Although a great skin care routine is important for gorgeous skin, your diet also plays an important role in the way you look. Simply changing your diet to a healthier alternative can be the key to improving your skin’s overall appearance. I’ve compiled a list of eleven superfoods that will help your skin look amazing.
Blueberries – This berry was ranked number one in antioxidant activity by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (compared to 40 common fruits and vegetables). A half cup of these berries every day will provide antioxidants to protect you from premature aging.
Wild Salmon – This beauty superfood is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, selenium and vitamin D which will help to keep your skin supple and moisturized, protect the skin from sun exposure and keep your bones and teeth strong and healthy. There must be at least a hundred different ways to prepare salmon which makes it an easy one to add to your diet. My favorite is grilled with a side of asparagus. Make sure you are buying wild salmon – not farm-raised.
Mackerel – Another fish that is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, selenium and vitamin E. There are some great health benefits from mackerel and check out these great mackerel recipes.
Spinach – Leafy and green, this vegetable is full of lutein (keeps your eyes healthy and sparkling) and is a good source of vitamins B, C, and E, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. I like to throw a handful of spinach in my smoothie in the morning.
Oysters – If you can get past the sliminess of these guys, they are a great source of zinc which aids in skin cell renewal and repair (and also keeps your nails, hair and eyes healthy).
Tomatoes – The very best anti-aging antioxidant, lycopene, is found in tomatoes. Research has shown that lycopene is more easily absorbed by the body when consumed in cooked tomato products, rather than fresh tomatoes.
Walnuts – Just a handful will do – either on their own or tossed into a salad – benefits from nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E include smoother skin, healthy hair, brighter eyes and strong bones.
Kiwis – This fruit is known as the leading source of Vitamin C which keeps skin young and vibrant. Kiwi also provides Vitamin E and antioxidants which keep skin firm, help prevent wrinkles, and are great for healthy bones and teeth.
Dark Chocolate – It’s true! This treat is good for you. When enjoyed in moderation, the flavonoids in dark chocolate absorb UV light, help protect and increase blood flow to the skin, and improve skin’s hydration and complexion. Moderation is key – stick to no more than three ounces per day.
Yogurt – A great calcium source – which helps with posture, nails and teeth. High in acidic nature, yogurt can help destroy various acne-causing bacteria, fungus, and germs within the body. Make sure you are buying plain, unsweetened yogurt.
Sweet Potatoes – Packed with beta-carotene, an antioxidant that fights aging by offering significant protection against ultraviolet radiation from the sun, adding these to your diet is a great idea. My kids especially love when we add roasted sweet potatoes to the dinner menu.
African American Dermatologist
