Foods are the building blocks that our
bodies use to grow, develop, and repair. Healthy, plant-based fruits
provide the energy and nutrients to do so.
If we aren’t eating well, we’re starving
our cells or at the very least not giving them the proper tools they
need to function at their best. Here are a few of the top foods to keep
you looking young and your skin at its finest:
1. Tomatoes:
Lycopene, the compound that gives
tomatoes their rich color, is a powerful antioxidant that eliminates
skin-aging free radicals from ultraviolet exposure.
2. Watermelon:
Watermelon is more than just a
refreshing fruit to quench your thirst. It is rich in vitamin A, C and
antioxidants, vital for skin health. Its high water content hydrates
your body, resulting in radiant skin.
Free radicals in the body are
responsible for causing signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles and
age spots. Watermelon is a rich source of antioxidants like lycopene,
Vitamin A and C. These help reduce free radicals in the body, thus
preventing signs of ageing.
3. Sweet Potatoes:
These tubers are packed with carotenoids
and vitamin C which boost collagen production. Collagen controls the
strength, firmness, and flexibility of the skin.
4. Citrus:
Speaking of citrus fruits we have
oranges, lime, lemon and grape fruits. Lemons are a great addition to
your beauty regimen, as they are known to be “Nature’s Bleach.” Lemons
safely whiten and lighten skin and promote even skin tone by reducing
acne marks and blemishes. They also deep cleanse the skin by breaking
down any grime clogging the pores.
For beautiful skin, drink a warm glass
of honey and lemon water in the morning on an empty stomach. This
miracle drink is purported to have many health benefits, including
reducing the darkness of blemishes, cleaning out acne and giving you
glowing skin.
5. Peppers:
Red bell peppers contain more vitamin C
than an orange, along with other antioxidants. The spicier peppers come
packed with capsaicin, a compound that improves circulation and promotes
the release of toxins from the skin.
6. Coconut Oil:
Another oil that is great for skin both
internally and externally. It provides some sun protection, fights
bacteria, and helps soften skin.
7. Carrots :
Carrots open this segment as one of the
best vegetables that will make your skin to look younger than before.
These root vegetables are very rich in vitamins including A and E that
are quintessential in the beatification of your skin.
Furthermore, they will avert cases of
aging by averting wrinkles. They are also efficient in preventing
pigmentation and uneven skin tone which arises during summer seasons.
8. Dark Chocolate:
The flavanols in chocolate act as
antioxidants, provide sun protection, and reduce the roughness of skin
for healthier appearance and feel.
9. Strawberries:
It can unclog oily pores and stop
pimples from forming. This will help clear out whiteheads and
blackheads, before they become stubborn pimples.
Strawberries also contain a powerful
anti-oxidant called ellagic acid, proven to prevent collagen destruction
that leads to wrinkle formation. Ellagic acid has a photo-protective
effect that guards against UV damage. Eating strawberries regularly can
help you achieve glowing skin.
10. Apples:
Apples contain quercetin, an antioxidant
in the peel that protects against sun damage. They also contain high
fibre content which helps to clean out the colon and promotes regular
bowel movements, hence promoting clear pimple-free skin.
11. Avocado
Avocado takes the top spot as the best
fruit that will guarantee a smooth and glowing skin. It encompasses
essential vitamins including A, C and E that are important in
moisturizing the skin.
Other fundamental minerals such as potassium, magnesium and folic acid will all ensure a healthy skin. You can take avocado fruit for breakfast or anytime during the day when hungry.
12. Paw-paw:
Paw-paw extracts are widely used in the
skin care industry in the form of facial peels, soaps, cleansers and
lotions. But why go after chemical treatments, when you can enjoy the
goodness of paw-paw, fresh and cheap.
Eat paw-paw regularly and even mash it and apply on skin for a youthful bright glow.
About ten to twenty minutes of sun a day
is healthy as it creates vitamin D, a powerful antioxidant and
anti-carcinogen, but you should wear sunscreen if you plan on being in
the sun longer than that.
