Foods To Keep In The Kitchen For Healthy Skin

Foods to keep in the kitchen for healthy skin

Healthy skin doesn’t mean having to buy expensive creams or spend half of your paycheck on exfoliation scrubs or facials. Like most things, skin health starts from the inside. Before stocking your bathroom with gels and cleansers, stock your kitchen with leafy greens, fruit, fish and nuts. Remember that old saying, “You get out what you put in”. The same applies for your skin! We’ve come up with a list of superfoods that help brighten up your skin. Please note that though there is no scientific proof behind these claims, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and healthy fats help promote healthier skin.

Water

Water is an essential part of our overall health, we know this. Staying hydrated throughout the day will help your body and skin rid itself of toxins. Though research hasn’t proven or disproven that water adds an extra glow, some women have said that when they’re hydrated throughout the day, their skin feels softer, less tight and flaky. Whether you believe it or not, keeping a water bottle in your purse, on your desk or in your car is always a better option than a sugary drink like processed juice or soda! (Stay away from soda. Yes, even diet soda!)

Healthy Oils and Fats

Start adding salmon, tuna, nuts, seeds and healthy oils like olive and coconut to your diet! Oils high in monounsaturated fatty (walnut, avocado and flax oil) also help contribute vitamin E into your diet, an antioxidant most of us don’t get enough of. Olive oil can also be rubbed on your hands and scalp to keep them from cracking and itching in the winter.
Fatty fish rich in omega-3, or DHA act as a natural anti-inflammatory for the body. Start adding salmon, sardines, mackerel and trout to your diet! If you’re a vegetarian, try adding a handful of walnuts to your salad or into an afternoon snack.

Coffee

Drink more coffee! That’s something I like to hear. According to the European Journal of Cancer Prevention, women who drank a cup or two of coffee every day had an 11% lower prevalence of non-melanoma skin cancer compared to those who didn’t drink coffee. If you’re a coffee drinker, keep your refills to a minimum as a high intake of coffee could lead to other health problems.

Vitamin C

Kiwis, bell peppers and oranges pack in a whole lot of vitamin C in a tiny package! Vitamin C helps keep skin smooth because it aids in collagen synthesis stimulation. (Collagen is the main structural protein of the skin and plays a key role in the skin’s strength and durability).
Carrots, dark leafy greens, tomatoes and apricots
What do these power foods all have in common? They’re loaded with carotenoid which helps give you a radiant complexion! Not only will they help your skin glow, they help fight against free radicals associated with diseases and certain types of cancer. Take this weekend to head down to your local farmer’s market and stock up on these powerful fruits and veggies!

Wine?

Yes. Wine. The antioxidants, like flavonoid and tannin found in red wine also help fight free radicals! They also fight against aging by helping to restore collagen and elastic fibers.

So before heading to your nearest Sephora or beauty store, rid your pantry and fridge of processed sugar, grains (like white bread, packaged cookies and crackers) and replace them with whole foods with an emphasis on dark greens, fruits, healthy oils and fats.