Can You Eat Your Way to Younger-Looking Skin?
Posted by Jen Conroy on
You’ve no doubt heard that “you are what you eat,” and nutrition experts couldn’t agree more. Your diet affects everything, from your blood sugar level to the cells of your skin. Here’s a look at five foods that may help your dermis achieve age-defying radiance, compliments of healthline®, a trusted online source for all things health-related.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Considered one of the healthiest fats on the planet, extra virgin olive oil is a panacea of sorts, lowering blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease, and even fighting cancer. Research indicates that extra virgin olive oil also has strong anti-inflammatory effects and may help protect skin from sun damage. What’s more, an astounding 73% of olive oil contains monounsaturated fat, which is associated with increased skin elasticity and firmness.
Green Tea
High in a variety of antioxidants, which combat the damaging effect of free radicals (unstable molecules that form in response to stress), green tea is packed with polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that helps to fight diabetes, insulin resistance, inflammation, and heart disease. Polyphenols may also help protect collagen, the main protein in your skin.
Fatty Fish
Chock-full of omega-3 fatty acids, fatty fish like salmon help protect against heart disease, inflammation, and ulcerative colitis. Salmon is particularly effective because it contains a carotenoid antioxidant called astaxanthin, which gives it the pretty pink color. In one study, people with sun-damaged skin who were given a combo of astaxanthin and collagen for 12 weeks experienced significant improvements in skin elasticity and hydration.
Avocados
In addition to being a heart-healthy food rich in fiber and several essential vitamins and minerals, avocados are rich with polyhydroxylated fatty alcohols, unique compounds that help skin by fighting inflammation, thwarting UV damage, and helping to repair damaged DNA.
Dark Chocolate
Last, but far from least, dark chocolate is one of our most indulgent skin-friendly foods. Containing more antioxidants than acai berries, blueberries, or cranberries, dark chocolate’s magic ingredient is flavanols, which have been shown to protect skin from sun damage and improve blood flow to skin. One study revealed that people who consumed high-flavanol dark chocolate showed enhanced skin hydration, smoothness, and thickness.
Our goal is to help you achieve optimal wellness both inside and out! To learn more tips for keeping your skin looking healthy and luminous, call 877.337.6227 to find an Environ stockist and skin care expert near you.