Feed Your Skinby Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger 27 Oct 2007 08:04 AM The right foods can leave your skin smooth, healthy, and glowing.
- Blueberries are chock full of antioxidants -- more than most other foods do. The antioxidants in blueberries can help protect your skin from dangerous free radicals that result from sun exposure and stress. Just one half cup of blueberries every day can help prevent cell damage that can leave your skin saggy, lined, and wrinkled.
- Fish with high omega-3 fatty acid content -- like sardines, salmon, and mackerel -- help strengthen cell membranes. This keeps moisture in your skin cells, leaving your skin plump and soft. Omega-3 fatty acids can also help reduce chronic skin inflammations like eczema and psoriasis. Two servings of fish per week is perfect; limit yourself to no more than six servings of fish in a week to avoid any chance of mercury contamination.
- Green tea is another food that is full of antioxidants. It also contains catechins, compounds that can help prevent sun damage that leaves skin spotty. Just one cup a day can relieve skin spots in as little as a month.
- Kale and spinach are another great source of antioxidants that can protect your skin against sun damage. Spinach also contains lutein and beta-carotene, two vitamins that help improve skin elasticity. Make sure you eat dark green, leafy veggies at least three times a week.
- Olive oil is full of good fats (like those omega-3 fatty acids) that can keep your skin glowing.
- Pomegranates are full of vitamin C, which can help guard skin against wrinkles from sun damage. Pomegranate juice also contains compounds that encourage your body to preserve collagen, the connective tissue that gives skin plumpness and smoothness. Try a cup of seeds -- not just the juice -- every week.
- Watermelon is chock full of the water your whole body needs, inside and out. It also comes with vitamin C, lycopene, and potassium -- three things your body needs to help regulate the balance of water in cells.
And be sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables with a high water content to help keep your whole body hydrated!
antioxidants, nutrition, skin, skin care
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