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What you eat shows in your complexion. When you consume healthy foods, your skin benefits as much as the rest of your body. Research indicates that eating the right foods gives you smooth, clear skin and a youthful glow. Here are the top 11 foods to help you get that radiant, youthful complexion you desire.
Almonds:
Almonds have vitamin E, which neutralizes free radicals; pesky molecules that dull your skin. They also contain fatty acids, which can help to brighten your skin, giving it a youthful glow.
Apricots:
They are delicious, but they are also full of vitamin A which our body converts to retinol, a compound that helps produce new cells. The production of new cells helps minimize wrinkles.
Brazil nuts:
Snacking on Brazil nuts can help combat the damage from the sun. These nuts are perhaps the most abundant dietary source of selenium, a mineral that makes your skin cells more resistant to turning into sunburn cells, the cells that can eventually lead to skin cancer.
Chickpeas:
If you like hummus, you're in luck! Chickpeas contain a protein that delivers amino acids; essential for tissue growth and repair, which is good news for your scratches, scars, and dark marks.
Coffee:
The caffeine in coffee can help to improve circulation and enhance your glow, while the antioxidants can help prevent wrinkles.
Chocolate:
No we're not pulling your leg. Chocolate (look for 70 - 80 percent cocoa) contains flavonols, which make skin supple and protect against damaging UV rays and wrinkles, according to Nicholas Perricone, M.D., a dermatologist and founder of Perricone MD. (Do we like Nicholas Perricone a whole lot right now?) Why, yes, we do!
Green tea:
The antioxidants in green tea may help restore bounce and elasticity in the skin when consumed daily, according to The Journal of Nutrition. Because green tea is known to have many other health benefits, we say, go for it!
Oranges:
The vitamin C in oranges helps banish dark circles and under-eye bags. By strengthening collagen, the supportive structure of your skin, it helps to lift sunken areas that create shadows.
Sunflower oil:
Purchased from your local grocer, this oil's linoleic, a fatty acid that helps create a soft outer layer of cells, helps rid your body of dry, cracked skin. Sauté and bake with it for a baby-soft complexion.
Water:
We know, we know... nag, nag, nag. But the truth is if you want great skin, you have to knock back your fair share of H2O. Water not only hydrates your body, but it also dissolves nutrients from food and helps transport them to skin cells. The Institute of Medicine suggests eleven cups a day. Remember that many fruits and vegetables contain a fair amount of water. (An apple, for example, provides you with about half a cup of water). See? All better now, right? Click here for helpful tips on getting the water your body needs.
Whole-grain bread:
The niacin in whole grains reduces redness from acne, rosacea, and more by inhibiting inflammatory agents, according to Jody Levin, M.D., head of dermatology at Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of New York City. Whole-grain bread and whole-grain cereals are a great way to increase the niacin in your diet.
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