You may have heard that what we apply to our skin is vital; however, it’s also vital for what we consume on the inside, due to our need for a constant supply of healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to continue to replenish cells, moisturize, and protect against such elements as UV rays. Luckily, through eating whole, nutrient-rich foods on a daily basis, you’ll be aiding the skin barrier to protect itself. These are 11 foods that are perfect to eat for healthy skin that will give you a natural radiance with scientifically backed evidence.
Sunflower Seeds
Containing fantastic levels of vitamin E and selenium, the antioxidant effects within these foods will act like a shield to your skin cells. One ounce of these will provide your skin with a large chunk of your daily antioxidant dose, warding off premature aging.
Sweet Potatoes
Loaded with beta-carotene, which acts as an antioxidant, it is converted to vitamin A in the body and helps to create vitamin A in the skin, preventing dry, flaky skin and protecting cells against sun damage.
Red and Yellow Bell Peppers
Excellent source of both vitamin C and beta-carotene, this vitamin C boosts collagen to improve skin firmness, and also helps to brighten your complexion through the beta-carotene within it.
Broccoli
Rich in Vitamin A, C, and zinc, along with antioxidants which help fight cell damage, inflammation, and also contains sulforaphane, which can help protect against the damaging effects of sun rays.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain all the major carotenoids, such as lycopene, which not only prevents skin from aging due to sun exposure and wrinkling but can also help keep skin plump and firm when ingested with a healthy fat such as olive oil.
Soy
Isoflavones, or plant chemicals, have proven to increase skin elasticity and also boost collagen production while reducing wrinkle depth and skin dryness.
Dark Chocolate
Antioxidants found in flavanols found in the highest of dark chocolates (at least 70%) have been shown to improve blood flow, skin density, and also enhance the hydration of the skin, making it more resistant to damage.
Fatty Fish
Full of essential omega-3 fats, fatty fish help to promote healthy skin cells and keep the skin plump and hydrated, as well as providing an anti-inflammatory effect, which will help reduce redness.
Citrus Fruits
The vitamin C in citrus fruits will help neutralize free radicals and also fight any blemishes you have, along with helping to regenerate damaged cells.
Blueberries
Blueberries are one of the most powerful antioxidant foods on the market due to their content of anthocyanins, which help to prevent collagen breakdown within the skin and improve blood circulation.
Pomegranates
The unique compound found in pomegranates, known as punicalagins and punicic acid, helps to preserve collagen and can speed up skin regeneration, thus getting rid of dark spots and making the skin more radiant.
