How to Eat for Healthy Skin
Many people suffer from skin problems. Some of the problems include acne, blackheads, dry skin, sensitive skin and age spots. It is important to take care of any skin problem because your skin is the protective barrier between your body and the outside world.
Every skin problem has its own set of causes. The fundamental factor is genetics, but there are several things you can do to maintain your skin healthy. This article will focus on how what we eat can affect our skin's health.
What to Eat to keep your Skin Healthy
The right foods are the best natural skin care products on the market. Let us take a look as some of the ways you can eat your way to healthier skin.
Fatty Acids
Fatty acids are an essential part of your diet if you wish to have healthy skin. They will maintain your cell membranes strong. Strong cell membranes will help your cells hold moisture and nutrients in a better way.
Consequently, the more moisture your skin retain, the plumper and younger your skin will look.
Omega 3 and omega 6 are the best known fatty acids. While our diets are usually abundant in Omega6s, they are usually deficient in Omega 3s. To fix this situation, incorporate foods such as fish, walnuts and flax seeds into your diet.
Healthy Oils
Eating good-quality oils helps keep skin lubricated and keeps it looking and feeling healthier.
The best oils are those which have been cold pressed like olive oil. The majority of commercially processed oils go through a heating method which drastically reduces their nutrient content. Since any fat, even a healthy one, is high in calories, experts remind us that we don't need more than about two tablespoons a day.
Selenium
Many experts agree that selenium, which can be found in whole grains, white meats and nuts, plays an important role in keeping your skin cells healthy. Some studies have suggested that even high selenium levels can hinder the consequences of sun damaged skin.
Also, by adding whole grains to your diet, you may be less likely to indulge in the unhealthy "white" foods. These include white-flour products, sugar, white rice and salt. All can affect insulin levels and cause inflammation that may ultimately be linked to skin breakouts.
Green Tea
Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties and helps protect the cell membrane. Some studies suggest that it can even reduce the risk of skin cancer. To reap its full benefits, you can either ingest it or apply it directly to your skin.
Water
Hydration plays a keep role in keeping skin looking healthy and young. When that hydration comes in the form of pure, clean water, it is all the better for your skin cells.
Water is fundamental to helping move nutrients in and toxins out of your system, as well as keeping it hydrated. With proper hydration, your body can also sweat more efficiently and keep your skin cleaner and healthier.
To sum up, you are definitely what you eat. Choosing a healthy diet is a natural skin care and anti aging treatment. While eating properly can keep your skin younger looking, it can also protect your skin against sun damage and skin lesions.
Published March 25th, 2009
Filed in Health
