March 22, 2024
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You’ve heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” But did you know that what you eat shows up on your skin, too?
Whether they realize it or not, people with healthy diets full of living ingredients like fruits and veggies are supporting their skin with vibrant nutrients. Vitamins A, C, D, and E, plus the host of antioxidants found in nature’s bounty, feed the skin and support skin health on a cellular level.
On the flip side, those whose diets are full of sugar and processed foods may suffer from dry, sagging, dull skin. They may look older than their age, and they may even deal with itchiness, and possibly even more serious skin conditions.
Since most of us prefer to look as young as we can for as long as we can, let’s take a look at which foods you should add to your diet to keep your skin glowing and healthy.
Helps produce and renew skin cells.
Help seal in moisture and protect skin from irritants.
Contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help support the health of our bodies.
Building blocks of skin tissue.
Helps flush out toxins and protect skin.
Helps the body produce collagen, which is essential for healthy skin.
Helps protect the skin from free radicals.
Leafy greens are phytonutrient powerhouses. Phytonutrients are simply chemicals made by plants to keep them healthy and protected.
As it turns out, phytonutrients are beneficial to humans, too. They have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help support the health of our bodies.
Leafy greens are also full of vitamins A and C, folate, and antioxidants.
Here are some of the most nutrient-rich leafy greens:
High in omega-3s, these nuts, seeds, and oily fish help your skin build healthy cells, balance hydration and oil production, and possibly even soothe irritation.
Here’s where to find your omega-3s:
Plant-based
Animal products
Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamin C, which your skin absolutely loves. Remember, vitamin C helps with collagen synthesis, an essential component to healthy skin, and it also helps prevent the breakdown of your skin’s elasticity.
Grab these goodies to load up on vitamin C:
Dietary protein contains amino acids, which are the building blocks of the collagen and elastin your skin needs to stay smooth and healthy. To make sure your body has the amino acids it needs — including lysine, which your body cannot make on its own and needs to get from food — make sure to include plenty of protein in your diet each day. Here are some great sources for you:
Plant-based
Animal products
With so many great food choices, it’s easy to work skin-supporting ingredients into your daily diet. For a quick plant-based treat that feels indulgent, but is also super healthy, check out our Chocolate Strawberry Smoothie recipe below.
Makes 1 smoothie.
NOTE: For a thicker consistency, add ice before blending. For a milkier drink, blend the first 5 ingredients, then pour over ice before enjoying.
Ingredients:
Directions:
In a blender, combine water or nut milk, canned coconut milk, strawberries, greens, NutriProtein, and ice (if using). Blend well. Garnish with a few strawberries, if desired.