Beauty Foods

The foods you ingest affect not only the health of your inner organs but also your outer appearance. The skin is the largest organ in the body and as such requires a healthy diet to stay vibrant. To get a youthful glow this summer, make sure to pile your plate high with these foods for healthy skin.

Berries

Strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries are not only delicious, but they are also rich in antioxidants that help keep your skin looking young and fresh. In a 2006 study researchers tested over 1,000 food samples to determine their antioxidant levels. Not surprisingly, these three berries, along with raspberries and cranberries, ranked in the top 50.

The antioxidants in berries are extremely effective at counteracting the negative effects of free radicals, such as those that are generated by excessive sun exposure. Free radicals damage the membrane of skin cells, potentially harming the cell DNA, which can lead to skin cancer. Antioxidants help to protect cells, preventing further damage, guarding against premature aging, and keeping your skin looking youthful and vibrant.

Carrots

Add these vitamin-rich veggies to your garden this summer and get the added benefit of healthy, glowing skin. Carrots are a concentrated source of beta carotene, which is converted by the body into vitamin A—a powerful antiaging mineral. Vitamin A aids in the development of skin cells and the maintenance of skin cell health, creating a healthy, youthful glow.

Carrots are also packed with vitamin C, which supports the formation of skin collagen, keeping skin looking youthful and plump.

Avocados

You probably don’t know how good that summer guacamole is for your skin. Avocados are a great source of vitamins and minerals that help keep skin youthful.

In addition to being an excellent source of vitamins C and E, which, combined with selenium-rich foods, help to speed up the skin’s healing process, avocados are packed full of healthy omega-3 fatty acids that prevent skin from drying out. Also, a 2010 study showed that avocado extracts are effective in reducing UV-induced cellular damage after sun exposure.

Brazil nuts

While peanuts and cashews typically top the charts of our favourite nuts, don’t miss out on the beauty-enhancing content of Brazil nuts. These nuts help to protect the skin from the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolent rays, potentially even reversing discolouration and wrinkles caused by sun exposure.

In addition, these skin-protecting powerhouses are an excellent source of vitamin E, a fat-soluble compound necessary for healthy skin and eyes. These nuts might be called the “beauty nut,” as they not only are beneficial to maintaining healthy skin, but also can help improve the appearance of hair.

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