CindyYou probably already know the many benefits of eating right. From improved energy levels and stronger immunity to better heart health and prevention from chronic health conditions – our diet plays a big part in our overall health. But there’s one not-so-obvious benefits of choosing the right foods and making healthy eating part of your everyday routine – and that is better skin!
Add these 10 foods to your diet to boost your skin health in more ways than one.
Ten Plant Based Foods That Are Good For Skin
Dark Chocolate
It’s official: Dark chocolate is good for you! Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols – plant antioxidants that hydrate the skin and improve blood circulation. What’s more, consuming dark chocolate (in moderation!) can also help reduce the roughness and scaliness of your skin.
Kale
Kale is one of the best sources of lutein and zeaxanthin – nutrients which absorb and neutralize the free radicals that enter the body through UV light. Just a cup of kale a day can give your body a good dose of vitamin A and vitamin C, both of which work wonders in boosting your skin health, especially when it comes to keeping your skin firm.
Almond Milk
Milk and milk products may not be the best foods for skin health since they tend to be highly inflammatory in nature. Vegan milk, however, is an exception. As opposed to cows milk, they do not worsen acne, nor do they trigger the eruption of rashes and wrinkles. Almond milk in particular is rich in three powerful antioxidants – catechin, kaempferol and epicatechin – that protect skin cells from dying off. In turn, preventing fine lines and wrinkles!
Walnut
Walnuts are the best vegan source of omega 3 fatty acids, which are extremely important for skin health. In particular, walnuts contain alpha-linoleic acid which can help reduce the dryness and scaliness of your skin.
Green Tea
A recent study has revealed that people who drink more of green tea for a period of 12 weeks noticed a good improvement in their overall skin tone, and had improved elasticity and smoothness of the skin. They also had less sun damage to their skin when exposed to UV light as opposed to those who didn’t consume green tea.
What’s more, green tea also contains catechins (an antioxidant) which increases blood flow to the different organs of the body, including the skin, and delivers the important nutrients to it.
Tomatoes
It has been found that people who include more tomatoes in their diet had up to 33% more protection against sunburn than those who didn’t! Tomatoes are also rich in lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant that increases the skin’s SPF.
Avocado
Avocados not only taste great, they are amazing for your skin too. They are high in Vitamin E and C which are both necessary for healthy skin. Vitamin E helps to protect the skin from oxidative damage and vitamin C is needed for your skin to create collagen. Combine them both and they’re even more effective! As an added bonus, avocado can help protect the skin from sun damage.
Broccoli
Like avocado, broccoli is high in vitamins A and C making it a fantastic vegetable for skin health. But broccoli has another secret weapon – vitamin K! Vitamin K not only helps to heal bruises, it can also lessen the appearance of stretch marks, spider veins, and dark under-eye circles.
Kidney Beans
Soy
Several studies have found that daily consumption of soy and soy products can have a great improvement in your skin’s health. It can have a positive impact on the skin’s elasticity and can also stop the breakdown of collagen which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles – stopping the signs of ageing. So go get your hands on some organic tofu and soybeans!
Time to go shopping! Which of these plant based skin foods will you be incorporating into your diet?
Pin this for later!
