6 foods for… great skin

 

 

Skin is not only crucial to how we look on the outside, it’s also important to our insides too, as the first line of defence against damage to inner organs and tissue. You can spend a fortune on creams and masks, but if you still find your skin looks tired, uneven or prematurely aged, you might need to make changes elsewhere.  Certain foods provide your skin cells with the nutrients they need to stay healthy, so give your diet an overhaul and eat your way to fresher-looking skin with these five delicious foods.

Avocado: Rich in vitamins, avocado is just as good as a moisturiser, whether you eat it or use it as a paste on your skin. The vitamin B speeds up the metabolism and helps maintain a healthy skin tone. To get an extra dose of antioxidants combine avocado with carotenoid-rich food like tomato or carrot.

Blueberries: Considered by some to be the highest source of antioxidants, blueberries are a delicious way to fight ‘free radicals’ – damaged cells that can speed up the ageing process. The vibrant colour of blueberries is a result of the compounds called anthocyanins, which act as powerful antioxidants, helping to shield the skin. Eat a handful as a snack or add to cereal or yoghurt.

Yoghurt: High in zinc, yoghurt acts as a natural collagen booster, so no need for any scary injections. Vitamin A, also found in yoghurt, helps to keep skin strong and aids the development of new skin cells. In fact, just one cup a day offers around 40% of our daily vitamin A need. Mix with berries and honey for a nourishing, tasty treat.

Carrots: Carrots are not only good for your eyesight, but as they’re high in beta carotene, a powerful antioxidant, they’re also great for the skin. Beta Carotene helps the body fighting disease and stops the skin from becoming dry and rough. If acne’s a problem for you, the vitamin A in carrots can help by preventing the over production of cells in the skin’s outer layer. To get the best out of carrots, eat them raw.

Flax seeds: This super-food has a high dose of Omega 3, and is great for erasing spots, decreasing lines and healing other skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Another chemical in the seeds, lignans, acts as an antioxidant and reduces skin inflammation. Try adding flax seeds to your baking or sprinkle over cereal.

Beetroot: Beetroot juice has great rejuvenating benefits, by drinking 500ml a day research has shown that it lowers resting heartbeat and raises stamina levels.  Studies show you can then exercise for up to 16% longer before getting tired.

This has real implications for anyone trying to reach youthful fitness levels: it means you can do more exercise, get fitter more quickly, and stay fit more easily.  Fitness has an important effect on attitude and mood, making you feel younger, less stressed, with more energy and enthusiasm for life.

Thank you for reading.

Wendy x

Source: Spa secrets

Words: Mayana McDermott, Wendy O’Hare