If you have noticed your skin looking dull or are seeing signs of aging, your instinct may be to go to your room to get a beauty fix or serum. However, instead of heading straight to your vanity table, make your way to the kitchen first. While it is important to care for your skin on the outside, it is also important to take care of it from the inside, and in order to do this you must start with a good diet. To begin your new journey to healthy skin, start with these power foods to restore your natural glow.
Our first power food may come as a shock to you. Who knew something that tasted so good could also be beneficial for your skin? Well the truth is that dark chocolate, raw cacao, doesn’t cause acne and hasn’t been proven to be bad for skin. In fact, dark chocolate contains ‘flavonoids’, which are anti-aging antioxidants that combat free radicals to: protect your skin from sun damage, prevent the appearance of skin discoloration, fine lines, wrinkles, and it can even improve your mood – and when you feel good, you look good!
Popeye had the right idea when it came to this powerful veggie. Spinach is a triple threat when it comes to anti-wrinkle antioxidants. It is packed with vitamins C and E, as well as beta carotene, which all work to protect the skin from UV rays. However, even if you have a daily dose of spinach, it is still important to remember to always wear protective sunscreen.
Almonds are rich in Vitamin E and flavonoids, which are both essential for your skin’s health. They help to protect against harmful free radicals and oxidative damage caused by smoking. Almonds are also a good source of substantial protein and fiber, so they are always a good snack to have on hand. In addition, the selenium and manganese content in almonds also help to keep your hair looking healthy and glossy.
Known as the ‘get gorgeous’ food, avocado is not only for eating, it can also be seen in: shampoos, facial masks, and other beauty products. This popular fruit contains monounsaturated fatty acids that are essential for: skin, nails, and hair and they also contain: fiber, folate, antioxidants (like lutein and beta carotene), and magnesium. Thanks to these nutritional values, eating avocados can help to lower your cholesterol level and reduce the appearance of aging skin. You can even apply it topically to help soften and hydrate your skin as well. Fun fact, one avocado contains more potassium than a medium-sized banana — that’s nearly 700 milligrams!
Pumpkins are packed with tons of nutrients including both Vitamin A and C, as well as minerals, and antioxidants. They are also rich in zinc, which helps: regulate the production of oil, improve skin tone, create skin cells, and reduce open pores. But don’t worry, you don’t have to eat an entire pumpkin to see great results, just have a handful of seeds a few times a week as a healthy snack.
The potato is nature’s bleaching agent and therefore it can be used to lighten skin from things like acne marks. Just apply a facemask of grated potatoes and leave it on for about 30 minutes and you will start to see results. Potatoes also help to rid the skin of: dead cells, blemishes, sunburn, dark circles, and dark spots. It is a great tool to use to even your skin tone.
This vegetable is rich in vitamins and minerals that work to deliver an instant boost to your health. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that prevent acne and breakouts. Beetroot contains: niacin, iron, copper, vitamin C, and potassium which, if you use it regularly, will make blemishes and dark spots disappear. Drinking a glass of beetroot juice purifies the blood and cleanses toxins which will also give your face a healthy glow.
Tomatoes are jam packed with different vitamins and minerals, including: K, A, C, B1, B3, B5, B6, and B7. They are popular in the world of beauty due to their lycopene content, which is an antioxidant with remarkable anti-aging properties. The acidic nature of tomatoes also helps to prevent breakouts, and their pulp can work to tighten pores.
Another power ingredient for getting healthy skin is carrots. Their high concentration of beta carotene helps prevent cell degeneration and slows aging. The Vitamin A in carrots also helps keep: bones, eyes, teeth, and body tissue healthy, while their high Vitamin C content boosts collagen growth and reduces dark spots and acne.
Besides being delicious, this fruit is rich in alpha-hydroxyl acid which helps rid the face of dead skin cells. Their Vitamin C content boosts the production of collagen and diminishes annoying wrinkles and fine lines. There are also omega-3 fatty acids in strawberries which can be used to lighten skin tone.
This list just scratches the surface of how diet can promote good health and better skin. There are many other powerhouse foods, including: nuts, vegetables, and fruits, that all improve the skin remarkably and naturally. De-clutter your life from tons of products and start with a more natural approach to get that beautiful, radiant skin!
