Superfoods for Beautiful Skin

When it comes to beauty, I really do believe it stems from the inside out. I don’t mean to sound like a cliche with this statement either. All of our thoughts, our movement, our diet, add up and is displayed on our faces. When we fuel our body with the healthiest foods possible, and expose our spirits to the healthiest environments, and move our bodies to the most challenging workouts we can complete daily, it all shows. You feel so wonderful and move through the day with a sunny, vibrant smile and an unwavering confidence. You tackle tasks with more ease and less agitation because you are grounded. I know this may not be possible or achievable everyday. Life certainly happens, and is happening especially now. The times of stress can be particularly high. Sleepless nights may factor, new responsibilities of home schooling, or dealing with returning to work and the fears associated with that, if you had been working from home these past few months. These factors also all contribute to not looking or feeling your best as well. What we can do is make great choices every time we decide to have a snack or a meal. So whether you’re crushing it and having an awesome day in my former example, or find yourself in the latter category, you’ll still be fueling your body with the nutrients it needs. I know it is easier to read about what can make you healthier and then not do anything about it for awhile. Let’s take action now! Here are some ideas of superfoods you can incorporate into your existing diet for beautiful skin and health. You don’t need a new complicated diet regime. On your next shopping trip, consider adding some of these foods to your list, and maybe swapping out an old favorite less healthy snack, for a new upgraded and supercharged one. Remember, big changes can occur from small and consistent actions. Here are some suggestions below:

Red Hues

Tomatoes (tomato paste, tomato sauce, tomato juice and ketchup), watermelon, pink guava, and papaya all contain lycopene. In addition to it’s powerful antioxidant effects, it has shown anti-inflammatory activity as well. (In case you are wondering why antioxidants are so important to include, they are substances that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals). A fun note is that papaya is actually a more bio- available source of lycopene then found in tomatoes. *Blueberries are also a fantastic antioxidant source, especially wild varieties over cultivated!

Orange Hues

Vitamin A has the ability to help cells heal and repair. It is an essential fat-soluable nutrient that is necessary for healthy eyes, skin, mucous membranes, muscles, teeth, bones, lungs, and immune function. Vitamin A is found in high levels of orange veggies including yams, sweet potatoes, and carrots.

Citrus & Vitamin C

Vitamin C will protect cells against free radicals (waste substances produced by cells as the body processes food and reacts to the environment. They are unstable molecules that can damage our cells in the body). Vitamin C also supports adrenal function, and nervous and immune system activity. It lowers the risk of stroke and prevents premature skin aging. Amla fruit, red bell peppers, papaya, and parsley contain Vit C too! Note, getting enough Vitamin C from food intake is almost impossible however, so supplementing is useful.

Green Hues

Dark leafy greens are wonderful for the skin. They support and increase collagen production. They are also full of antioxidants and contain Lutein. Lutein is needed for healthy eyes by the way. It’s really important to prevent age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

AVOCADOS

This fruit is loaded with healthy fats, fiber, phytonutrients and antioxidants. The antioxidants have a protective benefit and the fiber is great for digestive health.

PUMPKIN SEEDS

Are high in zinc which protects cell membranes and helps maintain and produce collagen. Zinc also helps fight breakouts.

Brown & Beige Hues

Almonds are amazing to snack on and are high in Vitamin E. Vitamin E is also a fat-soluable nutrient, cellular antioxidant, anti inflammatory, and plays a part in protecting the heart. Sunflower seeds, almonds, and wheat germ oil are good sources.

Fish Oil

Is a rich source of the omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid). You can find this in oily fish such as salmon, sardines, anchovies, and herring. Smaller fish is preferable over larger (Swordfish) because of the mercury content the larger species contain. Since the 1970’s studies have confirmed the benefit of fish oil pertaining to cardio- vascular health. Also, for those experiencing skin dryness, it is a great supplement to take. I rarely suggest brands to purchase but I really love the quality of Coromega’s fish oil products. They taste great and are very high in quality, (and no residual fish burps) yay!

I hope this has helped inspire you to try some of these foods, and diversify your diet. Let me know how it goes or what new snacks you find and love!