These are some of the best superfoods for glowing summer skin. Image from Adobe Stock.
Beauty begins from within – it doesn’t just take a good skincare routine to keep you looking healthy and glowing, you need to start by feeding your body the nutrients it needs to protect and repair your hair, skin, nails. Many every day “superfoods” are an easy way to take in those crucial anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatories, vitamins and minerals that will give you glowing skin. So here are seven superfoods you can incorporate into your diet to give you just that.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera contains antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins A, B, C and E, and folic acid, which has anti-inflammatory effects. Consuming the inner gel of the leaf of the Aloe Vera plant is very hydrating for the body’s cells, organs and skin – because it is rich in potassium and sodium. You can either make an Aloe Vera juice fresh from the plant by combining the inner leaf juice with coconut water for extra hydration, or most health stores sell Aloe Vera tonic. Best drunk every day for the optimum benefits.
Tumeric
Tumeric is a natural antioxidant and can assist with skin regeneration and collagen production and Curcumin, which is a chemical compound found in Tumeric is said to help decrease the effects of UV damage. There are many different ways to ingest Tumeric, from Tumeric Lattes to Tumeric bliss balls and even Tumeric curry!
Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons are a great way to get an internal boost of vitamin C – which is an L-ascorbic acid, a water-soluble vitamin, that is great for growth and repair of our skin, giving us a glow from the inside, out.
Brazil nuts
Brazil nuts are rich in Selenium, which is an antioxidant that can help to protect the quality of the skin and elasticity, safeguarding the skin against sun damage and premature skin ageing. Antioxidants are said to help reduce oxidative stress – which has been linked to premature ageing. It works by neutralizing excess free radicals and protects against skin cell damage.
Silica
Silica is a trace mineral that strengthens muscles, ligaments, tendons, hair, cartilage and nails. Silica is also vital to help with the elasticity of the skin. Foods such as leeks, green beans, celery, mango, strawberry, asparagus and rhubarb are high in Silica, so incorporating these foods into your diet can help to keep your body healthy and functioning well.
Ginger
It is said that ginger may help to improve acne as it contains Zinc, which controls the production of oil and hormones that create acne. Quite often, people who suffer from acne are deficient in Zinc, so for a natural way to help combat acne, or alongside your topical acne treatments, try to incorporate more Zinc into your diet.
Salmon
Salmon is high in Omega-3, which is a potent anti-inflammatory that is said to help with swelling and redness associated with skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and rosacea. Signs that you may be deficient in Omega-3 is dry, flaky skin, dull hair and brittle nails, upping your salmon intake can be a (tasty) partner alongside your topical skin treatments to help banish those pesky skin conditions.