Do you want healthier and more beautiful skin? Make sure you know the healthy foods to eat so you can have more supple skin.
The writer Isabel Allende once said “The spirit never ages,” but as just about any other woman over the age of 30 will tell you, the skin certainly does. Our pocketbooks reflect that reality, too. We spend a lot of money on expensive creams, lotions, and unguents trying to maintain a youthful appearance.
What if there were a way to ensure supple skin well into our 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond? Well, there is. Check out these healthy foods that will help you achieve your beauty goals! (Image Credit: Ben Scott/Unsplash)
1. Avocados
Everyone’s favorite toast topping just so happens to be not just creamy, dreamy, and delicious. It’s also nutritious, and it contains several vitamins that can boost your skin’s appearance.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help protect your skin, while Vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen. That’s the primary protein involved in skin strength and elasticity.
Avocados are rich in both. And that’s even better news than you might think. Research shows that when combined, Vitamins E and C are a particularly effective team when it comes to keeping your skin supple.
2. Bell Peppers
Speaking of Vitamin C, have you tried bell pepper nachos yet? If not, you’ll want to Instacart some of these bright, sweet veggies ASAP. Just one cup of the red, yellow, or orange variety provides an astonishing 211% of the Daily Value (DV) for Vitamin C.
Peppers are also rich in Vitamin A, which boosts your eye health and offers antioxidants for skin protection.
3. Oily Fish
You’ve probably heard that you should be eating more salmon, mackerel, and anchovies for the omega-3 fatty acids. But do you know these fishes’ benefits to the skin?
Omega-3 fatty acids also fight the inflammation which can cause acne, eczema, and redness. It even reduces sensitivity to the sun’s harmful UV rays. Lastly, a deficiency of omega-3 has been linked to dry skin.
4. Red Grapes
There’s a compound called resveratrol. You may have seen it in clickbait headlines, but its advantages are legit. Resveratol can fight free radicals, which are damaging to skin cells and therefore lead to signs of premature aging.
Red grapes, blueberries, and cranberries are all good sources of resveratrol, so order up the fruit plate and enjoy. (Yes, resveratrol is also found in red wine, but not in sufficient quantities to consume that way without adverse health risks from the alcohol.)
5. Dark Chocolate
Hooray! Every woman’s favorite mood booster and PMS buster is not just good for your heart, but for your skin, too. One recent study found that participants who consumed antioxidant-rich cocoa powder for 6-12 weeks had smoother skin. It was less flaky, less sensitive, and more hydrated too.
Other studies have linked dark chocolate consumption to fewer wrinkles. While Botox is always an option, why not try a little Ghirardelli first?
Get the most bang for your chocolate buck by choosing at least 70% cocoa solids. That will also help keep added sugar to a minimum. And be careful not to overdo it, either; stick to a few ounces each week.
Eat Right and Supple Skin Can Be Yours
It’s important to cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize your skin. You can also improve it from the inside out, by eating right and drinking plenty of water. So if you want supple, beautiful skin, start at the farmer’s market!
Interested in more informative beauty and skincare articles? Check out the True Beauty section of our blog!
