You may already be aware of the famous axiom “beauty starts from within”. This couldn’t have been truer, especially with regards to our skin. Our skin often indicates how healthy we are. Many times, people seek instant solutions through moisturizers and other skin care products. While this can help to some extent, the healthiest and cost-effective way to beauty is through diet.

A healthy diet which consists of antioxidants, collagen, good fats, amino acids, and vitamins could mean the difference between a lackluster, puffy, wrinkled completion and a fresh, glowing one. After all, you are what you consume. However, some food contains more nutritional values to your skin health than others. Here are the top five superfoods to keep your skin healthy and glowing.

5 Superfoods for Healthy Body and Glowing Skin

Raw Organic Almonds

Besides this, almonds are a great source of natural calcium. When consumed raw, they are alkaline-forming. The good thing about alkaline food is that it enhances detoxification and promotes healthy pH levels. In this case, it protects your skin against acidity, inflammation, and poor health. Almonds are also one of the best sources of both vitamin B and E. Vitamin E helps in protecting your skin from the damaging ultraviolet rays of the sun. It is also a good skin nourisher.

Chia Seeds

You may already be using these seeds as a smoothie ingredient, but you might not have known that they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids, according to Joshua Zeichner (a clinical research dermatologist and director of cosmetology at Mount Sinai Hospital), help in collagen productions and provide building blocks for healthy skin cell development. They, therefore, enhance overall hydration that makes you look fresh and glowy. On top of this, the seeds have anti-inflammatory properties. Gary Goldfaden, a professional dermatologist of the founder of Goldfaden MD, says that this is beneficial in combating and soothing acne-prone skin.

Lemon

Lemons, like oranges, are rich in vitamin C which is incredible for the skin. The fruit also boosts production of collagen and elastin that help to bind skin cells together which, in turn, lead to a healthy and younger appeal.

In addition to this, lemon has properties that neutralize free radicals. While the fruit might taste acidic, it has minerals that help balance pH level and alkalize the blood. When the body pH levels get out of balance, your skin becomes dry and super sensitive. In most cases, your body can become too acidic as a result of consumption of processed food, alcohol, or beverages like coffee.

Blueberries

Blueberries are one of the best sources of antioxidants. Among the 40 common fruits that US Department of Agriculture studied, blueberries ranked top in terms of antioxidant activity. Basically, antioxidants help in maintaining a healthy and beautiful skin. They help to fight and neutralise the free radicals. Being one of the skin’s worst enemies, the free radicals are known to cause wrinkles, damage collagen and skin cells, and dry skin.

Other than antioxidants benefits, blueberries have a high amount of quercetin and anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory properties. For younger looking, glowing skin, consume a half a cup of blueberries every day. You should also consider similar berries such as blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries because they are also good for your skin.

The above superfoods have been proven to contribute immensely to healthy growth and development of your skin. Sure, you can eat your way to happiness and natural beauty. You no longer need to spend your money on the pricey products on the shelves.

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