I’m sure you’ve noticed how much of a beating your skin takes over the course of your life. It’s basically like an elastic body armor protecting us from everything around us……from the scrapes against the pavement when you fall, to the sun burns that it endures as you enjoy yourself at the beach. When you’re young, skin is taken for granted because it looks nice and fresh. As you age you have to make a more concentrated effort to keep your skin looking good and cancer free. Your diet can play a major role, especially if it contains these 7 foods that promote radiant skin.
1 – Carrots
A study from St. Andrews University in Scotland showed that people who ate 3 extra servings of fruits and vegetables containing beta carotene added more desirable color to their complexion.
People who ate junk food, on the other hand, got more pale and “less attractive”.
Carrots are one of the most well known foods to contain beta carotene. Rumors suggest that if you eat too much you’ll glow orange…..It’s true, but you’ll have to eat a LOT of carrots before then.
Some other fruits that contain beta carotene are peaches, watermelon, tomato, pumpkin, and sweet potato.
2 – Almonds
Almonds are high in vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants protect cells from free radical damage.
This convenient snack could help prevent wrinkles and the wear and tear of skin over the years.
3 – Salmon
I love salmon because it has a ton of omega-3 fatty acid. It’s anti-inflammatory qualities are great for preventing heart disease…
But it doesn’t end there. Did you know that it can also prevent skin conditions like rashes? Studies also suggest that the fats from salmon can even decrease chances of UV damage from the sun.
I have a lot of friends that just can’t stand eating fish, so I’m sure you have some as well. A different option is flax seeds and flax seed oil. It’s just as effective.
4 – Strawberries
Strawberries are packed with vitamin C, which I’m sure you’re familiar with. As soon as we get sick we freak out and start chugging jugs of orange juice hoping that the vitamin C will cure us!
The fact is, vitamin C works better as a preventative measure. That means if you had already been taking it….you might not be sick in the first place.
Yea yea, I know it’s hard to remember to take your vitamins. But what if I told you that it can help your skin stay nice and firm. Vitamin C plays a role in collagen formation that will even help your cuts heal faster.
It’s recommended to take up to 90 milligrams of vitamin C per day. Just 12 medium sized strawberries for a snack or dessert will get you there. Some other options are red peppers, papaya, and kiwis.
5 – Dark Chocolate
The flavonols and antioxidant compounds in dark chocolate protect your skin much like other foods rich in antioxidants.
A study in the Journal of Nutrition suggested that a daily flavonol rich cocoa drink could improve skin texture and also help prevent UV damage. Drink up my friends!
6 – Lean Beef
Research suggests that zinc is a mineral that fights of damage from oxidation and also promotes skin regeneration.
Lean red meat is a great source of zinc, but watch your serving sizes and quality of meat. Eating lot’s of meat that’s high in saturated fat can put you at a higher risk of heart disease. Always ask for a leaner cut at the market.
7 – Green Tea
Polyphenols in green tea give it a powerful antioxidant punch. Studies show that polyphenols give skin a more elastic property which might prevent wrinkles.
The antioxidants help decrease risk of cancers…skin cancer included!
Make sure you’re getting in plenty of these 7 foods that promote radiant skin. Diet can save you a lot of money on visits to the dermatologist and expensive skin creams. If you learned something new, please share it on facebook. You also might want to know how sunscreen can keep your skin looking younger as well.
About Adam Pegg
