Eat Your Way To Clear Skin

Foods that make skin glow revealed.

16:39 14 June 2016

Are you desperate for glowing skin and a clear complexion? Dr Nick Lowe, a leading dermatologist, has revealed which foods can help you achieve your goal.

 

Although diet alone does not cause skin problems, particularly acne, it does have an effect on the overall quality of your skin.  Below are the best foods that can nourish your skin, making it look more youthful and rejuvenated.

 

·      Good or complex carbohydrates, such as whole wheat, are better for your health and skin as they release their energy more slowly (compared to bad carbohydrates) and are therefore less likely to aggravate acne.

 

·      Proteins from lean meat, fish, cheese, beans, tofu, and soya, provide amino acids that are essential for building cells including those in the nail, skin and hair.

 

·      Good fats help the skin produce its natural fats. Good sources are nuts, seeds, avocados and olive oil as well as rapeseed, corn and oily fish.

 

·      Vitamin A – This vitamin plays an important role in skin cell formation. Good sources are orange-coloured foods, such as carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin, mangoes and butternut squash.

 

·      Vitamin E – This promotes smooth and supple skin as it helps prevent premature aging. Good sources are fruits and vegetables, nuts and wheat-germ oil.

 

·      Lycopene- This protects the skin from free radicals caused by inflammation. Great sources are tinned tomatoes, so get your daily dose with homemade pasta soups and sauces.

 

·      Selenium – Preserve the natural elasticity of your skin with selenium-rich foods including poultry, free and saltwater fish, Brazil nuts, wheat germ and brown rice.

 

·      Zinc – This is highly effective in preventing acne breakouts and speeds up skin renewal. Food containing zinc include soybeans, black-eyed peas, lentils, lobster, lean beef, skinless chicken and turkey, pumpkin seeds, yoghurt, cashews and peanuts.

 

·      Vitamin B3 – This helps the skin improve its ability to protect itself against various elements. You can get it from oily fish (especially tuna), turkey, chicken, kale, broccoli, cereal, peanuts and beans.

 

·      Monounsaturated fatty acids – These do not just help fight inflammation from acne, they also lower cholesterol and protect heart health. These can be found in avocados, nuts and seeds.

 

·      Dark chocolates – Dairy-free dark chocolates contain antioxidants that reduce skin damage.

 

·      Vitamin C- This is a natural antioxidant needed for healthy blood vessels, collagen and joint health. It also reduces inflamed acne.