When Healthy Eating Shows: What To Eat For Beautiful Skin

Who wants to admit to the old adage of having "egg on your face?" Eating an egg, however, happens to be perfectly good for your face. Very egg-citing, isn't it? In addition to the emergence of egg puns, new studies bring to light the effects that digestible food has on lighting up your face. Who needs a chemical peal when a carotenoid-containing fruit, vegetable, or salmon serving can add color and luster to the condition of your skin?

Paranoid about carotenoids? Although some individuals may fear an Oompa Loompa-type hue from too many carotenoids, it would take a hefty consumption — and even then it isn't harmful. A recent study revealed that consuming two to three portions of fruits and vegetables (usually about a ½ cup per serving) over a six-week period enhanced the appearance of skin in study participants. For a healthy non-Oompa-Loompa tan-like glow, up your intake of carotenoid-rich foods, such as tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, spinach, kale, oranges, and mangos, among others.

Is something fishy, or am I nuts? Salmon could be considered a double skin-enhancer, as it contains both carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids, helping skin to appear soft and smooth. Add walnuts to your diet for an additional omega-3 skin boost.

Learn to love legumes. Why choose between McDreamy or McSteamy when you can have both — at least when it comes to your own skin? Beans produce amino acids during the digestion process, which in turn can repair skin cells damaged by free radicals.

Get on the oat or peanut boat. In addition to the previously mentioned eggs, peanut butter and oats are also high in biotin. As a vitamin B complex, biotin can both boost healthy skin and prevent inflammation.

— Erin Davis, HellaWella

 

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