Eating & Drinking

Last week, we discussed the amazing skin benefits of drinking plenty of water.  What about the effects of other drinks or food for that matter?  Well, let’s talk about it.

Eating vitamin rich fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, and whole grains is absolutely essential for healthy skin.  We will delve deeper into specific vitamins and their benefits in later blogs but for now, let’s discuss what we should be eating and drinking for healthy, glowing skin.

Beverages 

As far as beverages that aren’t water; no preservative juices, fresh squeezed juices, fresh fruit smoothies and herbal teas are packed with skin healthy vitamins.  

Some notable juices are:

  1. Beetroot Juice – this juice is very popular among people that want to lighten skin blemishes. It contains vitamins A, C, K, folic acid, magnesium, copper, and zinc and has anti-inflammatory properties.
  2. Orange Juice – packed with vitamin C, orange juice is great for aiding in the formation of collagen and elastin. It can also aid in keeping the skin firm and prevent dryness.
  3. Cucumber Juice – due to the abundance of water content, cucumber juice is great for keeping your skin hydrated and flushing out harmful toxins from your body. The high levels of silica in cucumbers enhances your natural complexion and adds a glow to your skin.
  4. Carrot Juice – the numerous benefits in carrot juice makes me a bit upset that I’m allergic to carrots. For those of you that don’t share my affliction, you can enjoy a more even skin tone and antioxidants that fight free radicals.
  5. Tomato Juice – packed with vitamins A, C and lycopene, tomato juice offers glowing skin and reduction of large pores. It even helps with acne. 

Honorable mention:  Apple Juice; to enhance elasticity, Aloe Vera Juice; to heal your skin and provide a natural glow and Pomegranate Juice; to slow down the aging process.

Food 

There are way too many skin healthy foods to list here but below are a few of my favorites for glowing, healthy skin.

  1. Mango – my all-time favorite in this lineup! Mango is a super fruit and an excellent source of vitamins A, C, K, potassium, magnesium and folate.  It hydrates skin, improves skin tone, promotes collagen production, and prevents acne breakouts (and that’s not even all).  Is there anything this lovely fruit can’t do for your skin?! 
  2. Avocado – packed with B vitamins (B2, B3, B5 & B6), potassium, magnesium, folate and vitamin E, avocado is also a super fruit. It helps to prevent dry skin and skin damage, improves elasticity and can soothe skin conditions such as acne and eczema.  Also great as a face mask!
  3. Broccoli – while broccoli boasts skin healthy vitamins like A, C and Zinc, it also contains lutein. Lutein helps to protect your skin from free radicals that can cause your skin to become dry and wrinkled.  Broccoli also includes sulforaphane, which may also aid in preventing skin cancer and protect against sunburn.
  4. Flax seeds – best source of Omega 3 fatty acids if you eat a plant-based diet. Flax seeds also contain lignans and antioxidants that help prevent fine lines and wrinkles and keeps skin moisturized.
  5. Sweet Potato – with high levels of beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A when ingested, sweet potatoes aid in healthy skin cell production. Sweet potatoes also contain vitamin c and potassium which helps in the production of collagen and in keeping skin moisturized.

The takeaway for healthy skin: 

  1. Eat more fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds
  2. Drink fresh fruit and vegetable juices
  3. Use avocados, carrots or tomatoes for a hydrating skin mask

 Your skin will thank you!

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