As the saying goes, you are what you eat. For healthy youthful looking skin, many argue that what you put in your body is very important. According to Best Health Magazine, here are the top 5 foods for happy skin.
TOMATOES
Tomato-based foods have Lycopene, the phytochemical that gives tomatoes their red color, which helps clear up acne and also helps to defend skin against those harmful UV rays. Tomato sauce, tomato juice and other similar tomato-based foods will do the trick! Lycopene and other carotenoids found in reddish-colored fruits and vegetables have also been shown to help improve the skin’s antioxidant levels as well. Antioxidants help to protect the skin from free radicals caused by sun exposure, pollution and the environments that we live in.
While there is no set recommendation of how much lycopene is needed to protect your skin and prevent acne breakouts, eating tomato-based foods 3 – 5 times a week will help keep those unsightly spots at bay.
GREEN TEA
Originating in Asia, Green Tea has quickly become popular in the west due to its wide range of health benefits. In addition to potentially preventing cancer and heart disease, Green Tea is packed with antioxidants which promote younger and healthier looking skin. To get the full benefits from this anti-aging tea, it is recommended to brew up 3 – 5 cups every day.
BERRIES
The darker the color, the better it is for you. Deep colored berries including blueberries, blackberries and cherries are not only full of the vitamins and minerals that your skin craves, but they’re also full of antioxidants which help your body fight off stubborn spots and blemishes. Eating berries daily will allow for the best results. You can put them in yogurt, salad or just eat them plain!
FISH
Studies published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that those who have a lot of fish in their diet had less wrinkling. This is most likely due to the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish which have been proven to help slow down the aging process of the skin. It has also been found that omega-3s have mood-regulating benefits which can reduce stress, in turn reducing stress-related acne and blemishes. Don’t like fish? Taking fish oil supplements is another great way to get all the benefits.
BROWN RICE
We all know drinking water does wonders for the body, but especially the skin. Brown rice contains ceramides which help your skin to stay hydrated. Well-hydrated skin has a healthy, plump appearance and which ultimately reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.