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Foods for Your Skin:
The Best Nutrients to Promote Skin Health and
Vitality
Your skin is your first
line of defence against the outside world, protecting your body and the
delicate organs inside against foreign invaders such as environmental
pollutants and disease. But more than this, your skin is your most important
beauty asset, helping to define your self-image and the way that others see
you. Keeping your skin hydrated and nourished is the key to maintaining a
healthy, youthful complexion; the foods that you eat play a huge role in the
appearance of your skin.
You can keep your skin looking its best by getting the nutrients that help
to maintain moisture and protect your body against harmful environmental
elements. This article describes the vitamins and
minerals that are vital
for healthy skin.
Nutrients that Benefit Your Skin
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are a group of nutrients that fight the effects of
environmental damage caused by substances called free radicals. The
antioxidants which benefit your skin the most include
vitamins A, C, and E,
selenium, green tea, coenzyme Q-10, and extract of grape seed oil. Foods
containing these nutrients can reduce the appearance of fine lines and
wrinkles, leaving your skin looking smooth and vibrant; they also boost your
body’s natural healing properties, helping your skin to repair itself more
quickly.
Antioxidants are found in a wide variety of foods, including the following:
liver; poultry; fish and shellfish; dark green, leafy vegetables; asparagus;
peas; onions; citrus fruits; peaches; apricots; apples; grapes, pineapples;
winter squash (including pumpkin); sweet potatoes; tomatoes; dairy products;
soy products; whole grains; red wine; and many other fresh fruits,
vegetables, and lean proteins.
B Vitamins
The vitamins B-3 (niacin) and B-5 (pantothenic acid) are necessary for
maintaining moisture in your skin and providing a healthy glow. These
nutrients are often added to skin care products such as moisturizers and
cosmetics, and they should be included in any
healthy diet.
Vitamin B-3 is most often found in
protein-rich foods such as meats,
fish,
legumes, potatoes, peanuts, and eggs.
The best sources of pantothenic acid include meats, whole grains, and
legumes.
Bioflavonoids
Although not technically vitamins, bioflavonoids are often referred to
collectively as vitamin P. These plant-based nutrients include quercitin,
hesperin, eriodyctol, and others, and they are useful for enhancing the
beneficial properties of antioxidants such as vitamins C and E.
Bioflavonoids are most often found in citrus fruits, green tea, peppers,
pine bark, grapes, onions, garlic, red and blue berries, and
buckwheat.
Water
Water is essential for every bodily function, and maintaining healthy skin
is no exception. Water keeps your skin hydrated, reducing the appearance of
wrinkles and promoting a healthy glow. Water is also vital for transporting
nutrients to the skin cells, as well as allowing your skin to heal itself
from trauma and environmental damage.
Make sure you drink at least eight 8-oz. glasses of water every day.
Drinking a glass of water before your skin care regimen can help you retain
vital moisture, and a glass before each meal helps your body absorb the
nutrients you need for healthy-looking skin.
Foods Possibly Bad for Skin Health
To keep your skin looking smooth and youthful, stay away from
processed and
packaged foods, which often contain chemical additives, such as food coloring and preservatives, which are unhealthy for your skin and can impair
proper nutrient absorption.
Everyday Skin Care
In addition to including skin-nourishing foods in your
diet, you will need
to avoid habits such as smoking and frequent exposure to the sun, which can
age your skin prematurely, leaving you with unattractive dark spots and
wrinkles which add years to your appearance.
Cleanse your skin gently every day with all-natural soaps containing
moisturizing ingredients such as aloe and vitamin E. Pat your skin dry,
rather than rubbing with a towel, and apply a natural moisturizer to keep
your skin hydrated and supple. With the right care, your skin will remain
beautiful and healthy-looking for years to come.
Sweating & Perspiration Problems during exercise
How Much Quantity of Water Drink
During Training
Should We Eat Before or After
Exercising?
You must seek approval from your doctor
before starting any new diet.
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