Top 5 Foods for Healthy Skin

We all know that our diets play a huge role in the performance of our organs and our overall health in general.  And many of us can probably list some foods that are harmful to our skin and can increase blemishes or wrinkles.  But did you know that certain foods are excellent for the health of your skin?  Let’s take a look at five of the top foods for healthy skin.

Dark Chocolate
Yes, for real!  Dark chocolate can create incredible results for your skin.  Consuming antioxidant-rich cocoa can help you achieve thick and more hydrated skin.  It can also reduce your sensitivity to sunburn and increase the all-important blood flow, which brings nutrients to your skin.  The more blood flow you have, the more nutrients your skin cells are getting.

Be careful, though.  Don’t go out and scarf down every candy bar you can find.  Be sure only to eat dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa.  This way, you’ll get the best results and avoid consuming too much sugar.

Salmon
The most important aspect of salmon, or any healthy fish option, is the Omega-3 fatty acids.  These acids are essential for the health of your skin because they are the building blocks for the creation of healthy new skin cells.  And since our bodies don’t naturally produce fatty acids on their own, it’s crucial that we get them from our diet.  Salmon is an excellent source of Omega-3s.  Plus, it is rich in antioxidants which helps relieve any inflammation or redness of the skin.

Avocados
Similar to salmon, avocados have the healthy fats that your skin is craving, and they help keep it moisturized and flexible.  Vitamin E, an antioxidant, is also abundant in avocados.  This crucial nutrient offers your skin powerful protection against oxidative damage.  In fact, one avocado provides 20% of the Reference Daily Intake for Vitamin E.  That’s incredible!

Red or Yellow Bell Peppers
Bell peppers offer a great source of beta-carotene.  When consumed, our bodies convert the beta-carotene into Vitamin A, which helps protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun.  It’s like having sunblock inside your skin.  Additionally, peppers are a well-known source of Vitamin C, which is famous for its benefits to our immune systems.  But did you know that it’s also a necessary component of the protein, Collagen?  And it’s this protein which helps our skin to stay firm and tight.

Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain high levels of vitamin C, which restores your skin’s healthy, youthful glow.  They are also a great source of lycopene, which helps protect our skin from sun damage.  In fact, along with all the other major carotenoids, lycopene may also prevent wrinkling.  Additionally, the astringent properties of tomatoes help to prevent oily accumulations, which lead to pimples and blackheads.