Eat Your Way to Glowing Skin
Everyone's looking for the formula to a healthy glow, but the secret is in the phrase itself: healthy. Glowing skin is a sign of healthy skin, which starts from the inside. You can slather on all the creams and serums you want, but a key component to radiance comes from the nutrients you consume. Here, a few foods you should eat every day to maintain good health and great skin.
Get Your Greens
Dark green veggies (think spinach, broccoli, or kale) are rich in minerals and vitamin A-they combat dry skin and wrinkles. Try to ingest something green daily. (The green M&Ms don't count!)
Don't Be Afraid of All Fats
By now we all know that fat is not something we have to avoid altogether. In fact, "healthy fats" are essential for sexy skin and can even help you lose weight. Good things to go for include olive oil and flaxseed oil, or fatty fish like salmon.
Jump on the Juice Train
There's a lot of commotion behind the juicing trend, and while we don't advocate an all-liquid diet, some of drinks go a long way towards increasing circulation, which in turn leads to those rosy cheeks we all want. Jennifer Yen, Founder of pūr~lisse Skincare, shares recipes that are as delicious as they are healthy.
Know Your ABCs (and E)
The virtues of vitamin A are above, but don't forget the rest of the vitamins! Vitamin B will not only firm your skin but strengthen your hair as well. Eat lentils, peppers, turkey, or avocado to reap the benefits of this power vitamin. C and E are antioxidant vitamins, which is synonymous with anti-aging. They help fend off environmental free radicals and preserve collagen and elastin to keep the skin supple. Find E in nuts, whole grains, or carrots, and C in citrus fruits like grapefruits and oranges.
One Word: Probiotics
It's gross but true: the health of your intestinal tract can actually be reflected in your skin. Probiotics, found in yogurt, minimize yeast overgrowth, leaving you not only less cramped and bloated, but with radiant skin.
Omega, Omega, Omega
These magical fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) calm skin irritation and inflammation. To reap the benefits, munch on walnuts, or add a little flaxseed to your morning oatmeal. Bonus? They help lower cholesterol, too.
Related Links
Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.
