Great skin isn't just about combating blemishes, but it's also about skin that looks healthy and nourished. And while you can slather on all the creams your money can buy, what you put into your body is much important than what you put on it. The right diet is good for your entire body, including your skin, your body's largest organ.
Here are some good things you can put into your body to keep your skin looking great.
Water - While you may not need the often-preached eight glasses of water daily, you do need water, and probably more of it than you are currently drinking. We need to take in enough water everyday to replace the amount we lose through excretion, perspiration and other bodily functions, and that can vary from person to person based on one's age, activity level, climate and physical condition.
But what's up with water anyway? Why is it so important to your skin? According to nutrition expert and author Dr. Elizabeth Lipski, Ph.D, water helps cells move nutrients in and toxins out, which is imperative to healthy looking skin. Lipski says that hard water, the kind high in minerals, is especially good for the skin.
Fatty acids and Healthy Oils - While you may think that fats and oils are bad for your figure and your skin, essential fatty acids are responsible for healthy cell membranes, which also help the flow of nutrients and waste products. Fatty acids act as barriers that hold in water, so a strong barrier is one of the keys to plump, young-looking skin.
Good quality oils also keep the skin moisturized, and according to Lipski, those that are cold pressed, expeller processed or extra virgin are the good oils to look for.
These fatty acids can be found in salmon, walnuts, canola oil, flax seed and avocados. For me personally, I'm not a fan of salmon, walnuts or flax seed, so I cook either with canola or extra virgin olive oil for my skin health. And of course, it's great to know that guacamole is actually good for your skin.
Selenium - Research shows that selenium protects skin cells from oxidative damage. Selinium can be found in whole-wheat bread and cereals, turkey and brazil nuts.
Berries and Plums - Blackberries, strawberries and plums are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the cells from damage and disintegration caused by things like free radicals. If you can keep your skin cells from the damage caused by all the free radicals you are exposed to everyday in the world, you'll forever keep your skin looking young.
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