The 8 Best Foods to Eat for Healthy Skin
Did you know the wrong diet can speed up your skin's aging process? Two main influences age our skin faster: sun exposure and advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These AGEs form when protein or fat is combined with sugar. Although there are good practices and products you can use, sun exposure is inevitable. The one thing we do have control over is our diet. This is why it is so important to give your body the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and young.
Food To Avoid If You Struggle With Acne
When struggling with acne, dairy should be avoided - especially milk and aged cheeses. Dairy causes inflammation and is high in hormones, like progesterone. This can throw your body off it's natural cycle and lead to nasty breakouts.
When your pores are clogged from an overproduction of sebum (your skin's natural oils), like when you struggle with acne, it causes inflammation which then leads to pustules (more commonly known as pussy “zits” or “pimples”) and redness in your skin. Since milk naturally inflames the skin, it only adds to the problem.
Food To Eat If You Struggle With Acne
Since you are probably tired of hearing “eat dark leafy greens”, try any food high in Omega-3, like:
- Salmon
- Mackerel
- Sardines
Omega - 3 has been proven to help with inflammation and studies show it can helps to balance hormones. This is exactly what is needed when you are acne - prone.
Food To Avoid That May Cause Inflammation
The worst foods to eat that cause skin inflammation are sugar and high - fructose corn syrup. In reality, it's pretty difficult to completely eliminate sugar from your diet, however, consuming it in low moderation may help to reduce any related inflammation. When you do have a craving for sugar, try to avoid processed / packaged sweets like:
- Cakes
- Brownies
- Sweet Cereals
- Candies / Gummies
Instead, opt for healthier homemade goodies or sweets that are made from fruits or natural sweeteners, like dates or monk fruit.
Food To Eat To Help With Inflammation
Spices are known to be a natural remedy for inflammation, but Turmeric takes this to the next level. Turmeric inhibits an active chemical called “Curcumin” which is known to help inflammation. This spice is commonly added to things like:
- Eggs
- Vegetables
- Rice
- Smoothies
- Teas
For centuries, Turmeric has even been used to treat colds, wounds, and infections - it's truly a miracle food!
Food To Avoid That Cause Gut Issues
Unfortunately, the worst foods for your gut are the ones that fall under the “comfort food” category - especially deep-fried food, alcohol, and red meat. Using the oven to cook your food or using an air fryer is a great alternative to deep frying.
Food To Eat To Promote Good Gut Health
Investing in a safe probiotic supplement to use every morning is the best thing you can do to promote better gut health. Probiotics are made up of good bacteria that help your body stay healthy. The good bacteria fight off the bad and maintain good gut health.
Food That Can Speed Up The Aging Process
Processed and deep-fried foods are a large cause of premature aging and wrinkle development. Long - term inflammation can weaken the cellular structure in your skin, leading to degradation of collagen and elastin. The key is, the fewer chemicals and additives consumed, the better your skin health.
Food That Help Prevent Aging Skin
Antioxidant - rich foods may help to prevent skin aging. Antioxidants operate against free radicals which causes a breakdown of many tissues in the body, including the skin. Often, dark colored fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants. Try these:
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Goji Berries
- Kale
- Dark Chocolate.
Now you know what to avoid, what to eat in moderation, and what to add to the grocery list! Tag us in your newly improved meal on Instagram to be reposted on our page @bellavanabeautyllc.
Looking for another read? Check out 7 Benefits of Shea Butter & Why You Need It In Your Skincare Routine!
