10 Great Foods for Your Skin
1/ Salmon – Rich in omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation, and prevent dry skin, salmon is also packed with vitamin E which may protect against photo-ageing – the premature aging of skin caused by UV rays.
The oils found in salmon and other oily fish such as trout, mackerel, herring, sardines and anchovies provide known benefits for the heart and nervous system. A good source of vitamins A and D, oily fish are also known to provide benefits for people with inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis.
2/ Blueberries – These little balls of goodness are packed with health-boosting anti-oxidants. Their high vitamin C content aids blood circulation and provides minerals and salts which help fight the ageing process. High in potassium, they can help combat puffiness and fluid retention and they also give you protection against skin-damaging free radicals from sun exposure, stress, and pollution.
3/ Avocado – High in vitamin E and a rich source of skin-protecting antioxidants, this super food has a high folate content, which is important for skin cell regeneration.
Avocados are also jam-packed with the inflammation-fighting fatty acids that keep the immune system functioning properly and promote smooth, supple skin.
4/ Nuts – Many nuts are a great source of vitamin E which aids the repair of skin tissue and helps with skin moisture while also protecting our skin from damaging UV rays from the sun. Vitamin E is also known to help strengthen skin cell membranes. No matter which nut you choose — Brazil, almond, cashew, macadamia — they're all anti-aging heroes thanks to their cholesterol lowering and anti-inflammatory effects.
5/ Watercress – This nutrient-dense hydrating leafy green is a great source of calcium, potassium, manganese, phosphorus and vitamins A, C, K, B-1, and B-2. Watercress acts as an internal skin antiseptic and increases the circulation and delivery of minerals to cells, resulting in enhanced oxygenation of the skin. The antioxidants in watercress may also neutralise harmful free radicals, helping to keep fine lines and wrinkles away.
6/ Green Tea – The powerful compounds found in green tea are called catechins and work to improve the health of your skin in several ways.
Like other antioxidant-containing foods, green tea can help protect your skin against sun damage. It can also help improve the moisture, roughness, thickness, and elasticity of skin. However, avoid adding milk as there’s evidence that this reduces the effect of the antioxidants.
7/ Papaya – Papain, an enzyme found in papaya, is found in many exfoliating products, as it assists your body in shedding dead skin cells. Aside from this enzyme, papaya also contains vitamins A, C, K, and E, along with calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and B vitamins that may help delay signs of skin ageing.
8/ Red Bell Peppers – along with their high content of vitamin C (great for collagen production), red bell peppers also contain powerful antioxidants, called carotenoids, that carry a variety of anti-inflammatory properties that can help your skin protect itself from sun damage, environmental toxins, and pollution.
9/ Sweet Potato – Beta carotene is the magic ingredient in this tasty spud. It functions as pro-vitamin A, which means it can be converted into vitamin A in your body. Carotenoids such as beta carotene help keep your skin healthy by acting as a natural sunblock. When consumed, this antioxidant is incorporated into your skin and may help prevent sunburn, cell death, and dry, wrinkled skin.
10/ Broccoli – This green wonder is full of the many vitamins and minerals essential for skin health, including zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
It also contains lutein, a carotenoid that works like beta carotene. Lutein helps protect your skin from oxidative damage, which can cause your skin to become dry and wrinkled.
Broccoli florets also pack a special compound called sulforaphane which boasts some impressive potential benefits – neutralising harmful free radicals and switching on other protective systems in your body.