What Type of Foods Are Good for Acne?

What Type of Foods Are Good for Acne?
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Acne arises due to inflammation of the sebaceous glands. These glands release oil. If the oil gets blocked in the hair follicle it can cause acne, notes Cornell University. Acne is also stimulated by hormonal changes and bacteria on the skin. Some foods help promote skin health and can limit the risk of acne. Eating a balanced diet of a wide range of foods, especially plant-based foods, will help your skin prevent the development of acne.

Fruit and Sunflower Seeds

A low-fat diet is recommended if you have outbreaks of acne, notes the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Snack on fruits or sunflower seeds. Avoid greasy snacks like potato chips, French fries or cakes.

Beans and Lentils

Eating beans and lentils help keep your digestive system functioning optimally. This helps build healthy skin, notes the Acne Resource Center Online. Beans and lentils can be used in foods such as salads, soups, stews and chili.

Salmon and Sardines

Fish such as salmon and sardines contain omega-3 fatty acids. These fish are beneficial to skin health because they help prevent inflammation of the skin, notes the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.

Water

Water is a healthy drink for you is acne is a problem. Avoid high-sugar soda which stimulates acne, notes Colorado State University professor of health and exercise science, Loren Cordain.

Vegetables

Vegetables are healthy, high-fiber foods to protect the skin. Carrots, pumpkin and winter squash contain vitamins C and A, which promote healthy skin. Other vegetables that fight acne include spinach, celery, watercress, dandelion greens, beet greens, kale and chard, mung beans and unpeeled cucumber slices, notes the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.

Bran and Whole Wheat

Eating bran cereal and whole wheat bread will help you protect skin from acne, notes the Acne Resource Center Online. These foods are high fiber and keep the digestive system working at good pace to move toxins out of the body.

Seaweed and Micro-Algae

Foods from the ocean that contain chlorophyll are helpful to prevent acne. Seaweed and wild blue green and spirulina micro-algae are beneficial to skin health, notes the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Talk to your doctor before adding new foods to the diet to ensure they are beneficial to your health.

References

Article reviewed by Jenna Marie Last updated on: Nov 10, 2010

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