05/20/2022
Artichokes are one of my top ten all time fave foods. These green spiky vegetables contain phytochemicals that act as anti-inflammatory agents in the skin. If you’re seeing redness, or looking to recover from a laser treatment, toss some on your salad or snack on them right from a jar or pouch to speed your recovery.
Avocados are hydrating and help to promote collagen production, which makes for younger, firmer skin. Eat them and reap the benefits of the B vitamins and vitamin E. As if, you needed another reason to have a little guacamole.
Cantaloupe is a nutrient bonanza that I recommend all summer long to satisfy a sweet tooth and prevent dry and flaky skin. A single serving (about 1 cup) of this delicious melon provides you with more than your Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of vitamin A, the vitamin responsible for supporting your epidermal glow. Pop some melon balled cantaloupe into the freezer and use them instead of ice in your unsweetened iced green tea.
Grape-seed oil is full of proanthocyanidins (pro-ANTHO-syan-ID-ins), which act as antioxidants that help protect against free radical damage caused by pollution and the sun. It has been found to play a role in the stabilization of collagen and maintenance of elastin — important components that make up the middle layer of your skin. They add support and elasticity, preventing wrinkles and returning your face to its natural shape after you flash your killer smile. Grapeseed oil can also help hydrate and moisturize the skin and works great for sauteing due to its high smoke point, and its mild flavor works well in smoothies.
Matcha tea is a great way to stay well hydrated and load up on the anti-inflammatory benefits. Proper hydration helps prevent your skin from drying out and helps eliminate toxins. It also improves cell turnover, meaning you’ll have more healthy new cells to improve your skin tone, giving you healthy, vibrant skin. All green and black teas (unsweetened) help reduce inflammation, so if matcha isn’t your cup of tea, you can still reap the benefits. You can also throw some matcha into a morning smoothie.
Mushrooms should be your favorite fungi. They provide B6, folate, niacin, riboflavin, iron, potassium, and selenium, all of which you need for beautiful and healthy cells. In ancient times, Chinese women ate them to promote a smooth complexion. Selenium shields newly formed skin cells from damage brought on by too much time in the sun. Those new cells keep your skin looking soft and young. Slice raw mushrooms on your salad, or toss them into your stir fry for a virtually calorie free umame addition to your dinner.
Salmon chalk one more benefit up to this superfood. Salmon is good for your brain, your heart, weight management, your immune system and it also makes your skin glow. The omega-3 fatty acids play a role in wrinkle free skin, reducing inflammation and preventing collagen breakdown. Keep salmon in your fridge and a can of salmon in your pantry as a staple so you can always pull off a healthful beauty boosting meal or snack in minutes. And, you now have an excuse to dine on salmon tartare more often. You are welcome.
Turmeric is a traditional spice that is newly hot with good scientific reason. It’s full of curcuminoids, which are antioxidant phytochemicals. Think fighting free radicals that cause wrinkles. Besides serving as a super transport for these antioxidants, turmeric is great at nourishing skin and promoting skin elasticity — preventing wrinkles and age spots. Sprinkle some on eggs or add to your morning vegan smoothie or add a spoonful to your roasted veggies before you toss them in the oven.
Organic Eggs are something everyone needs in their regular diet because eggs are healthful for so many reasons. For your skin, you need them for their zinc. Zinc is important in controlling oil content of the skin and minimizing breakouts. It’s also essential in the formation of collagen, which forms connective tissue and skin. Scrambled or sunny side up?
I hope these tips for glowing skin give you some new motivation to change up your diet and gain confidence from the inside out. Eat these foods and pull out some of those processed ones that may be clogging your skin’s inner glow. And, let me know how your skin is looking!
