DID YOU KNOW? Your skin is actually an organ? Weird right? It’s also the largest one in (on?) your body! So, we reckon it deserves to be nourished and protected just like all those organs on the inside.
And just like those organs on the inside, what you eat can play a real part in maintaining the health (and by extension look and feel) of your skin. Here are seven foods that’ll help you glow up that one outfit you’ll wear forever.
Water: Okay, the first one’s a bit of a no brainer. It’s also not technically a food. But it’s so important, it’s worth a mention. Staying hydrated is crucial for overall health, and it's especially important for your skin. Drinking plenty of water can support your body as it does its daily job of flushing out toxins, which can wreak havoc on our skin if not dealt with properly. Topping up the H2O will also keep your skin plump and moisturised, preventing dryness and wrinkles.
Avocados: Avocados are a great source of vitamin E, C and healthy fats, all of which are essential for skin health. These precious nutrients help to protect and repair the skin from environmental damage, like UV. They also boost collagen production (basically the tiny protein building blocks of our skin) to keep our skin looking glowy and youthful.
Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, take your pick. They pretty much all come packed with antioxidants, which help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can bounce around and damage our cells, leading to premature aging.
Nuts: Nuts are a great vegan source of vitamin E. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that helps protect our skin from damage and keep it looking young and radiant. Nuts are also high in proteins and essential fatty acids, the macronutrients necessary for building all sorts of healthy cells, including skin cells.
Leafy greens: Ahh leafy greens, is there anything they can’t do? Leafy greens are brimming with nutrients that are golden for your skin; think vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. All these nutrients work together to help to keep the skin hydrated, reducing inflammation and protecting the skin from the assaults of modern life (we’re looking at you, stress, sugar and sun!).
The takeaway? What we put inside our bodies is inevitably reflected outside them. Eating a wide and varied diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants (think fruit, veggies, lean proteins and healthy fats) is like your own personal fountain of youth when it comes to glowy skin. Bon Appetit!