For Your Health: Four Superfoods for Flawless Skin
What you put in your body can have a major impact on the skin that surrounds it. So what should you eat? Take a look at these four nutritious foods and discover what they can do for your complexion.
Tomatoes
These juicy red fruits are rich in an anti-aging antioxidant known as lycopene. Lycopene's antioxidant properties may help protect the skin from free radical damage caused by exposure to UV rays and various pollutants. Lycopene may also support collagen production, which promotes smoother, younger-looking skin. Both raw and processed tomatoes are a great source of this nutrient; in fact, the lycopene found in cooked or canned tomatoes can be more easily absorbed by the body. Just be sure your canned tomatoes aren't packed with added sodium.
Romaine Lettuce
Just one cup of this leafy green provides over 80% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin A. Vitamin A plays a role in the repair and renewal of skin cells and tissue, helping to revitalize your complexion. Romaine lettuce is also a good source of both vitamin C and potassium, which may further nourish the health of your skin.
Whole Grains
Whole-grain breads and cereals contain several B vitamins that are essential for healthy skin. B vitamins, including biotin, riboflavin and more, can help support new skin cell growth and promote the skin's natural defenses against stress. B vitamins may be especially helpful for preventing occasionally rough or cracked skin.
Brazil Nuts
Just a few Brazil nuts contain a large amount of selenium, an important mineral that may support the skin's elasticity. Proteins found in selenium have antioxidant properties that may help neutralize the free radicals that can contribute to premature collagen breakdown – a common cause of wrinkles and sagging skin. Due to their high caloric content, eat Brazil nuts sparingly as a mineral-rich treat for your skin.
Fabulous skin doesn't happen overnight – but these four foods can provide some of the essential nutrients needed for a smooth, firm and radiant complexion. Be sure to wash them down with plenty of water to promote skin that's healthy and glowing.
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