Healthy skin happens when we eats good foods, have enough exercise, minimize stress and protect our skin from
harsh environment.
Certain foods are especially beneficial to skin. Garlic is one such food. It contains sulphur compounds (which give it its rather strong odor) which are beneficial to your skin. It also acts as a natural antibiotic and cleanses whole system. If you like garlic, eat it as much as you can. If smell worries you, chew a piece of parsley afterwards and this will neutralize it. Odorless garlic tablets are available if this is all too hard.
Vitamin C is probably most important skin vitamin in my opinion. Not least because human body can neither make it or store it. This vitamin helps collagen formation which keeps skin looking young and plump. This could be why smoker’s skin can look older than a non smoker’s. Smoking also uses up oxygen in blood. Give it up if humanly possible or at least cut it down.
Vitamin C is best consumed together with bioflavonoids, way it is normally found in nature. The two have a synergistic effect. They can be found in Citrus fruit, berries such as strawberries and blueberries and vegetables such as broccoli.
Broccoli also contain vitamin A, an important vitamin for skin as it helps it fight infection from inside out. Great for those with acne! Have some every other day if you can.
Carrots are a great source of carotenoids such as "beta-carotene" which your body converts to vitamin A . Beta-carotene is absorbed into skin and can also protect it from sun's harmful UV rays. Carrots also contain "alpha carotene" which protects against free radical damage. Carrots are a great way to get your vitamin A as excess carotenoids are expelled by body. Too much vitamin A is toxic to body.
Dark leafy green vegetables, particularly kale and spinach are a good source of zinc and iron. Iron will make sure your skin gets enough oxygen and zinc is a great pimple fighter. Eat some every day if you possible can or include some in a fresh juice.
Parsley deserves a separate mention as it is rich in just about all skin boosting nutrients. It contains beta carotene, chlorophyll, vitamin B12, folic acid (great for firm skin), vitamin C and iron. Parsley can be added to juices, casseroles, sprinkled over any savory dish or simply chewed by itself. Its great for fresh breath too. Parsley is easy to grow, pop some in a pot and keep it near kitchen door.
Olive oil is fabulous for dry skin and wrinkles. Use it for cooking - it contains monounsaturated fats and anti oxidants- or slather it on your skin after a bath.
Flaxseeds and flax oil (also known as linseed) contain essential omega 3 oils not found in many foods. (Fish also contains omega 3). Flaxseeds contain fiber and phytoestrogens which balance body's hormones and are vital for younger looking skin. Sprinkle some on your cereal or use in soups and stews.
Avocados give skin (especially dry skin) a boost. Although fairly high in fat, its healthy monounsaturated kind which makes dry skin supple. Avocados contain glutathione which is one of most powerful antioxidants around and will prevent cell damage in all skin types. They are also high in potassium.
