Having trouble with blemished skin? Having clear skin goes beyond washing one’s face at night. The foods you eat have a significant affect on the way your skin looks. Your skin is the largest organ in your body and it reflects the state of your internal health. Here’s a list of some foods that can help give you beautiful, radiant and clear skin.
Water: Clear skin starts from within, and one of most effective ways to get there is to help your body flush out toxins by drinking plenty of water. Increasing your fluid intake will help keep your brain fully functional and better able to cope with stress, as well as replenish water in the cells. For a recommended amount of water to drink, divide your body weight in half to get ounces per day.
Peppermint: Peppermint tea is known for its potent healing and calming properties. Not only can it help aid digestion, relieve stress – a common acne aggravator – treat headaches and clear sinuses, but it’s also good for the skin.
Avocado: This green fruit is a great source of vitamin E, which boosts the skin’s vitality and luminosity. However, it also possesses good quantities of vitamin C, which can reduce skin inflammation and stimulate the production of collagen in the skin, which improves its tone and texture. Avocado can also improve the skin’s ability to keep itself moisturized.
Nuts: Deficiencies in minerals such as zinc and selenium have been linked to acne in some individuals. Selenium helps to increase the number of infection-fighting white blood cells in the body and strengthens their fighting power, while vitamin E, copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, calcium and iron are all essential to skin health and function. Brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds are particularly high in these minerals.
Fish: If you want a glowing, radiant complexion and spot-free skin, increase your intake of oily fish, like salmon and mackerel. Each fillet is loaded with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), omega-3 fatty acids that combat acne inflammation. Also, the high protein it contains can help to speed up the skin’s natural healing process.
Pumpkin Seeds: Not too fond of seafood? Try sprinkling a handful of pumpkin seeds over your salad instead. Each kernel is high in vitamin E, zinc and omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, making them a good veggie skin clearing substitute.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, which plays are part in collagen formation. Collagen is important in skin structure and helps keep the skin firm and taut . Tomatoes also contain lycopene: the red pigment, which not only gives them their bright red color, but also stimulates skin circulation.
Beetroot: The anthocyanins in this purple root function as potent antioxidants, protecting the body from cell-damaging free radicals. They are also high in vitamin A, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin E, which is essential for epidermal health and healing. Combined, these nutrients make a powerful all-round body cleanser, helping to eliminate toxins from the body and protect skin cells.
