Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and when your skin is in balance, that’s usually a good sign that the rest of you is in balance. The same rules that apply to enjoying optimal health–eating a well-balanced diet, getting enough sleep (ha!) and taking part in regular exercise–apply to maintaining a healthy complexion. So for busy moms who want to take good care of their skin, remember, it’s not all about which beauty products you use! Check out these health-boosting foods that are known to have skin-friendly properties that can enhance one’s complexion.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are all the rage in topical preparations for the skin, and it’s just as important to ingest them in the forms of Vitamins A and C if you want a glowing face. Vitamin A is found in butternut squash, mangoes, cantaloupe and greens. Vitamin C can be found in grapefruits, papayas, strawberries, kiwis, red and green peppers, broccoli, oranges, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and kale. I loved roasted veggies in winter and have been roasting lots of butternut squash, fennel, brussels sprouts and cauliflower. I simply throw everything onto a roasting pan with a dash of olive oil and salt and pepper and roast in a 350-degree oven until tender and browned. I also have been doing lots of soups with squash and other veggies. Perfect for these cold nights!
Omega 3’s and Monounsaturated Fats
A common buzzword when it comes to skin products is Omega 3’s. These fatty acids help lubricate the skin and banish dryness. My favorite ways to consume Omega 3’s are through eating salmon, sardines, flaxseed (added into smoothies, oatmeal or waffles, etc.) and walnuts. Also important in combating dryness is eating lots of “good fats,” or monounsaturated fats, which can be found in almond butter, pumpkin seeds, avocados, olive oil, and olives. My son likes almond butter and we use it almost exclusively in place of peanut butter for PB & J’s in our house.
Super foods
There are also lots of super-foods touted by health and nutrition experts. These foods are high in several nutrients and phytochemicals that are good for one’s skin and overall health. My favorites are sweet potatoes and blueberries. Basically, the idea is that you can’t go wrong eating lots of brightly colored fruits and vegetables on a daily basis with every meal. I like blueberries with yogurt or waffles in the morning. And we use sweet potatoes in place of regular white potatoes for bakes fried, mashed potatoes, etc.
Possible foods to avoid
Many holistic nutritionists and estheticians believe that avoiding sugar as well as dairy can help clear the skin of acne. Tasty alternatives to cow’s milk are almond milk and coconut milk. Personally, I love almond milk: I find it rich and creamy and the closest thing to actual milk. Avoiding gluten can also help clear up many people’s skin issues, and there are many gluten-free grains and products on the market these days with so many people suffering from gluten allergies. Of course, always consult with a doctor before eliminating any food group from your diet and seek out professional help if you would like more information.
