Saturday 14 September 2013

Skin Clearing Foods



Think spots are something just teenagers get? Think again. Around 20% of women suffer from acne well into their 20s and 30s, which can be caused by anything from stress to hormone fluctuations and more. All is not lost, however - aside from topical over-the-counter treatments and antibiotics,


there are a number of foods long-heralded for their skin clearing properties that, added to your diet over time, may help to significantly improve the quality of your skin. Try combining our top foods with fresh air, plenty of exercise, and a good skin care regime and see if they make a difference.


1. Sweet Potato:~
There is evidence to suggest that high cortisone levels, one of the main hormones released by the adrenal gland in response to stress, can lead to break-outs. Regulating fluctuating blood sugar levels can help us to combat stress by lifting our moods. Try eating vitamin-packed complex carbohydrates, which release sugar slowly over time, like sweet potato. The root vegetable also contains beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A when it is digested, and can help to improve the circulation of oxygen to the skin.

2. Oysters:~
Oysters are packed with skin clearing nutrients for relatively few calories. Expect to find everything from vitamin A to zinc and selenium in these bite-sized sea-dwelling beauty bombs.

3. Beetroot:~
They might stain your fingers, but the skin-clearing properties of beetroots are well worth the effort. The purple roots are particularly high in vitamin A, as well as potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin E, which is essential for epidermal health and healing. Combined, these nutrients make a powerful all-round body cleanser, helping to eliminate toxins from the body and lower cholesterol too.

4. Water:~
Clear skin starts from within, and one of the best, cheapest and most effective ways to get there is to help your body flush out toxins by drink plenty of water. Not only will upping your fluid levels help to keep your brains fully functional and therefore better able to cope with stress, but it also replenishes water in the cells. Make sure you drink the recommended eight glasses of water a day, and drink more after exercise.

5. Nuts:~
Deficiencies in minerals such as zinc and selenium have been linked to acne in some sufferers, which is why nuts – in particular pumpkin seeds and Brazil nuts – are a good, healthy snack to get used to. Selenium helps to actively increase the number of infection-fighting white blood cells in the body and strengthens their fighting power, while vitamin E, copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, calcium and iron are all essential to skin health and function.

6. Legumes:~
Any healing process needs protein and energy, and legumes – peas, beans, and lentils – have both these things in abundance. They also contain a potent cocktail of vitamins and minerals as well as being particularly high in dietary fibre, which aids the body’s natural digestion process and assists detoxification. All these things help in the battle for clearer skin, so try switching your usual portion of carbohydrates for a few spoons of beans and see if it helps.

7. Garlic:~
Each clove of garlic is full of a naturally occurring chemical called allicin, which, when digested, reacts with the blood to create a product capable of killing off many harmful bacteria and viruses your body might be harbouring – including that which causes acne and other skin infections. Couple this with a potent cocktail of antioxidants, and it’s almost unbeatable. To get the most out of garlic, eat raw, chopped finely into a salad or stirred into a meal before serving.

8. Tomatoes:~
Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, which helps to keep the skin firm and taut by aiding collagen production. They also contain lycopene: the red pigment which not only gives them their bright red colour, but also stimulates skin circulation.

9. Seeded red grapes:~
Grapes are the perfect snack and they provide plenty of health benefits. When it comes to clear skin, it’s best to eat red grapes with seeds, since the seeds have power antioxidants in them that are able to reduce skin inflammation. These seeds have been used to treat eczema and psoriasis. Eat them by themselves, in a salad, or with cheese!


10. Brown rice:~
Brown rice is a healthy grain to eat when you need fast energy. Instead of eating white rice, whole grain brown rice will leave you feeling fuller for longer. Apart from it’s dietary benefits, brown rice also contains protein, magnesium, antioxidants, and Vitamin B complex, which are all helpful in keeping the skin clear of break outs and blemishes.

11. Avocado:~
Avocado has become a craze in the food and diet world because of it’s richness in good fats. However, avocado has also gained popularity due to it’s high levels of Vitamin E as well as Vitamin C, both of which can keep the skin looking youthful, bright, and inflammation free. Avocado oil has also been used in order to stimulate collagen production. Eat it raw or in a salad for a tasty and skin-healthy meal.

12. Artichoke:~
Artichokes aren’t your everyday vegetable, but they have all sorts of vitamins and minerals including fiber and antioxidants. Artichokes have been proven to have more antioxidants than any other vegetable. This veggie aids in digestion but it’s high antioxidant content is perfect for keeping the body free of toxins so that your skin can be clear and luminous. Try eating them boiled or in a dip.

13. Broccoli~

Broccoli is another vegetable that is full of all sorts of vitamins and antioxidants including Vitamin A, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K. Each of these vitamins plays a huge role in keeping your skin glowing and clear. Try steaming broccoli or eating it raw with some dressing or in a salad. Another benefit is that broccoli is extremely low in calories!

14. Watercress:~

Next time you make a salad, try substituting a few lettuce leaves for some peppery watercress. The leafy greens are jammed full of antioxidants as well as minerals manganese, carotene and potassium. This makes watercress a powerful cleansing agent, nourishing the skin while helping to flush out toxins and excess fluids in the process. Bonus!

15. Fennel:~

If you’re not familiar with this liquorice-flavoured root vegetable already – get to know it. Aside from aiding digestion, reducing swelling in the body and helping to flush out excess fluids and toxins, it also works wonders for the health of your skin and hair, so pick up a box of tea or pick up a few roots for roasting.


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