Of all the different parts of human anatomy, skin is one of the overlooked aspects of physical well-being when in fact, it is a reflection of how well our internal bodily functions are. Beyond expensive skin care products and beauty procedures, diet plays an integral part in determining how healthy and supple your skin appears to be. Including specific foods in your diet to prevent acne, psoriasis, blemishes, wrinkles and darkening, is one of the most effective ways of working towards long-term skin health.
Ghee
One of the healthiest fats, ghee is famously known to be one of the best foods to consume for healthy skin that glows. Ghee helps in the production of collagen and helps brighten the skin, due to its antioxidant properties. The anti-aging superfood also moisturises and hydrates the skin and contains butyrate – a fatty acid known for its anti-cancerous and anti-inflammatory properties.
Tomatoes
A great source of vitamin C, tomatoes are known to maintain healthy glowing skin due to the presence of catenoid – which protects against skin damage from the sun. Pairing tomatoes with fat rich foods like cheese or butter is effective since fat aids in the absorption of catenoids. Tomatoes also help prevent wrinkling, thereby deaccelerating the process of ageing.
Cucumbers
Since water intake for good skin is essential, water-rich foods are a great way to maintain optimum levels of skin hydration. Cucumbers are a rich source of water, which promotes the regeneration of good skin without dryness. Have chapped lips or dull skin that is dry? Include cucumbers in your diet in the form of salads and juices.
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Bone Broth
An excellent source of collagen for meat-eaters, consuming bone broth made with chicken or lamb bones, in the form of soups and stews is crucial for the maintenance of skin that is supple. Packed with amino acids, bone broth is extremely effective in repairing tissues as well as cell regeneration. The presence of collagen in the broth also helps in keeping the elasticity of the skin intact.
Fatty Fish
If you’ve noticed people that regularly consume fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, they’re often blessed with skin that has a glow to it as well as good hair to match. The Omega-3 fatty acids in these specific varieties of fish prevent the skin from becoming hyper-sensitive, resulting in redness or acne. Consuming fatty fish also works to fortify the skin from auto-immune conditions like psoriasis or lupus.
Leafy Greens
When it comes to leafy vegetables, always remember to eat hyperlocal and freshly sourced vegetables that go beyond the usual spinach or radish greens. It is important to explore various families of leafy vegetables that are suited to the type of geography we occupy and be open to ingredients that are also lesser-known, seasonal and grow in small quantities instead of being cultivated. The vitamin-rich greens are the perfect antioxidant foods to keep skin healthy and clear.
Dark Chocolate
Not that anyone needs a reason to eat chocolate, but the fact that good quality dark chocolate can be responsible for good skin is great news to us! Rich in antioxidants, dark chocolate makes the skin less sensitive to sunburns as well as less rough and scaly. Dark chocolate also aids in better blood flow and helps in withstanding against the harmful effects of UV rays.