No one wants a wrinkled or dull skin. Instead, we all crave for that young, radiant and glowing skin. Well, the secret may actually lie in your kitchen. So, let’s find out what you should eat and avoid to get that wonderful skin.
What Should You Eat?
#1. Pumpkin
Do you know how beneficial this traditional Halloween decoration is for the skin?
This plump and nutritious vegetable is packed with beta carotene, which is a powerful antioxidant that gives the vegetable its orange and vibrant color. But, the best thing about this antioxidant is that when consumed, the body converts it into vitamin A.
Here are some of the summarized benefits of beta carotene:
- Numerous studies have shown that it can help to maintain a healthy skin.
- It can also protect the skin against UV radiation from the sun.
- It can reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
- It provides a sort of protection against asthma and heart disease.
- It can lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
Furthermore, this orange vegetable is filled with zinc, which is necessary for creating new skin cells and regulating oil production. Pumpkin can also improve the skin tone and decrease the appearance of open pores.
Ways to incorporate pumpkin into your diet:
- Have a pumpkin smoothie
- Make a pot of pumpkin soup
- Add pumpkin to your pasta dishes
- Make pumpkin ice cream
- Try pumpkin baked goods such as pumpkin muffins, pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin donuts and even pumpkin pancakes.
Now, for those who want to try a pumpkin mask:
1. Combine the pumpkin in a food processor until you obtain a smooth mixture.
2. Add in egg, honey, and apple cider vinegar and blend.
3. Apply to your clean face.
4. Let it soak in for around 20 minutes.
5. Rinse with some lukewarm water.
#2. Tomato
“Eating any tomato-based foods, such as sauce and tomato juice, may help clear up acne.”
– Dr. Marie Jhin, a board-certified dermatologist in San Carlos, California
This nutrient-dense superfood that originated in Western South America and Central America is extremely rich in natural vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, K, B1, B3, B5, B6, B7, and C.
But what’s more remarkable about tomatoes is Lycopene, an antioxidant that gives that sexy red color to tomatoes and which has excellent anti-aging properties. It can also boost collagen production and offer protection from UV light-induced erythema or sunburn. Besides, several studies revealed that Lycopene could help to protect against skin cancer.
That’s not all. Tomatoes have more benefits:
- As per a research carried out by the US Department of Agriculture, tomatoes can promote wound healing.
- The substances present in tomatoes have an anti-inflammatory effect and can help top soother skin inflammations and irritations.
- Some researchers also claim that the enzymes present in tomatoes can help to remove dead skin cells.
- I don’t know if you are aware, but many consider tomatoes as skin moisturizers.
- Did you know that only the pulp of tomatoes can tighten pores and prevent pimples?
How to include tomatoes in my regular diet?
- Always include tomatoes in your salads
- If you are a fan of pasta, eat it with tomato sauce
- Add tomato slices to a sandwich
- Add chopped tomatoes to omelets or scrambled eggs
- Make tomato soup
- Make baked stuffed tomatoes
What Should You Avoid?
#3. Grilled Meat
How many non-vegetarians out there are die-hard fans of grilled meat?
Indeed, grilled meats are very delicious and sometimes it feels as if you can’t have enough of them. However, always keep one thing in mind: when meat is grilled for too long, it can create Advanced Glycation End and such products are usually harmful to the skin. But, the worst thing is that it can even make your skin look older.
Will you follow these tips? Please share your comments!
