Eat Your Way To Better Skin
Eat Your Way to Better Skin
By Caroline Mackey
Food is a powerful tool to heal and transform your skin, from the inside out. This doesn’t have to mean complicated cleanses or detoxes, but rather eating nourishing foods that will give you glowing, blemish-free skin. Here are 5 of my favourite food tips for getting better skin:
- Vitamin C goodness: Vitamin C is a key component in the formation of collagen, which helps with aging skin and hyperpigmentation. It’s also a fabulous antioxidant. Foods highest in vitamin C include papaya, bell peppers, broccoli, brussels sprouts, strawberries, pineapple, oranges, kiwi, cantaloupe and cauliflower. That’s right, veggies have lots of vitamin C too, not just fruit!
- Fats are your friend: Mono and polyunsaturated fats are anti-inflammatory and omega 3’s help slow the aging of the skin. Monounsaturated fats have been shown to increase skin elasticity. Include a serving of good fats with your meals, from sources such as avocado, olive oil, raw nuts and seeds, coconut oil and salmon.
- Cut the sugar. There are a lot of products you can try topically to help with acne, but a more long-term approach is to deal with the root of what’s causing it to occur. Acne is often caused or aggravated by sugar: it raises your blood sugar, which means insulin rises, then the activity in your oil glands increases, and inflammation occurs. Remember sugar isn’t just what you find in sweet treats; it’s also high in processed foods, breads and dairy. Stick with fruits for a healthy sugar kick.
- Powerful turmeric: Speaking of inflammation, a major natural combatant to it is the spice turmeric. Inflammation is at the root of many skin conditions including things like psoriasis and eczema. Include turmeric daily to help reduce inflammation in the body. Add a teaspoon to your morning smoothie, sprinkle over veggies, use in salad dressings, or try a turmeric ginger drink. Be sure to use organic turmeric for best effect.
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The most important one of all: simple water. It’s important for ALL aspects of your skin health, and being well hydrated also is key for good digestion. When your digestion is poor, that often manifests with skin issues. Aim for 1.5 to 2+ litres of water per day, and add some of those yummy vitamin C fruits to it for extra flavour and nutrients!
Guest Contributor: Caroline Mackey - RNCP, ROHP, CNP, PTS
Holistic Nutritionist, Fitness Trainer, & Founder Real Life Revolution