Want healthy glowing skin? These are the best foods to add to your diet

Achieve glowing healthy skin from the inside out. Picture: Freepik

Achieve glowing healthy skin from the inside out. Picture: Freepik

Published Aug 23, 2024

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Achieving healthy, glowing skin is a common goal for many people, and while skincare products play a significant role, what you eat can be just as impactful.

The right foods can nourish your skin from the inside out, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help maintain its elasticity, hydration, and overall appearance.

Here are some of the best foods to incorporate into your diet for healthier, more radiant skin.

Avocados

Avocados are packed with healthy fats and antioxidants, making them a top choice for skin health.

They contain vitamins E and C, both of which play critical roles in skin repair and protection.

The healthy mono unsaturated fats in avocados also help maintain skin elasticity and hydration.

Avocados. Picture: Fotios Photos / Pexels

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A.

This vitamin is crucial for skin cell production and repair, helping to maintain a youthful appearance.

Additionally, their antioxidants can help protect your skin from UV damage, contributing to a glowing complexion.

Fatty fish

Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for maintaining skin health.

Omega-3s help keep your skin hydrated, reduce inflammation, and support the skin’s lipid barrier, making it more resilient against environmental stressors.

Additionally, these fish are a great source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects skin cells from damage.

Dark chocolate

Good news for chocolate lovers!

Dark chocolate, particularly varieties that contain at least 70% cacao, is loaded with antioxidants and can help improve skin hydration and texture.

The flavonoids found in dark chocolate can boost blood flow, contributing to a healthy glow.

Dark chocolate. Picture: Eva Bronzini / Pexels

Olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil is not only a heart-healthy fat but also contains antioxidants that can benefit can improve skin moisture, and the antioxidants found in olive oil can help fight against skin ageing and damage.

Yoghurt and fermented foods

Fermented foods like yoghurt, kefir, and kimchi are rich in probiotics, which can promote gut health and, in turn, improve skin health.

A balanced gut microbiome has been linked to reduced inflammation and better skin conditions, so including these foods can contribute to a clearer complexion.

Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds, particularly almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds, are excellent sources of essential fatty acids, vitamin E, and zinc.

Vitamin E helps to protect skin cells from oxidative stress, while zinc aids in healing and may help reduce acne.

Incorporating a handful of nuts or seeds into your daily diet can provide a significant boost to your skin’s health.

IOL Lifestyle