What you eat can affect the condition of your skin. If your diet lacks the vitamins, healthy fats and nutrients your body needs for optimum health, your skin will suffer. Furthermore, exposure to toxins, pollutants and the elements can damage your skin cells and exacerbate the signs of aging. Fortunately, there are certain foods you can eat to keep your skin healthy. By eating the right vegetables, you will give your body the nourishment it needs to look and feel its best.
Tomatoes
In his article "Eat Right to Keep Healthy Skin," Brian Dakss cites Samantha Heller, "Health" magazine contributor and clinical nutritionist, who recommends eating foods that contain lycopene to keep your skin healthy. Lycopene is an antioxidant that neutralizes the effects of harmful free radicals, such as environmental toxins and ultraviolet rays from the sun. Heller names tomatoes as a good source of lycopene. Although technically fruits, tomatoes are considered vegetables in the culinary world. To keep your skin looking its best, add a slice of tomato to your sandwich at lunch or chop one up in your salad for dinner.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a good source of vitamin B, which is useful in preventing a variety of skin disorders including dryness, chapping, inflammation and flaking. Vitamin B helps your skin retain its moisture, which keeps it soft and smooth. Consider having a serving of it with your dinner once or twice a week.
Broccoli
Collagen is necessary to maintain your skin's elasticity and suppleness. It is also useful in repairing wounds and preventing scarring. To produce healthy collagen, your body needs vitamin C. In her article "Eat Your Way To More Beautiful Skin," nutritionist Joy Bauer lists broccoli as a vegetable rich in vitamin C. To counteract the signs of aging and improve the quality of your skin, include more of it in your diet.
Carrots
According to Healthy-Skincare.com, carrots are a good source of beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A promotes skin cell growth and is useful in repairing dry, damaged skin. Carrots are also a good source of vitamin C. Replace your salty, high-fat snacks with a handful of baby carrots to protect your skin and keep it in good repair.
Sweet Potatoes
In addition to being another good source of beta-carotene and vitamin C, sweet potatoes also contain vitamin E. To help prevent signs of aging, vitamin E works together with vitamin C to protect the skin from exposure to damaging toxins. Consider trading your baked potato at dinner for a sweet potato instead.
Avocados
Like tomatoes, avocados are also technically fruits, but considered vegetables in the culinary world. Avocados have a high fat content, but because it is primarily monounsaturated fat, it is considered healthy, says the Healthy-Skincare website. The fat content in avocados is particularly good for the skin, helping it stay hydrated and soft. Avocados also contain vitamins C and E. Add some avocado to your salad with your lunch or dinner.
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