You might not always think about it this way, but what you put in your body largely affects your body’s largest organ. Any idea where I’m going with this? That fancy organ I speak of is your skin! And sometimes we can be downright mean to it, forgetting how cool this thin veneer we wear really is. Research suggests that a diet rich in antioxidant vitamins, minerals, and water is what really enhances your skin’s natural beauty. So in honor of your largest, and my personal favorite organ, I’ve gathered some info to help you nourish and protect your skin from the inside.
The Benefits of Water
I know, I know, you’ve heard it a million times before, I even blogged about it a few weeks ago, but are you keeping your skin hydrated by getting eight 8-ounce glasses of water into your system every day? If not, your plan for healthy skin through what you put in your body should start here, with a little h20 action! Water keeps your skin hydrated, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And water improves circulation and blood flow, all of which keep skin radiant.
Vitamins
You can look for vitamins in creams and lotions, but why not keep things simple, and your diet nutritious, by getting this source in through your mouth. Some of the best vitamins for you skin are vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
Vitamin A battles dry skin by hydrating deep layers of the skin. Good sources include oranges, carrots, leafy greens, eggs, and low-fat dairy.
Vitamin C helps undo damage done by free radicals while protecting skin from the sun. Vitamin C is also involved in collagen production. Good sources for vitamin c include peppers, oranges, strawberries, lemons, kiwi, broccoli, greens, and brussel sprouts.
Like vitamin C, vitamin E also protects your skin from damage done by the sun. Some research also suggests that vitamin E may work in combination with vitamin C to provide an extra boost of anti-aging skin protection. Nutritionist Joy Bauer points this out in an article on MSNBC, Eat Your Way to More Beautiful Skin. She also points out recent studies have raised some questions about the safety of vitamin E supplements, so these nutrients should come from your diet, not from pills. She recommends food sources for vitamin E such as wheat germ, fortified cereals, nuts, and seeds.
Minerals
Kick free radicals in the tush with selenium, a trace mineral that safeguards the skin from sun damage while enhancing skin’s quality and elasticity. Selenium is found in Brazil nuts, button mushrooms, shrimp, lamb, cooked beef, light turkey meat, oysters, crab, wheat germ, and certain fish – snapper, cod, halibut, sardines, tuna, and salmon.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants combat damage to skin cells caused by free radicals. To extend your skin’s youthful look, pack your grocery cart full of colorful fruits and vegetables.
Beta Carotene is an antioxidant critical for skin health. It converts to vitamin A in the body, is involved in the growth and repair of body tissues, and may protect against sun damage. In extremely high doses, straight vitamin A from supplements can be toxic. However, food sources such as sweet potato, pumpkin, carrots, mangos and apricots are safe and great for your skin.
CoQ10 is another antioxidant that protects your skin and other body cells from free radicals. On top of skin health, CoQ10 is also involved in energy production and immune system function. Good sources for this antioxidant include salmon, tuna, organ meats like liver, and whole grains.
Essential Fatty Acids
Don’t let the word fatty in essential fatty acids scare you away. Essential fatty acids like omega-3s and omega-6s help maintain your cell membranes so they are effective oil barriers. Get smoother, younger looking skin with yummy foods like walnuts, salmon, sardines, and mackerel. Other sources for essential fatty acids include olive oil, canola oil, and flax.
Go on now, try a diet chalk full of antioxidant vitamins, minerals, and water for beautiful skin. And go straight to the source, fight this battle from the inside out with nutritious food and eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day!
Thank you Suat Eman for the sweet food pic.
