These creamy little curds have even been rumored to protect against skin cancer.
5 - Acerola Cherries
All cherries are delicious, but not all are equal. Be sure to pick up Acerola cherries to get the most skin benefits. A single Acerola cherry supplies 100% of your daily allowance of vitamin C. Vitamin C contains lots of healty antioxidants that aid in fighting skin damage and wrinkles. It also helps in the production of collagen.
6 - Oysters
Oysters are no longer just a great aphrodisiac! They're also great for your skin. Rich in zinc, oysters can help fight acne by producing sebum - a lack of which can lead to acne. Zinc, when teamed with vitamin C can also boost elastin production.
7 - Baked Potatoes
No, french fries don't count! But a steaming baked potatoe will provide 75% of your daily copper needs. Pair this with vitamin C and zink and your skin will be enabled to produce elastin fibers to support your skin structure. If you lack copper, your skin has a lessened ability to heal.
8 - Mushrooms
Mushrooms are rich in riboflavin. Riboflavin is a B vitamin that is essential for the health of your skin. It helps skin repair and maintenance and can even improve skin blemishes caused by rosacea.
9 - Flaxseed Oil
Not a fish lover? That's ok! Fish aren't the only place to get your all important Omega 3s. One of the best sources for this essential fatty acid is in flaxseed oil. Add 1 teaspoon of flaxseed to your daily diet and you will get 2.5 grams of Omega 3s. These help hydrate your skin. They also unclog pores and dilute sebum which will aid in preventing acne.
10 - Wheat Germ
Don't be scared off by the word "germ". This is simply referring to the ebryo of a grain of wheat. It is a great source of biotin - a B vitamin vital to the health of your skin. Add a little to your morning cup of yogurt and you will be getting the nutrients you need to stave off dermatitis - itchy, scaly skin.
The above foods aren't just great on the inside. Try this great little concoction for a homemade mask that is ultra moisturizing.
- Mash one whole avocado
- Add 1 tsp flaxseed oil and 1 tsp honey
- Mix together until smooth and creamy
- Apply to your face and let sit for 15-20 minutes
- Rinse clean with warm water
Other Tips
Speaking of healthy skin, never forget the many benefits that come from drinking lots of water. It doesn't even have to be plain water. For example, Pure Inventions Extracts can add lots of great flavor. Also, get plenty of daily excercise to help flush out toxins. And never forget to apply your sunblock. This is especially true for your face, whether it is clear and sunny or cloudy and gray outside. We have lots of great options for effective sunscreens that will supply your needed protection. Multi-vitaimins are also a great addition to every healthy diet.
So get out your pen and paper and start creating your grocery list with 10 items for healthy skin. You're gonna love the results!