Hey family! Summer has officially ended and as the temperature cools down people are exposing less skin, but I’m still prone to think about the health of our largest organ. Everybody wants gorgeous healthy skin that seems to radiate from within, but what is the best way to achieve that?
Changing to a more whole-foods plant-based diet and adding in skin-boosting superfoods to your daily menu is going to have the greatest impact on how you look and feel. Getting a healthy dose of these common foods will have you glowing in no time!
1. Blueberries – blueberries have the most antioxidants per serving compared to other fruits and berries, protecting your skin from free radicals caused by pollution and UV radiation which attack skin cells and cause DNA damage.
2. Nuts – Almonds are packed full of vitamin E and are rich in monounsaturated fat, which is known for keeping cell membranes strong and intact which means youthful looking skin. Walnuts contain omega-3 essential fatty acids, which can improve skin’s elasticity and are also loaded with copper, a mineral that boosts collagen production.
3. Spinach – loaded with beta-carotene, a super-charged antioxidant that helps repair skin cells giving skin a youthful glow while preventing aging. It also is full of lutein, potassium, fiber and folate, which also help with DNA repair that restores skin cells damaged by the sun.
4. Cacao – not only does it taste great, cacao contains high levels of flavonols, a potent type of antioxidant which we already know is great for skin. Be sure to eat chocolate that’s at least 70% cacao for the best results.
5. Pomegranates – packed with polyphenol antioxidants which fight free radicals and regulate skin’s blood flow, giving it rosiness. When used topically the fruits’ antioxidants help smooth lines and moisturize.
6. Edamame – soy contains minerals and proteins that have been shown to reduce hyperpigmentation.
7. Green Tea – high in antioxidants, particularly EGCG, which reduces redness and fights inflammation.
8. Grapefruit – full of healing, antioxidant properties that counters dry, rashy skin. It calms and soothes inflamed skin, and can help remedy dry skin and acne. Also full of lycopene which increases collagen production.
9. Virgin Coconut Oil – used both topically and internally, coconut oil does wonders for your skin. Containing saturated fat which is an excellent moisturizer, antimicrobial lauric acid that calms irritated and inflamed skin and powerful antioxidants that keep wrinkles at bay.
While consuming these foods can have great benefits, make sure you’re also avoiding the types of foods that can be harmful to your skin such as white bread, salt, alcohol, and sugar.
Beautiful skin begins with what you put in your body, but paying attention to what you put on it is just as important. Everything you rub into your skin gets absorbed into your bloodstream, so stick with natural, non toxic formulas.
I recommend Living Libations, which offers a huge range of skin care products using pure, organic ingredients incorporating many of the skin friendly superfoods mentioned above.
For instance, if you’re looking for the benefits of cacao they offer it in a serum that will “allow your skin to glow with golden rays of cellular radiance”. Chocolate Karat Serum
More inclined to seek out the skin healing properties of grapefruit? Try Grapefruit Cellular Renewal
Just remember that taking care of yourself from the inside and out will have you looking your best and keep all your friends wondering what your secret is.
Have a favorite superfood that does wonders for your skin that I didn’t mention above? Let me know in the comments below!
