Eating Right for Healthy Skin
Most everyone suffers from some kind of skin problem. Among these problems are acne, blackheads, dry skin, oily skin, age spots, etc. It is important to take care of any skin problem because your skin is the protective barrier between your body and the outside world.
Each one of these skin conditions has its own causes. The basic factor is genetics, but there are steps that you can take to keep your skin healthy and glowing. This article will focus on how what we eat can affect our skin's health.
Eating your way to Healthy Skin
The best natural skin care products on the market are healthy foods. Let see how to modify your food choices to achieve healthier skin.
Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids are crucial for achieving healthy skin. These acids will keep your cell membranes strong. By keep cell membranes strong and healthy, the cells can hold in moisture and nutrients in a better way.
And, the better your cells are capable of holding moisture, the plumper your skin will look.
Omega 3 and omega 6 are the most common fatty acids. Apparently it is easy to get the recommended allowance of Omega 6s, but Omega 3s are usually missing in our diet. Make sure to add fish, walnuts and flax seed oil to your diet to obtain Omega 3s.
Healthy Oils
Eating good-quality oils is vital if you want to keep your skin moisturized and feeling healthier.
The best oils are those which have been cold pressed like olive oil. Commercially processed oils are processed by heat which reduces their nutrient content and positive benefits. It is only necessary to intake a couple of tablespoons a day of any oil since they are high in calories.
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. Studies have indicated that maintaining high levels of selenium can impede the consequences of sun damaged skin.
Also, the incorporation of whole grains to your diet, will make you less likely to fill up on "white" foods. These include white-flour products, sugar, white rice and salt. Every one of these can affect insulin levels and water retention which can lead to skin breakouts.
Green Tea
Green tea is an extraordinary food product that has anti-inflammatory properties and helps protect the cell's membranes. Some studies suggest that it can even reduce the risk of skin cancer. To attain its full benefits, you can either ingest this natural product 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.
In addition to keeping cells hydrated, water helps cells move nutrients in and toxins out. When we're properly hydrated, we also sweat more efficiently and by doing so we can keep our skin cleaner and healthier.
To sum up, you are definitely what you eat. A healthy diet is a natural skin care and anti aging treatment. Eating properly can do more than just keeps your skin younger looking; it can also shield it against sun damage and skin lesions.
Published March 25th, 2009
Filed in Health
