The link between healthy diet and skin health is a hot subject. While certain foods or dietary habits might not necessarily be more directly linked to your skin's health as some of think, the old saying, You're what you eat, can be true to an extent. That is, at least to some extent.
There are certain foods to eat for better skin that will also help with other aspects of your health, including your immunity and digestion. For example, some foods are packed with nutrients, such as beta-carotene (found in carrots), vitamin A, and vitamin E. Beta-carotene is linked with reducing wrinkles in aging skin. Similarly, vitamin A is linked with promoting the healthy production of collagen in your body.
Of course, it isn't simply a matter of what foods to eat for better skin when it comes to diet and skin health. The best foods for your skin and your overall health are the same foods that are considered superfoods for your overall health. The key is choosing a diet rich in natural nutrients that are good for your body but also good for your skin. If you choose a balanced, natural diet, you will have no problems with your skin.
It is important to choose whole foods for your diet, and not just processed ones. To ensure that you are getting the most out of any foods you put in your mouth, always make sure to read the labels. Some additives, colorings, and processing mean that the nutrient value of the product has been reduced. Whole foods, on the other hand, provide the most nutrition to your body, including those nutrients that aren't as readily absorbed as they should be.
So, what are some of the best foods for skin health? One of the best ways to ensure that you are getting all of the nutrients you need to maintain great health is to include lots of dark green vegetables and dark leafy greens in your diet. Green and red peppers are two great additions to your diet that are full of nutrition and also help reduce the buildup of toxins in your body. Flavored fruits are another important aspect of a healthy diet that you should definitely incorporate. Natural, organic, and home-grown foods are healthier choices than pre-packaged, preserved, and processed foods.
Dark leafy greens, like kale and lettuce are packed with antioxidants and minerals. Carrots are another nutrient-rich addition to a healthy diet. Dark berries, like raspberries and strawberries are packed with nutrients and can be added to your daily diet. And, you may have heard that dark chocolate is considered one of the healthiest foods on the planet but there are many other dark chocolate alternatives available if this is a diet you prefer not to follow.
Dark chocolate contains more than just the delicious chocolate flavor. It is one of nature's highest sources of vitamin e. Vitamin e is a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage and is beneficial to the skin. Calcium, on the other hand, helps build strong collagen and elastin which are essential components of the skin. Another nutrient that you may not know about is lutein. It helps prevent age-related macular degeneration which is also associated with eye problems.
Tomatoes are another excellent choice in foods to eat for better skin. In addition to being an excellent source of vitamin C, tomatoes are high in antioxidants so eating fresh tomatoes is not only good for your heart but for your skin as well. However, because they are high in antioxidants they can also increase your risk of contracting skin cancer. To lower your risk of getting skin cancer try consuming two to three servings of tomatoes each day, or take a supplement of vitamin C and vitamin A to help prevent skin cancer.