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Promote Healthy Skin with These Foods
The Greek physician Hippocrates said, “Let food be thy medicine,” and we know good and well that food can be just that. The foods you put into your body have a lot of power, and there is a direct correlation between healthy eating and healthy skin. Proper nutrition can smooth your skin and improve tone, affect moisture levels, and even have an effect on how your skin ages. Conversely, certain foods can have an adverse effect on the skin. For example, greasy foods have often been thought to cause breakouts and acne flare ups.
So what foods are notoriously good for promoting healthy skin? We’ve got a list of a few items you may want to eat more frequently that are thought to boost skin health.
Salmon
Consuming healthy proteins is vital to nurturing healthy skin. Salmon is a lean protein packed with heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, and can help to foster resilient skin. Healthy protein consumption helps your body heal and rebuild, and the fatty acids in salmon can help promote elasticity in the skin for a more youthful appearance.
Lemon
Lemon is teeming with vitamin C, a vital nutrient that both boosts the immune system and is also a fundamental component in collagen production which helps keep skin firm and healthy. The health benefits of lemon can also help to reduce the instances of colds and the flu, which can also have an adverse effect on the skin’s appearance. Try adding lemon to a large glass of water as both elements aid in boosting skin health.
Pumpkin Seeds
Various seeds offer up nutrients and trace minerals that can also promote healthy skin. Pumpkin seeds specifically serve as an excellent source of zinc, which plays a role in keeping skin looking its best. Zinc and vitamin C can work together to help repair damaged skin while also aiding in the development of new, healthy skin cells. Incorporating pumpkin seeds into your diet can help improve the look and texture of your skin.
Green Tea
Green tea is ultra-rich in antioxidants, which work to reduce the amount of free radical molecules in the body. Those free radicals can damage healthy skin cells leaving skin looking dry and dull. Upping your intake of green tea has the potential to help protect your skin against harmful elements, and contribute to overall better health.
Almonds
Almonds are rich in vitamin E, which happens to be a powerful antioxidant that can help to lessen the signs of aging. The protein and healthy fats found in almonds can also boost skin resilience and improve texture. These delicious and healthy nuts also contain both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats important for cognitive function and metabolism health, and have been associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Maintaining healthy skin, like most anything else, requires a proactive approach. Staying hydrated, practicing healthy sleep habits, and staying active can all impact the overall health of your skin, and observing a healthy diet can have a great positive impact as well. If you have questions or concerns about your skin, hair, or nails and how to ensure you’re taking all the steps to keep them as healthy as can be, contact our team at Galen Dermatology today. We’d love to assist you on your journey to being your best self.