You do not need to run to beauty salons and avail costly services to get younger looking skin! You can avoid buying expensive skincare products which often come with fake promises! But what can you do to keep your skin healthy and young? The remedies lie in your kitchen itself! You need to eat foods to get glowing and flawless skin! And these need to be the power foods like:
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes contain a powerful antioxidant called Lycopene, which offers protection against sunburn. A study conducted at Manchester and Newcastle Universities found that people who added five tablespoons of tomato paste to their daily diet had 33 percent more protection against sunburn, the equivalent of a very low factor sun cream, and much higher levels of pro-collagen, a molecule which gives the skin its structure and keeps it firm.
- Apples: Quercetin, a powerful antioxidant (mostly contained in apple skin and just below the peel) can not only protect you from various diseases such as cancer, but also protects the skin against damage from ultraviolet B (UVB) rays that have been linked to skin cancer.
- Strawberries: Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, a potent antioxidant which supports the synthesis of collagen fibers. Collagen is an important protein that is essential for a soft and smooth skin, and also helps heal wounds more quickly. Low intake of vitamin C can cause dry and wrinkled skin. A cup of strawberries can provide up to 130 percent of the daily value (DV) for vitamin C. These fruits also contain another powerful antioxidant called Ellagic Acid, which maintains the elasticity of the fibers that protect the skin from becoming saggy. A study conducted by Korean researchers in 2009 found that ellagic acid used topically can protect the skin against the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays, a main cause of aging skin.
- Soy: A Japanese study conducted on 26 women in their late 30s and early 40s found that women who ate foods like tempeh (85 gram per day containing 40 mg soy aglycones) that contain the soy isoflavone known as aglycone over 12 weeks showed an improvement in fine wrinkles and skin firmness.
- Eggs: The damaging effects of the Ultraviolet Rays include the development of fine lines, brown spots and even skin cancer! Eggs contain antioxidants like Lutein and Zeaxanthin which protect the skin from these damaging effects. These antioxidants also make the skin softer, firmer and more hydrated.
- Romaine Lettuce (kasmisaag): Romaine Lettuce contains Vitamin A which is responsible for increasing cell turnover. Cell turnover causes revitalization of the skin. The vegetable also contains the mineral potassium which boosts up the body's circulatory process. This gives the skin an abundant supply of nutrients and oxygen.
- Walnuts: The layer that keeps the skin lubricated, supple and moist is mainly composed of a type of omega-3 fatty acid called the alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Walnuts are rich in this alpha-linolenic acid, providing 100 percent of the recommended daily value for ALA in just 14 gram serving. So walnuts are essential to keep the skin soft and smooth by maintaining its moisture content.
- Almonds: Almonds are beneficial for the skin because of their high contents of Vitamin E. Vitamin E is considered as one of the most powerful antioxidants which boost skin health by protecting the skin from ultraviolet radiation. In many research studies, vitamin E applied topically to the skin has been shown to prevent UV damage. Vitamin E can travel to the skin cell membranes and exert this same protective effect when diet containing vitamin E-rich foods like almond is consumed. Additionally, people who are experiencing dry skin can find a cure in almonds.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Olive oil contains essential fatty acids which can combat the damaging effects of the Ultraviolet Rays. The essential fatty acids are also present in the cell membranes which retain moisture. Thus, intake of olive oil is necessary to maintain the moisture balance of the skin. Consume about 1 tablespoon of olive oil daily to keep your skin supple.
- Cocoa in dark chocolates: Drinking cocoa-rich dark chocolates can lead to rejuvenation. The intake of cocoa increases blood circulation and the glowing effect on the skin can last for up to 2 hours. Dark chocolates, rich in flavonoids, can protect the skin against sunburn, keep the skin moisture and make them feel softer. However, moderation is crucial.
- Whole Grains: Whole grain rice, bread, pasta and other cereals contain high amounts of antioxidants which are beneficial for a youthful skin. The natural antioxidants of the body tend to diminish with age and so it is very essential to replenish the required amount through dietary intakes.
It's now your turn to check your inventory to find out whether you need to include something extra to add to your healthy skin diet. Getting glowing and younger looking skin might not mean stocking branded cosmetic products in your bathroom shelves, but it would necessarily mean maintaining a steady supply of the above mentioned foods in your kitchen shelf and in your refrigerator!
