We all want to be healthy. And part of being healthy is maintaining healthy skin.
As I get older, I notice that the health of my own skin, particularly on my face, definitely has its moments.
When I’m drinking lots of water, the laugh lines seem to disappear and my skin seems more soft and glowing.
However, when I’m busy trying to meet deadlines, dealing with stress, not eating well, or drinking enough water, the look of my skin changes.
So, just from my own observations, I can tell that when I’m not taking good enough care of myself, my skin shows it.
That being said, there has to be something I can do to help my skin during those rough times, right? Well it turns out there are foods you can eat that can help to keep your skin healthy and looking great.
If you want healthy skin, then you’ll want to add these foods to your daily diet…
#1 Whole grain breads and other bread products
Wholegrain products are essential to healthy skin because they assist with healthy digestion. If you don’t have healthy digestion, then your body cannot properly get rid of wastes. When that happens, you can have a build-up of toxins in your skin. These toxins can become visible on your skin.
#2 Oily fish
Yup, here’s your chance to eat sardines, tuna (not the canned type apparently), and mackerel if you’re into those sorts of fish. All of these have essential fatty acids in them which keep your skin moisturized and actually calms inflammation of your skin as well. In order for you to reap the benefits you have to eat it three times a week though.
#3 Almonds
Personally, I love almonds and have no problem adding more of these to my diet. Almonds have 150% of the daily requirement of Vitamin E. So, it goes without saying that they are good for your skin. Vitamin E helps to moisturize skin and keep it plump, smooth and healthy.
I never would have guessed this one was good for the skin, but cottage cheese has selenium which protects against skin cancer. And, when combined with Vitamin E, this makes a really good antioxidant age-fighting team for your skin! In addition, selenium will help you to fight dandruff — another skin condition.
#5 Mangoes
Mangoes are high in beta-carrotene which gives them their lovely orange color. The body uses beta-carrotene to make Vitamin A which is essential for healthy skin. Dermatologists have known this for years and it is why they often prescribe it as a topical treatment for those who have acne.
In fact, mangoes have 80% of the daily requirement of Vitamin A. (Remember that lovely antioxidant?) Vitamin A takes very serious care of our skin cells and helps to keep them healthy. In fact, it will even go so far as to help repair skin cells that are damaged.
#6 Berries
All of those nifty little berries that you like to nibble on — blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries — are loaded with the 2 antioxidants: Vitamin C and E. Both of these help to keep the skin healthy. Vitamin C in particular is a restorer, meaning that it helps produce collagen. Collagen is what keeps your skin looking plump and smooth.
#7 Avocados
I can still remember when avocados were supposed to be bad for you, so imagine my delight in discovering that one of my favorite foods is actually good for my skin. Avocados are loaded with all kinds of goodies for your skin such as Vitamin E, for example. Avocadoes also have monounsaturated fats, which help with skin moisturizing. So, if you love guacamole dip, or like me you add avocado to your BLT’s, congratulations… you are already doing something good for your skin!
This is one of my favorites, and finding out that baked potatoes are good for your skin makes me very happy. Especially since I tend to eat them a little more often than I should. Eating one baked potato gives you 75% of the amount of copper you need daily in your diet. Copper works together with zinc and Vitamin C to create elastin fibers which help to support your skin.
#9 Green tea
Green tea is loaded with antioxidants that are called catechins and which can slow down the aging of skin and fight viruses as an added bonus. Green tea also has anti-inflammatory properties that help to protect your skin cells and possibly reduce your risk of skin cancer.
#10 Oysters
Okay, I have to admit this is not on my favorite things to eat list. However, oysters are loaded with zinc. And, when combined with Vitamin C, this helps to increase elastin production. (Elastin is an important skin protein.)
#11 Spinach
Believe it or not, spinach can help to keep your skin healthy. Spinach is high in Vitamins A, C, and E. Spinach is also high in iron, which helps to keep your skin looking bright and healthy.
Most of the foods on this list are easily obtainable. And many of them you probably eat frequently already. Adding a few of these foods to your daily diet will help you keep your skin healthy and, hopefully, slow down the aging process a bit as well!
More Foods Good For Your Skin
- Top 5 Foods For Healthy Skin
- You Are What You Eat: 10 Foods For Better Skin
- 7 Miracle Foods For Healthy Skin
- 8 Foods For Healthy Skin
- Home Remedies For Health Ailments: 6 Foods That Cure
- 20 Foods That Are Great For Your Skin
Some of my favorite things to write about are topics that have to do with living green, saving money, pregnancy, weddings, and dogs. When I'm not writing, I love to spend time with my husband, read, create 3D artwork and Native American beadwork.
