FOODS FOR BRIGHTER SKIN
November 09 2023 – Delikate Rayne
What you put on your skin is important for your skin's health, but what you put inside your body also impacts how your skin looks. If you are looking to brighten your skin, look out for foods that are high in Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Antioxidants, and/or healthy fats. Here are six plant-based foods that you need to put on your grocery list if you want your skin to glow.
Avocados are one vegan food to eat if you’re searching for brighter skin. Studies have shown that eating avocados improves skin elasticity, tone, firmness, enhances the skin’s wound healing activity, and helps protect your skin against UV damage. This is due to avocados being packed with monounsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, vitamins, and phenolic compounds. Eat as much avocado toast and guacamole that your heart desires if you want glowing skin.
Acerola cherries are another food that is known for brightening skin because it is a powerful antioxidant and source of Vitamin C, carotenoids, and polyphenols. Acerola cherries, which are also known as Barbados cherries or West Indian cherries, are an excellent source of Vitamin C because they pack 50-100x more Vitamin C than oranges. Vitamin C is an important component in collagen production. Collagen works to increase skin’s elasticity and keeps it hydrated, firm, and plump.
Extra virgin olive oil is a healthy fat that is great for your skin! Extra virgin olive oil is a source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that work to reduce oxidative stress, increase protection from cell-damaging free radicals, and lowering your risk to photoaging. A study found that burn patients who consumed olive oil daily faced accelerated healing and spent less time in the hospital compared to burn patients who consumed sunflower oil daily.
Bell peppers are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins that work to reduce inflammation, boost collagen, accelerate wound healing, and maintaining firm and supple skin! Bell peppers are high in antioxidants beta carotene, luteolin, capsanthin, and quercetin. Eating foods rich in quercetin is known for reducing eczema and skin photosensitivity. Bell peppers have also been found to protect against sun-induced skin damage because they are rich in caretenoids zeaxanthin and lutein.
Carrots don’t only improve your eyesight, they improve your skin too! Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which is a precursor to Vitamin A. Vitamin A works to help your skin by keeping cells functioning properly, improving skin cell turnover, and protecting against harmful UV rays. Carrots also fight oxidative damage and prevents fine lines and wrinkles that are caused by sun damage because they are high in antioxidants.
Sweet potatoes are another vegan food for bright and glowy skin. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A, potassium, antioxidants, carotenoids, and flavenoids. Flavenoids are known for protecting against skin damage from sun-exposure. Studies have shown that women with lower potassium levels experienced more premature aging compared to women with higher potassium levels. Eating sweet potatoes also stimulate collagen synthesis and reduce tissue damage because they are a great source in Vitamin A.
They say you are what you eat, and that applies to your skin! Incorporate these 6 plant-based foods into a well-balanced diet and your skin will be glowing in no time.
Source: Vegan Mia
Images: Pinterest