What to eat for glowing skin
When it comes to your skin and overall health, what you eat has a direct impact on how you look and feel. If you’re continually eating processed foods that are high in sugar and fat, you might notice that your skin looks dull and that it’s harder to get in shape. Ditch the junk food, and instead, load up on these ten superfoods for glowing skin and good health:
1. Oats
Say goodbye to sugary cereal and instead reach for a bowl of plain oats for breakfast. This superfood is low on the glycemic index, which means it provides a slow, steady increase and decline of energy. Oats are also loaded with fiber, so not only do you stay fuller for longer, but it also helps with detoxification and digestion.
2. Salmon
Salmon, in particular, is filled with omega 3’s, which is a healthy source of fat that helps protect the skin from sun exposure, repair damaged skin, and keep cell membranes healthy and hydrated. It’s a great source of protein to help build strong muscles to boot.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Since inflammation can be rough on both the skin and body, consuming dried or fresh turmeric helps fight inflammation, keeping skin looking fresh and young while boosting the immune system.
4. Blueberries
One of the most critical factors in maintaining beautiful skin is antioxidants. Eating blueberries is one of the easiest ways to get them. Antioxidants help fight and neutralize free radicals, which damage skin cells and collagen, leading to premature aging. What’s more, they protect against cancer and high blood pressure and help maintain brain function.
5. Lemons
Lemons are packed with vitamin C, which helps neutralize free radicals and build collagen and elastin, resulting in firm, younger-looking skin. They also alkalize the blood and balance the body’s pH, restoring it to optimal health.
6. Avocadoes
Avocadoes are fantastic for skin — they keep skin looking soft and dewy, regenerate skin cells, and reduce redness. Specifically, the omega-9’s found in avocadoes keep skin moisturized. They’re filled with antioxidant carotenoids that fight free radicals and help the skin maintain water content and elasticity.
7. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta carotene, which is an antioxidant that turns into vitamin A in the body, promoting healthy hair and skin. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to dull, dry skin. Sweet potatoes are also rich in fiber, as well as tons of essential vitamins and minerals.
8. Kale
Kale contains vitamins A, B, C, and K in addition to antioxidants and phytonutrients. It tightens pores, reduces dark circles, promotes collagen production, increases cell turnover, and detoxifies the skin. It’s also one of the most nutrient-dense foods that exist, helping to lower your risk of heart disease.
9. Quinoa
Quinoa is rich in vitamin A, which can stimulate the skin to produce new collagen over time, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s high in fiber, B vitamins, vitamin E, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, jump-starting your metabolism.
10. Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain lycopene, a potent antioxidant that enhances skin health. They revive dull skin, treat acne, and fight cellular damage and skin inflammation. Tomatoes are great for weight loss, and they help to protect against certain cancers, too.
Supercharge your skin
We’ve long heard “you are what you eat,” but superfoods give this adage a whole new meaning. Boost your meal plan with these ten foods supercharged with nutrients and added health benefits, and you’ll be eating your way to your glowiest, healthiest skin yet.
