18/11/2022
Healthy skin comes from within. Using skincare products can tackle surface-level problems, but eating a well-balanced diet not only helps give your skin health a boost, it also keeps you healthy at the same time.
Give your skin a boost by including the following foods into your diet:
1. Fatty fish
Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids that help your skin to look supple and radiant. They can also reduce inflammation, redness, pimples and strengthen your skin against UV rays.
Packed with vitamin E, antioxidant-rich fatty fish protects your skin from irritation and radical activity that could make your skin age faster.
2. Avocados
Avocados contain healthy fats which can help your skin stay moisturised and firm.
They also contain vitamin C and E – 2 important nutrients that your body need to support healthy skin and fight free radical formation.
Avocados are also rich in biotin, a B vitamin that some nutritionists believe can help promote healthy skin and hair. A deficiency of biotin can lead to skin problems such as rashes, ache, psoriasis, dermatitis and overall itchiness.
3. Walnuts
Nuts are nutritious snacks that pack a punch, even in small doses. Walnuts contain vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc and selenium, all of which promote healthy skin.
Walnuts contain a higher amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids than other nuts, making them an extra healthy choice if you’re looking for skin benefits. However, it is important to keep your nut intake to one handful (1/4 cup) a day. Eating anything in excess can lead to weight gain.
4. Sunflower seeds
Seeds, along with nuts, are healthy snacks that boost the health of your skin. Sunflower seeds are a particularly good choice as they contain plenty of vitamin E, selenium, and zinc.
5. Carrots
Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which fights against sunburns, cell death, and wrinkles. Vitamin A also adds a healthy, warm glow to your skin.
You can get vitamin A by consuming provitamin A through fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based products. Your body then converts beta-carotene into vitamin A to protect your skin from the sun.
7. Dark chocolate
You don’t need an excuse to indulge in a sweet treat once in a while, but if you’ve been waiting for a sign, here it is.
Dark chocolate is beneficial for your skin because cocoa powder boasts a bunch of antioxidants. These antioxidants hydrate and smoothen your skin, making your skin less sensitive to sunburn and improves the blood flow of your skin. Make a healthy choice by opting for a bar of dark chocolate with 70% cocoa for more antioxidants and lesser added sugar.
8. Green tea
Green tea has been said to protect the skin against external stressors and ageing. This is because it is antioxidant-rich and contains catechins that protect your skin, reduce redness, increase hydration, and improve elasticity.
A diet rich in antioxidants along with adequate hydration may even out your skin texture, strengthen your skin barrier and improve your overall skin health.
Avoid adding milk to green tea as the combination can reduce the effects of the antioxidants present in green tea.
https://beta.mountelizabeth.com.sg/healthplus/article/best-foods-healthy-skin
Additional tips for healthy skin
Don't forget to stay hydrated because water plays a big part in the appearance of your skin. Water ensures your skin has enough moisture, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps with nutrient absorption, removal of toxins and blood circulation.
