Feed Your Skin to Nourish From the Inside Out

Want fabulous looking skin? Of course you do, who doesn’t. The best way to do it is to nourish the skin from the inside out. The beauty industry has told us to apply skin products onto the skin, nourishing from the outside in. Although some nutrients soak into the skin, with different environmental and lifestyle factors the skin care products become ineffective. That’s why it’s important to put foods for healthy skin on your plate everyday. Everything you eat becomes a part of your body. The healthier the food you consume, the better your body and your skin will look. By eating a balanced diet you can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, prevent acne, improve your skin texture and complexion and have beautiful, glowing youthful skin. Feed your skin these foods to have clearer, smoother, younger looking skin.

1. Avocados- Avocados are a great food for the skin. They are rich in essential oils, fatty acids and vitamins. The fatty acids in avocados are monounsaturated fats, which are healthy fats but should be eaten in moderation. Healthy fats and oils keep the skin hydrated and give it a plump and youthful look. Avocados are filled with B complex vitamins, which nourish the skin. Avocados are filled with niacin, vitami
B3. Niacin is important for healthy skin because it is an anti-inflammatory, which soothes irritated, red and blotchy skin. Avocados are also full of biotin, another B complex vitamin. Biotin prevents dry skin, hair and nails. Avocados also contain antioxidants vitami
E and C. These antioxidants stop free radicals from damaging skin cells, which keeps skin looking young.

2. Pomgranates- Although pomegranates only have a short growing season, their fruit and juice are a great skin protectant. Pomegranates are loaded with polyphenol antioxidants, which fight free radicals and decrease the signs of aging. One antioxidant is anthocyanins, which strengthens the blood vessels in the skin. By strengthening the blood vessels more oxygen, nutrients and blood flow to the skin giving you a rosy complexion. Pomegranates also contain the antioxidant vitami
C, which helps to create more collagen the basic structure of our skin. Vitamin C also speeds up the healing of damaged skin cells.

3. Green Tea- Green tea has been touted for several health benefits throughout the body. Its ability to benefit our skin is just one more reason to drink it on a daily basis. Green tea is loaded with antioxidants, which fight free radicals from damaging skin cells. These antioxidants protect the cell membranes, which fights off inflammation. ECGC is one of the major antioxidants that green tea contains and has been proven to reduce redness from inflammation. The antioxidants contained in green tea play an important role in preventing and reducing skin damage from UV light. Whether you drink green tea or apply it directly on the skin you will notice a change in your skins appearance.

4. Walnuts-Most people skip right over all the other nuts and go directly to almonds, but walnuts are also a very healthy nut to help soften the skin. Walnuts are loaded with omega 3 fatty acids, which supply skin with its natural oils keeping skin smooth and plump. Essential fatty acids are necessary to maintain health cell membranes. A stronger membrane holds water in, keeps toxins out and keeps nutrients flowing into the cell and waste flowing out. When skin cells get the proper nutrients it improves the skins complexion and texture. Walnuts also contain the mineral copper, which helps to boost collagen production. Collagen gives the skin structure and needs to be replaced as it breaks down.

5. Sunflower Seeds- Sunflower seeds are also high in essential fatty acids, which keep the skin lubricated and hydrated. These fatty acids make skin soft and supple. Sunflower seeds are also loaded with antioxidants; especially Vitamin E. Vitamin E slows down the aging process sand protects the skin from damaging free radicals. Vitamin E also protects against damage from the sun. With these ingredients the skin is protected against acne, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis and other skin problems.

6. Kidney Beans- Kidney beans are a great source of protein and high in minerals like zinc. Protein in the body is broken down in to amino acids the essential building blocks of cells. When supplied to the body, amino acids help speed up the repair of cells and collagen for the skin. Zinc has amazing healing properties for the skin. Zinc helps to reduce zits and the appearance of acne by killing acne causing bacteria.

7. Chocolate- Most people have no idea about the health benefits of chocolate. However we aren’t talking about milk chocolate that most people eat, which has little to no health benefits. The chocolate that is good for the body and skin is dark chocolate or chocolate with 70% or more of cocoa. Cocoa is the bean form which chocolate is made is filled with flavonols, potent antioxidants. Flavonols hydrate the skin, giving it a flow, firmness and more suppleness. The caffeine in chocolate can also temporarily reduce skin puffiness. Only a few squares of chocolate a day is necessary to give skin a glow.

8. Yogurt- Yogurt is full of nutritious elements that are good for the body and skin alike. With protein, probiotics, zinc, calcium and vitamins B1, B2, B6, and B12. Yogurt has the essential nutrients to reduce wrinkles and acne, and leave the skin soft, moist and smooth. For double the protein try Greek yogurt. The protein helps to repair damaged to the skin from free radicals. Zinc helps to zap zit and acne. Lactic acid in yogurt is a natural exfoliant, which reduces pore size, smoothes out skin tone and texture and leaves skin smooth. The enzymes in yogurt naturally moistures skin making it soft and glowing.