5 Superfoods To Include In Your Diet For Clear & Radiant Skin
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Superfoods are called that for a reason. They make us super energetic, keep us superbly fit and are of supreme nutrition. If I asked you to name five superfoods, what comes to your mind first? You don’t have to think of exotic foods like quinoa, kale, acai, goji berries, and the other coveted batch of foods that are not locally grown. Look closer and you will find several superfoods that are easily available to you.
Naturally, one might wonder if it’s necessary to gorge on superfoods. Yes, it is. Everything we eat affects our body. If proteins help your muscles, the vitamins help you to stay healthy. Even the much-maligned carbohydrates act as much-needed fuel for your body. But, did you know that you can actually befriend some common superfoods for healthy and radiant skin? From tomatoes to oranges, these are the superfoods you should stock up on if you want to nourish your skin and give it a radiant glow-
1. Cantaloupe
Popularly known as muskmelon in the Indian subcontinent, this fruit is a member of the cucurbit family of plants. Its fellow members are cucumbers, pumpkins, gourds, and all the melons. So, how does cantaloupe work for our skin? It contains beta-carotene, an antioxidant that can slow down aging and even reduce the risk of cancer. Beta-carotene converts into vitamin A which is essential for healthy and radiant skin (1). If you have wrinkles or dull skin, eating cantaloupe will help you increase the elasticity of your skin and remove the dead cells.
2. Tomatoes
If you were that kid who picked out tomatoes from your food, here’s some news for you: tomatoes help you to keep acne at bay. Now, don’t you wish you ate all of those tomatoes? Tomatoes have a phytochemical called Lycopene, that gives the tomatoes their red color. Upon consumption, this phytochemical has the ability to curb the acne-promoting hormone (2). Additionally, lycopene can also help your skin shield itself from the UV rays. In fact, most orange to reddish-hued natural foods have lycopene and other carotenoids that supplement the skin with antioxidants. And we all know that antioxidants are your skin’s best friend.
3. Strawberries
Strawberries are such delicious fruits that you don’t even need a reason to eat them. These tiny fruits with seeds on their exterior are rich in malic acid, an agent that helps in brightening and whitening of the skin (3). In fact, strawberries are even used to whiten teeth! Strawberries also add antioxidants to your blood. If your skin has been prone to acne and pollution for long, it’s quite likely that your body needs more antioxidants. You can either consume strawberries or use it as a pack on your face. Mix a couple of strawberries with yogurt and honey and apply the resulting smooth paste on your face. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then wash it off. You will notice a pinkish blush and a radiant glow on your skin.
4. Oranges
It’s no secret that oranges are full of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps combat free radicals that help to add a natural glow to your skin. Oranges also help in restoring the collagen component in our body that is essential for a firm and tight skin (4). Usually, orange peels are also used to add a natural shine to skin. You can dry the peels in the sun, crush them and use them as a body scrub. Bonus tip: take some orange juice and freeze it in an ice tray. Whenever your skin feels tired and grumpy, rub these ice cubes over your skin. The orange juice will add some freshness to your skin and the ice will shrink your pores.
5. Almond Milk
Popular among vegans, almond milk has earned itself an indisputable reputation of being a great food for the skin. Almond milk is full of vitamin E and our skin loves it! Additionally, it also contains proteins, zinc, vitamin C, calcium, vitamin D, and more (5). All of these harmoniously work together to repair damaged skin and make your skin supple and hydrated. You can either consume it or can use it as a cleanser and exfoliator when mixed with oats.
No amount of makeup can give your skin the permanent glow and soft texture like the nourishment from within can. What you eat shows up on your skin. If you’re eating a lot of junk food, your skin will never be able to hide it because it will be attacked by acne, wrinkles, and dryness. So, to keep your skin clear and radiant, a healthy diet that includes the aforementioned superfoods and is rich in vitamin C, proteins, collagen, amino acids, good fats, etc. is your best bet.
Which are the other superfoods that have worked for you? Let us know in the comments below.
