Bad skin is one of those frustrating things in life which can really put a dent in your self esteem! The good news is there are a few things we can do to help our skin out. Diet is essential when it comes to our bodies, inside and out! The way we eat affects absolutely everything about our lives; our moods, our weight, our hormones, our looks, our hair, teeth, nails and skin.
So, what can we eat a little more of to get rid of those blemishes?
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Oily Fish and Oils
Oily varieties of fish such as mackerel, fresh tuna (not the tinned stuff!), salmon and sardines are packed full of good, essential fatty acids which can calm inflammation in the body and keep our skin moisturised. If you suffer from dry or sensitive skin (eczema for example) you need to up your dosage of oily fish and get your weekly intake of fatty acids. If you dislike fish, try some flax seed oil or extra virgin olive oil which is also really helpful. Olive oil is also blessed with the presence of vitamin E which is an incredible antioxidant and it’s good for your heart!
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Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are crammed full of vitamins A and E which are skin-enhancing nutrients! If you read the labels on skin creams, you’ll notice they’ll all have these vitamins present. Vitamin A and E are antioxidants; protecting the body and skin from pollution and sun damage. Like oily fish and oils, nuts and seeds are also rich in good fats which keep our complexion smooth and hydrated.
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Avocado
Loaded full of nutritional amazingness to keep your whole body happy! Avocados are one of mother natures hand-picked wonder foods, rich in vitamin E and essential fats.
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Greens
Spinach, Kale, watercress and leafy greens are all excellent sources of antioxidant vitamins A, C, E and Iron. They help keep the blood healthy and therefore help keep the skin bright. They’re also packed full of B vitamins which boost energy and help keep our hormones in balance which in turn is great for the skin. If our hormones are out of whack, everything in our body is!!
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Green Tea
Bursting with antioxidants which fight viruses and slow aging. It’s definitely an acquired taste but try it. One – Three cups a day and you’ll be feeling the benefits in no time.
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Oatmeal/Porridge
Oats are one of the best foods for keeping skin, hair and nails strong and healthy. Biotin is a nutrient that forms our skin, nail and hair cells and this is also found in oatmeal (yay!). Also a great source of manganese, magnesium, selenium and iron as well as zinc and copper.
Obviously if you want to reap the benefits of eating all of these foods, you need to avoid the sugary, processed junk foods too! So always keep that in mind. There is no point spending your money on these nutritious super-foods if you’re going to continue eating the way that most of the modern, western world does! If you want to look better, feel better, function better and live better then cut out the crap!
Healthy foods are yummy…
Change your habits and your life will change too!
Be Smart, Eat Smart! Thanks for reading!
Relevant Articles:
http://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/features/health-fitness/2011/02/top-20-skin-clearing-foods
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/eat-your-way-fabulous-skin
Megan O'Neill is a musician, psychologist, nutrition advisor and an absolute health-nut! She currently resides in London, but - as you may have guessed from the name - is originally from Ireland. Six years ago, following an incredible trip to Asia, she suddenly became very ill with IBS, food intolerances and chronic fatigue. No-one could have predicted how that fateful trip would... Read More
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