Whether someone is in their twenties, forties, sixties, or beyond, he or she usually wants to have healthy skin. There are a lot of products out there claiming to help stop or reverse the aging process, but the true “secret” to keeping your skin as vibrant and youthful looking, as it can be, is to hydrate properly and feed yourself with the right kinds of foods.
The food and liquids you consume become a part of you, internally and externally. The healthier the foods you consume, the better your skin will look overall. A balanced diet is the best way to achieve healthy-looking skin. Below, I have shared some of the best food you can consume to enhance the look of your skin; these foods can help reduce and prevent acne and wrinkles, as well as create radiant, glowing skin.
Chocolate – Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is great for the skin. Dark chocolate is full of flavonols, an antioxidant, that hydrate skin and promote better circulation. Cocoa also hydrates the skin, which helps the skin become firmer. To truly reap the benefits of chocolate, it’s best to consume chocolate that is at least 70 percent cacao; one to 3.5 ounces of dark chocolate daily can result in better skin, while not compromising your diet.
Green Tea – According to an article published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2011, people who consumed green tea (or a drink that contained green tea polyphenols) daily for 12 weeks had skin that was more elastic and smooth, and had less sun damage when exposed to UV light. Green tea is full of antioxidant and it can help boost blood blow and oxygen to the skin, while also reducing redness. Studies have also shown than green tea helps fight off inflammation in the body and skin.
Walnuts – Walnuts, which are full of omega-3 fatty acids, help keep the skin from being dry. Alpha-lineolenic acid in the system helps prevent a person from developing eczema and other types of dry, scaly skin. The fatty acids in walnuts also help the skin’s elasticity and help improve skin’s overall texture. Copper is also found in nuts and it helps boost collagen production in the skin.
Berries – Blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries have a high levels of antioxidants in them; antioxidants, as well as other phytochemicals in these berries, can protect skin cells from damage and disintegration (like from the sun), which also can help prevent premature aging.
Water – Water keeps the skin hydrated. When skin is hydrated, the skin looks less wrinkled and fuller. Water also helps cells move nutrients in and flush toxins out. When a person is hydrated, he or she can sweat properly, which keeps the skin clean and clear.
Other Foods that Promote Great, Healthy Skin
Besides the four items listed above, there’s lots of foods out there that promote healthy skin. Here are a few more: Olive oil, tomatoes, oatmeal, sardines, kale, grass-fed beef, plums, rosemary, almond milk, soy, oysters, peppers, kiwi, eggs, pumpkin, red wine, carrots, sunflower seeds, chickpeas, pomegranates, and yogurt.
Although much of what our skin looks like can be linked to genetics, a proper diet can help prevent premature aging, while keeping other skin issues at bay. Why buy an expensive tube of anti-wrinkle cream (that’s not guaranteed to work) when the right foods can help heal you better? If you want to learn more about having healthy skin or eating healthy, contact Dr. Kordonowy at Internal Medicine, Lipids, and Wellness in Fort Myers at 239-362-2006, Ext. 200.
