No matter what age we are, it’s natural for us to want our skin to look – and feel – its best. One of the most commonly asked questions from our customers is how to achieve more radiant skin. The good news is that there are some really delicious yet powerful foods we can eat to put the sparkle back into dull-looking, congested or sensitive complexions.
It makes complete sense that what we put in our bodies is going to show on the outside. Caroline Apovian, MD and Professor of Medicine and Paediatrics at Boston University School of Medicine, specialises in health through nutrition and she’s written an article that should empower us all.
For healthy, glowing skin at any age, try adding these eight food groups to your diet:
- Salmon, sardines and anchovies
Oily fish contains high amounts of dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE). DMAE protects skin by strengthening cell membranes and guarding against the deterioration that causes premature ageing. It also increases levels of acetylcholine, a neutrotransmitter that makes your muscles contract and tighten under the skin, keeping your face looking toned and firm. DMAE can also decrease production of arachidonic acid, which leads to wrinkle formation and sagging of the skin.
- Broccoli, spinach, kale, wheatgrass juice and Brussels sprouts
Green leafy vegetables, wheatgrass and barleygrass juice are rich in alpha lipoic acid (ALA). Because of its high concentration of antioxidants that fight the free radicals that cause ageing, ALA is one of the most powerful anti-ageing agents available. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory, decreasing under-eye circles, puffiness, redness and blotches, all while minimising the appearance of wrinkles.
- Grapefruit and kale juice
Vitamin C, when consumed in fresh produce, helps reverse skin damage caused by the sun and pollutants. It stimulates collagen production, causing new skin growth, wrinkle reduction and an overall smoother texture. Since a single red grapefruit and a serving of kale juice contain more than 100% of the recommended daily value for vitamin C, it’s the perfect way to get your skin fix.
- Blueberries
The US Department of Agriculture identifies the blueberry as containing the most antioxidants per serving of any fruit. Not only will those antioxidants keep your skin looking young and smooth, but blueberries also protect against memory loss, cardiovascular disease and cancer.
- Oysters
Didn’t realise your favourite aphrodisiac shellfish could actually be helping your skin? Oysters contain high amounts of zinc, a mineral your body needs to make the proteins that repair damaged tissues and form new ones. Getting enough zinc in the diet benefits not only your skin, but also your nails, hair and eyes.
- Walnuts and omega-3 oils
These tasty little nuts are full of omega-3 fatty acids, something your body desperately needs but unfortunately can’t produce on its own. When it comes to your skin, omega-3s work to protect your cell membranes. When the membranes are strong, harmful agents are kept out, nutrients are allowed in and waste products are eliminated from the cells. In addition, strong cell membranes retain more water, leading to moister, smoother skin. I take a spoonful of omega-3 oil every day.
- Tomatoes
A powerful source of the antioxidant lycopene, tomatoes prevent premature ageing and help to protect skin from the damaging effects of the sun. In a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, participants with a diet rich in tomatoes suffered minimal sun damage after being exposed to UV rays compared to those who didn’t include tomatoes in their diet. The body can process lycopene best after tomatoes are cooked so tomato sauces and soups in your diet are the most effective way.
- Eggs
Eggs contain two key nutrients that are vital to skin health: choline and lutein. The first builds up the fatty portions of cell membranes that are responsible for healthy, smooth skin. Choline also regulates the levels of the B vitamins in our bodies, which are needed to produce collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin firm and smooth. Lutein is an antioxidant that protects the elasticity of the skin and prevents skin damage.
We hope this inspires you to add as many of these foods to your diet as possible – and enjoy refreshed, glowing skin that is positively sparkling with health!
Superfoods for super skin
Wheatgrass Juice
Our raw, organic wheatgrass juice contains higher levels of chlorophyll than any other green vegetable. High in antioxidants, it can reduce oxidative stress and helps boost physical and mental performance whilst supporting a healthy immune system.
Beet & Maqui Juice
Delicious beetroot is combined with raw cacao in our refreshing Beetroot & Maqui Juice. British athletes used beetroot juice as a natural performance enhancer during training for the 2012 Olympic Games and whilst we’re not promising record-breaking times, you’ll love how energised you feel!
Blended Green Juice
Our Blended Green Juice, rich in chlorophyll, antioxidants and amino acids, combines wheatgrass juice, matcha tea, nettle juice and barleygrass juice for a powerhouse juice for improved energy and performance.