You probably think about how nutrition affects your internal health and your weight, but eating the right food products can also improve the quality of your skin. The condition of our skin and how it ages are influenced by a number of factors, with diet and lifestyle playing a major part. A healthy and balanced diet featuring skin-friendly food and plenty of hydrating fluids will go a long way to improve elasticity, boost your skin’s appearance and help protect you from UV damage. Here are some tips for achieving that radiant glow:
1. Tomatoes
Eating any tomato-based foods such as sauce and tomato juice may help clear up acne. Lycopene [the phytochemical that makes tomatoes red] may lower an acne-promoting hormone. Lycopene may also help defend your skin from UV rays.
2. Nuts
Packed with healthy fats, nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds, as well as seeds like chia and flaxseed help us keep our skin well-oiled. They’re great sources of vitamin E, an active sun blocker, which protects skin cells from UV damage, while also keeping it soft and supple.
3. Green tea
Green tea fights acne based on its ability to lower levels of an acne-producing hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Brew up three to five cups of green tea every day in order to reap the full benefits for your skin. This power drink is also packed with antioxidants, which will help your skin look younger.
4. Protein
Include fish, lean meats and eggs. Protein foods like these supply the amino acids (building blocks) you need to make collagen, which keeps your skin strong.