Whole & Healthy

It’s been said we are what we eat, and that sentiment definitely holds true when it comes to our skin.  It’s our body’s biggest organ, and it deserves all the nutritional TLC we can give it. So take a look at what you’ve been feeding yourself, and therefore feeding your skin. 

One the most important components of Healthy skin is vitamin A, and probably one of the best sources of it is low-fat dairy products. It could be said the health of our skin depends on vitamin A. As well as being high in vitamin A Low-fat yogurts are also acidophilus, the “live” bacteria Or ‘ friendly bacteria’ that are good for intestinal health. Turns out, it may also have an impact on the skin, since it aids in digestion.  Other good sources of vitamin A include cod liver oil, sweet potatoes, carrots, leafy vegetables, and fortified breakfast cereals.

It’s important to also make sure you’re eating foods rich in antioxidants, such as blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and plums. The are many benefits for the skin from including these foods in your diet. The antioxidants and other phytochemicals in these fruits can protect the skin cells, so there is less chance for damage.  This in turn guards against premature aging, and keeps skin looking younger longer.  Other fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants include artichokes, black, red, and pinto beans, prunes, and pecans.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are essential to your skin. Salmon, walnuts, canola oil, and flax seed are some of the foods that are rich in EFAs.  EFAs keep cell membranes healthy, and allow nutrients to pass through. We also need healthy oils, which contain more than essential fatty acids. Eating good quality oils in our foods helps to keep sour kin lubricated and also keeps it generally, looking and feeling healthier.  Look for oils that are cold pressed, such as olive or extra virgin oil.  We only need about two tablespoons a day of healthy oils, so use wisely.

Selenium plays an important role in the health of skin cells. Turn to foods like Whole-wheat bread, muffins, and cereals; turkey, tuna and brazil nuts for this important nutrient.  Recent studies show that if selenium levels are high, even skin damaged by the sun may only suffer minimal, if any, damage.

Choosing the whole grain versions of complex carbohydrates can have a significant effect on insulin levels. Processed and refined sugars can cause inflammation that may ultimately be linked to skin break outs.

Water plays such an important role in your overall health, and it has a profound effect on your skin’s health as well.  Skin that is well-hydrated tends to look healthy and youthful.  It also helps clear the toxins out of your system so they have less chance to linger and do damage.