Thursday, October 25, 2012

Feed Your Skin

Carrots - Vitamin A in carrots balances the pH of your skin's surface, to help fend off harmful bacteria. National Cancer Institute researchers found that people with the highest consumption of carotenoids (natural pigments carrots) were six times less likely to develop skin cancer than those with the lower intakes.

Berries - Blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries contain high amounts of healthy antioxidants.

Salmon, Walnuts, Flaxseed - Fatty acids in these foods help block harmful irritants and act as the passageway for nutrients coming into, and waste products passing out of, the cell. Essential fatty acids also help your skin cells hold moisture. Plus, adding 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of flax seed to your diet could save your hair. Taiwanese scientists, found that 50 milligrams a day of lignans (disease-fighting compounds found in flax seed) slowed hair loss in 9 out of 10 participants.

Healthy Oils - Cold pressed, extra virgin, or expeller processed oils keep skin lubricated and looking healthier. According to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a diet rich in linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid found in nuts, olive oil and eggs) showed age-preventative effects. Korean researchers found that skin treated with eicosapentaenoic acid (an omega-3 in fish oil) had 79 percent fewer collagen-destroying proteins after exposure to UV rays. Drizzle olive oil over cold-water fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines) for a boost of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Remember that even healthy fat is high in calories, so limit yourself to two tablespoons a day.

Whole-Wheat - Along with turkey, tuna and brazil nuts are all rich in selenium. It's a mineral that plays a key role in the health of skin cells. Studies show that even sun-damaged skin may suffer fewer consequences if selenium levels are high.

Green Tea - The skin-health assets in this drink are matchless. It has anti-inflammatory properties, protects the cell membrane, and may even reduce the risk of some cancers. Metabolism is also boosted.

Sunflower Seeds - These seeds pack the most natural vitamin E of any food around. No antioxidant is better at slowing down the aging of skin cells to keep you looking younger longer. (Did you know that?!)

Water - Good hydration is key to healthy-looking skin, and there's nothing better than pure, clean water to quench your thirst. This includes tap water, duh.

Source: Men's Health

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