Nutritional Skin Care

There are many steps you can take to naturally care for your skin, and the types of foods you choose can have a significant impact on the health and appearance of your skin. The article below lists some foods that can help prevent your skin from developing dryness, wrinkles, and other unwanted characteristics. Prevention is the name of the game when it comes to natural skin care and care for the entire body, for that matter. It is much preferable to develop habits that pursue wellness and prevent illness rather than trying to treat conditions after they have occurred.

In addition to eating a healthful diet that includes foods that are beneficial to your skin, it is vital that you choose natural skin care products that are free of harmful chemicals and additives that can expose your body to toxins, and may actually damage the skin more than help it. The skin, being the largest organ of the body, absorbs substances very efficiently, and this applies to both beneficial compounds and toxic ones. Skin health, or the lack thereof, is also a good indicator of overall body wellness. Going natural when it comes to skin care, both in the foods you choose and the products you use, is one of the best ways to keep your skin protected from the sun, disease, the effects of aging, and the harshness of our modern environment.


Edible Beauty Tricks
Diana De Cicco

Getting Botox and spending hundreds of dollar on age-defying skin creams are not the only ways to keep your skin looking healthy and fresh. One of the most effective strategies to have super skin is to nourish your body with plenty of nutrients. Research has shown that consuming specific foods can help prevent wrinkling, sun-damage and keep your skin well hydrated. Next time you go food shopping have a grocery list for your skin, too.

ORANGE AND RED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Fruits and vegetables that are high in orange and red pigments are high in antioxidants that can help prevent wrinkles. Sweet potatoes, tomatoes and cantaloupe, for examples, can help keep your skin firm and bright. Add more of these vibrant fruits and vegetables to your daily diet. Instead of making mashed potatoes or baked potatoes with white potatoes, use sweet potatoes topped with brown sugar and a dab of butter. When you eat a sandwich or a salad for lunch, add a few slices of fresh, bright red tomato and instead of eating chips or pretzels, snack on juicy cantaloupe chunks.

CITRUS
Eating citrus fruits on a daily basis will help keep your skin hydrated, which in the long run prevents wrinkles. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can keep the collagen in your face from sagging. However, because vitamin C is water-soluble, the levels of vitamin C that can be stored in your body is low, which means you need to stock up everyday. Oranges are the best source of Vitamin C, but grapefruits, lemons and limes are also good choices to keep your vitamin C levels up. Collagen begins breaking down in your 30's - start stocking up now. Mix grapefruit into a salad for a summery fresh addition. Squeeze fresh lemons or oranges and make lemonade or orange juice. Squeeze limes or lemons over fish and chicken for some tangy pizzazz.

TRUE TEAS
The antioxidant known as EGCG is a highly potent substance that can prevent acne, sun damage and inflammation of your skin. EGCG has also been known to combat skin cancer and tumors. Real teas, green, black or white are the best ways to consume EGCG. Four to six cups of tea per day is the amount needed to have a beneficial effect on skin. Gradually replace your daily coffee with tea - in addition to helping your skin, the antioxidants in tea will be healthful for your whole body.

LEAFY GREENS
Vitamin A, one of the most important skin helpers prevents your skin from becoming dry and scaly. Vitamin A is essential in the cell renewal process and promotes growth of new skin. Spinach, broccoli and escarole are just a few tasty examples of dark leafy green vegetables that pack tons of Vitamin A. Fresh, frozen, raw or steamed leafy greens are all beneficial for skin health.

SEAFOOD
Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish such as salmon, tuna, trout, sardines and shellfish have anti-inflammatory properties and can fight sun-related skin damage. Omega-3's also help protect against sunburn. While eating fish can make your skin glorious, keep your seafood intake at moderate levels so you don't end up consuming too much mercury. Eating fish once or twice a week is sufficient, especially if you chock your diet full of other healthy skin foods.

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