We know how important it is to nourish ourselves from the inside out, starting with the foods we eat. What we eat is reflected in our skin, and skin issues like inflammation and acne can be signs of a poor diet. The food we feed our skin from the inside can have a greater impact on our skin than the exfoliants and creams we slather on the outside! Here are our top five.
1. Blackberries
Fruits and vegetables are good for the overall health of our body, as well as our immune systems, but whether we’re getting enough daily servings is literally written all over our faces. Blackberries and other foods that are high in vitamin C assist our bodies’ natural collagen production, which promotes skin elasticity and can lead to younger-looking skin.
2. Tomatoes
BBC Science and Nature explains that eating tomatoes can actually help protect the skin from the damaging UV rays of the sun. The lycopene found in tomatoes, along with other fruits, works as an antioxidant which better protects the skin. However, it’s important to remember that sunscreen is still necessary whenever your skin is exposed to the sun.
3. Butternut Squash
This versatile veggie is full of carotenoids, which decrease damage to skin cells, says BodyBuilding.com. Add butternut squash to your meals in a variety of ways, from chopping it up and adding it to veggie stir-fry to blending it into protein smoothies. Look for other orange-colored fruits and vegetables, which signifies they are high in carotenoids and will offer additional skin benefits.
4. Avocados
Avocadoes are already popular for their healthy fat and great taste. But the added fat from avocadoes is great for your skin, too, helping to maintain elasticity and hydration. Adding healthy fats to your diet can slow the signs of aging on your skin.
5. Dark Chocolate
For people who are already chocolate lovers, this one’s just an added bonus. Most of us know dark chocolate is good for our hearts, but it is also loaded with antioxidants that may help skin in its defense against UV rays, according to Healthline.com. Look for dark chocolate with higher percentages of cocoa (70 percent and up) to avoid sugary additives.
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