Tired of looking in the mirror, only to notice troublesome skin? Maybe you’re dealing with unsightly acne, signs of aging, or downright dry and dull skin. Regardless of your skin woes, there’s a good chance that what you’re eating (or not eating) is at least partially to blame. After all, your skin is an organ (the largest organ of the body, as a matter of fact), so there are certain nutrients and vitamins that it needs to stay healthy. And when your skin is healthy, it looks radiant.
So, what foods should you be incorporating more into your diet for healthier skin? We’ve got some suggestions.
Colorful Fruits and Veggies
Ideally, you should be eating foods in every color of the rainbow every single day. Unfortunately, this is often easier said than done. However, if you want healthier skin, colorful fruits and veggies are the way to go—and there are some easier ways to go about incorporating them into your diet, even if you aren’t a fan of fruits and veggies.
For starters, consider incorporating them into a morning (or post-workout) shake or smoothie. A handful of spinach, some avocado, or any other number of veggies can be added to your favorite recipe without changing the flavor. Some other great sources of skin-healthy foods include peppers (red, yellow, orange, and green), which you can buy frozen to stay fresher longer and avoid having to cut them up yourself. Toss them into your favorite pasta sauce for an antioxidant and vitamin boost that your skin will appreciate.
Foods With Antioxidants
Antioxidants help the body’s organs flush toxins, so when you eat more foods with antioxidants, your skin is inherently healthier. Some other foods to start adding to your diet that are rich in antioxidants include:
- berries
- grapes
- artichokes
- cloves
If you’re not a fan of those foods, there are even some spices (such as turmeric, which can be found in most grocery store spice aisles) that can be added to many dishes for an antioxidant boost.
Foods With Omega 3s
Your skin also needs Omega 3s to retain its strength and vibrancy, but most people don’t get enough of these in their daily diets. Some foods to consider adding more of to your diet for their Omega 3 fatty acids include:
Again, if you can’t stomach those foods, there are alternatives. Consider taking a daily Omega 3 supplement for the same benefits in pill form. Be aware, however, that some of these Omega 3 fatty acid pills are fish-based, so they can have a bit of a fishy aftertaste that’s off-putting to some.
What you eat can have a huge impact in the overall health of your skin, so if you’re unhappy with your skin, now is the time to assess your diet and make changes as needed. You might be surprised at just how quickly you see results and begin to love the way you feel in your own skin again!