The skin is the most important and largest organ of the human body. It filters the harmful toxins that the body is exposed to in day to day life. Some examples of toxins that the skin is exposed to are UV rays, smog, second hand smoke, etc. Since skin is involved in the protection of every part of your body, it is important that you take good care of it. Taking good care of your skin will not only keep you in good health but also make you look healthy and young.
Great Food for Glowing Skin
Food is an important source of nutrients that are required to keep your skin healthy, young and glowing. Some of the foods for glowing skin are described below:
1. Romaine lettuce
It is a rich source of vitamin A which aids in revitalizing your skin by increasing the turnover of cells. The potassium present in Romaine lettuce helps in improving the circulation to the skin, thereby increasing the supply of oxygen and nutrients. Eat Romaine lettuce in your salad. Add some low fat dressing to enhance the taste.
2. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a rich source of antioxidant Lycopene, which helps in protecting against sunburn and decreases the appearance of furrows and lines on the skin. It also increases the collagen content of the skin, thereby preventing skin from sagging. You can easily add tomatoes to your diet as tomato juice, ketchup, puree or as a part of curry.
3. Strawberries
Another great food for glowing skin is strawberry. Strawberries are a rich source of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that helps increase the production of collagen, thereby keeping the skin firm and smooth. Vitamin C intake also decreases the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Strawberries are also rich in an antioxidant ellagic acid which protects the elastic fibers, thereby preventing sagging of skin. Eat a handful of strawberries each day to reap the benefits. You can also make a smoothie out of it.
4. Apples
Apples contain an antioxidant Quercetin that helps in protecting against UVB rays, which trigger cancer of the skin. To promote glowing skin, eat at least one apply every day. You can also put the juice of an apple on your face and wash it off after 10-15 minutes.
5. Soy
Soy contains an isoflavone referred to as aglycone that helps in improving skin firmness and skin wrinkles. You can eat soy as tofu, tempeh, soy flour, etc.
6. Eggs
Eggs contain antioxidants zeaxanthin and lutein both of which provide protection against damaging UV rays that cause wrinkles, fine lines, brown spots and cancer. Skin also appears better hydrated, firmer and softer. Eat an egg daily. You can boil it or make an omelet.
7. Almonds
In searching of food for glowing skin, you should never miss almond out. Almonds are a rich source of vitamin E, which is amongst the important antioxidants required for healthy skin. Eat a handful of almonds each day to get the required benefits. You can also add them to salads or dessert.
8. Walnuts
Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that is an important component of the lubricating layer of the skin. It helps in keeping the skin supple and moist. They are also a rich source of vitamin E, an antioxidant needed to keep skin healthy. Eating a handful of walnuts provide the required benefit. You can also throw some of them in your pasta, salad or dessert.
9. Kiwis
Kiwis are a rich source vitamin C and other antioxidants that help in keeping the skin firm and free of wrinkles and fine lines. Eat a couple of kiwis every day to reap the benefits.
10. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate (at least 60% cacao) has a high content of flavanol, which helps in keeping the skin stay hydrated. It also protects the skin from the damage of the sun’s rays.
11. Indian Gooseberry or Amla
It is a rich source of vitamin A, which helps in increasing the production of collagen. More collagen implies glowing and taut skin. The best way to ingest Indian gooseberry is to drink its juice on an empty stomach every morning.
12. Beetroot
Beetroot is an abundant source of powerful antioxidants, anthocyanins to be specific, which help in the prevention of fine lines and wrinkles. Raw beetroot is difficult to digest; hence, the best way to eat it is to boil it and then eat it. A small amount of lemon juice can be added to increase the taste.
13. Carrot
Another magical food for glowing skin is carrot. It is a rich source of beta carotene, a precursor of vitamin A and a powerful antioxidant. It helps in decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and provides a glow to your skin. You can eat carrot raw as salad or get it cooked before enjoy it. Carrot juice is also beneficial for the skin health.
14. Lemon
Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C, which helps in the production of collagen, which helps in keeping the skin firm and glowing. You can mix juice of one lemon in a glass of water and have it first thing in the morning. You can also add lemon juice to your salads and reap the benefits.
15. Spinach
Spinach is a rich source of antioxidants that help in decreasing the appearance of wrinkles. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that remove toxins from the body making your skin glowing and clear. You can eat spinach in salads or boil it to make a dish.