If you follow me on Instagram, you will have seen that I am starting a series all about natural care products and at-home "spa" items. I've decided to try out a couple of different facial care brands as well as some easy recipes. To start off this series, we're going to discuss some great foods that will help you achieve healthy, strong skin and hair.
Food is the main way to keep your body healthy and happy. Sticking to healthy foods that are high in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins can help you achieve that healthy glow without spending a ton of money on skincare products.
"What you eat can affect your hormone balance, cause acne, or create or lessen inflammation, which is associated with skin aging." - Jessica Wu, M.D.
Make sure you check back on Wednesday for some great product recommendations and on Friday I'll be posting a giveaway. Without further ado, let's get into the post!
1. Blueberries
All berries are great for a boost in antioxidants. Blueberries are high in in antioxidants, fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
2. Fish
Mackerel, sardines, anchovies, and salmon are great sources of healthy fats that can actually help reduce inflammation.
3. Olive Oil
Olive oil has high amounts of healthy fats that help with anti-aging and removing free radicals.
4. Tomatoes
Eating tomatoes can actually increase your skin's natural SPF. You should probably still use sunscreen though.
5. Dark Chocolate
This is good news for all chocolate lovers out there! 75-80% dark chocolate contains antioxidants that help hydrate the skin and improve circulation. Stick to a small square, about 1 ounce for a little treat.
6. Green Tea
Green tea contains polyphenols that help maintain the elasticity of skin as well as antioxidants that help with circulation.
7. Walnuts
Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids which are great for your skin.
8. Grass-Fed Beef
Not only is it high in protein, grass-fed beef also contains omega-3 fatty acids which lower inflammation and are great for your skin. Protein helps build collagen and elastin which keeps your skin healthy and strong.
9. Rosemary
Rosemary is packed with antioxidants that help protect your skin from free radical damage.
10. Water
I can never say it enough, water is essential! Your body is mostly made of water, so you can imagine that if you're not drinking enough, your skin can become dry and damaged. Staying hydrated will help keep your skin, hair, and nails healthy and strong.
11. Eggs
Eggs are great sources of protein and healthy fats, which are both great for lowering inflammation and building collagen.
12. Pumpkin
Beta-carotene turns into vitamin A in the body which is essential for the growth of skin cells. Pumpkin is one the best sources of beta-carotene.
13. Red Wine
Another great item to add to your diet (and maybe pair with the dark chocolate)! Red wine has antioxidant and anti-tumor properties.
14. Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds contain high amounts of vitamin E which can help enhance immune function, leading to lowered amounts of inflammation.
As you can see, consuming essential antioxidants is essential to maintaining healthy skin. Adding these foods to your regular diet is important for the overall health of your body.
I've also mentioned free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive chemicals that can cause damage over long periods of time. This damage can come in the forms of aging, dry skin, tissue damage, and certain diseases. Some other great foods that can help reduce free radicals include Brazil nuts, button mushrooms, lamb, snapper, cod, and salmon.
If you would a more detailed look into the benefits of certain foods, you can check out A Dancer's Diary. In the book, you will find chapters dedicated to helping you menu plan based on specific dietary needs. Follow me along this series for a giveaway on Friday.
I hope you've enjoyed this post. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram (@adancerforjesus) for my new live Friday series where I will talk about various topics including health & fitness. Until next time,
Amanda
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