Did you know that eating an abundance of anti-oxidants can lower your biological age with up to six years?!
With Mother Nature showing off new buds and blooms, it’s impossible to miss the one trend that surfaces every spring. Glowing, radiant, dewy, luminous (pick your adjective) skin on every magazine cover. Models seem to be wearing only moisturizer, sans makeup. Wouldn’t it be great to skip the Instagram filters and have that #NoFilter look 24/7?
According to Dr. Jessica Wu, dermatologist and writer of Feed Your Face, what you put in your mouth is as important as the products you apply on your skin. Could it be that a beauty junkie’s best friend is in fact the local farmer’s market?
Research shows that an “edible skincare routine” could be the secret to healthy, glowing skin. So mom was right (as usual), beauty comes from within!
Here are our must-eats to help you get your glow on:
Load up on seafood. Omega-3 fatty acids will protect your skin against sunburn and keep it plump. Fish contains protein needed to build and repair cells and produce enzymes and hormones for that added glow. It’s a natural moisturizer that revitalises dry skin. Salmon, trout, tuna, sardines and mackerel are excellent choices.
Include healthy fats. Healthy fats act as a natural moisturizer for your skin, keeping it supple from the inside and improving elasticity. We’re talking Avo’s, nuts, seeds, and extra virgin olive oil.
Choose low-GI carbs. Try to eat plenty of beans, pulses, porridge and other low-GI, slow releasing carbs. High-GI carbs can lead to the excess production of insulin which may damage collagen.
Add more anti-wrinkle Vitamin C. This anti-oxidant mops up free radicals and keeps collagen strong and resilient. Go for oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit. Papaya is also an excellent breakfast choice. Also, include dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli and celery to deliver ample Vitamin A which supports new skin cells.
Drink more water. If you only choose to make one change, choose to drink 1 to 2 litres of water per day to immediately see a difference in the appearance of your skin. We all know that we need to drink more water, so it’s really just about MAKING IT HAPPEN.
Drink green tea. A potent anti-oxidant called EGCG (epigallocatechin-gallate) found in green tea works powerfully to smooth and rejuvenate skin. It prevents the formation of inflammatory chemicals found in acne and sun-related skin ageing, and contains amino acids that slows down the stress hormone cortisol. So, make a big pot every morning and drink up to 6 cups per day.
Sulphur will boost collagen production. Sulphur is found in our connective tissue, nerve cells, skin, hair and nails. Onions, garlic, parsley, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage will boost collagen production.
Ban sugar. Sugar is considered to be one of the main causes of premature ageing, damaging collagen in the skin, cartilage, and ligaments. When you’re craving something sweet, snack on sweet blueberries, strawberries and nuts. Or, have a bit of dark chocolate, high levels of dietary flavanols in cocoa helps to protect the skin against sun damage and makes it look smoother.
Spoiling your skin with masks, lotions and serums are vital, but they can only do so much.
Be sure to load your shopping trolley with nutrients that possess skin hydrating, cell boosting, sun-protecting, and wrinkle preventing powers next time you do shopping.
Source: dotusnews.com, besthealthmag.ca, prima.co.uk, telegraph.co.uk, womanshealthmag.com, holista.net, bbcgoodfood.com, forbes.com, vogue.co.za, beautybyane.com, goodhousekeeping.com
