These 9 foods can give you glowing skin

You are what you eat. Here's what you should consume for radiant skin.

By: Sunisha Amol Naik | | Updated: March 17, 2015 3:38 pm

To get glowing skin, you do not only have to rub the best lotions and creams on your face; you also have to eat right. A balanced diet not only helps you stay fit but also makes sure that your skin stays healthy and radiant. Though you should eat everything in moderation, there are certain food items that promote glowing skin and making them a part of your diet can do wonders for your complexion. Here are 9 such skin-friendly foods.

Citrus fruits

Their high vitamin C content, apart from adding that glow to the outer layer of your skin, also reduce the rate at which skin ages. The mild bleaching action of the citrus fruit juices helps in reducing skin pigmentation. They are also widely available and affordable. Have freshly made lemonade, whole oranges and sweet lime (mosambi) or add them to salads. Try and avoid readymade juices as they have huge amounts of unwanted sugar in them. Here are 10 natural sources of vitamin C.

Nuts

They are rich in vitamin E which is the most important antioxidant required for your skin. It protects your skin from damage and premature ageing of the facial tissues. The best way to relish nuts and preserve all the health benefits is to eat them raw, unsalted, with the skin. Of course you can also add sliced almonds, pistachios, cashew nuts on salad or cereals. Even better you can eat them raw for snacks. Here are nuts you should relish.

Green tea

The anti-inflammatory properties found in in green tea are simply unbelievable. Counted among the healthiest of all drinks green tea helps prevent or reduce the risk of skin cancer as well. Here are 6 more reasons to drink green tea. So fill a big thermos with green tea in the morning, and sip it all day — hot at first, over ice later, if you like. Start today, and continue drinking green tea every day for the rest of the week.

Yoghurt/Curd

Yoghurt has many healthy enzymes and adds natural oils to the skin. It can diminish pore size, a frequent nuisance for the skin, and can improve the overall skin texture, besides adding a healthy glow to your skin. To make yoghurt a staple in your daily diet we recommend you replace mayonnaise and salad dressings with yoghurt or try replacing ice cream and milkshake with frozen yoghurt and mixed fruit yoghurt smoothie. You could also try these curd packs for your skin and hair.

Berries

Berries help the body manufacture collagen which makes the skin supple and smooth. Berries (especially blueberries) are loaded with antioxidant compounds that are very effective in neutralising damaging free radicals caused by excessive UV exposure or from other sources. Rather than relying upon berries in baked desserts, eating raw berries is recommended because, like other fruits, raw berries provide you with the best flavour and the greatest nutritional benefits.

Sesame seeds

They are rich in vitamin E which prevents free radical damage to the skin. They also contain copper which is necessary for the production of a certain type of antioxidants that protects the skin. Readily available in your kirana shop, you can start using it in your daily meals effortlessly. Add crunchy, roasted sesame seeds to steamed vegetables or paneer, or to sautéed or chicken curries. You can even add it to noodles, pasta or just use it as salad dressing. You can even add sesame seeds to dishes like dhoklas, kachoris or dal wadas or sprinkle it over various veggies like til bhindi or dum aloo. You can also include sesame oil in your beauty regimen.

Carrots

For the ultimate anti-ageing, wrinkle-fighting boost, adding vegetables high in vitamin C, like carrots in your diet can greatly enhance its potential to protect and improve your skin. They are high in beta carotene which the body converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A is one of the most important nutrients for healthy skin.

Indian gooseberry (Amla)

It has an incredibly high content of vitamin C and is incredibly beneficial for the complexion. It also supports the immune system and moisturises the skin all at the same time. You’ll find it at any local fruit seller. You can make a murabba [sugar syrup preparation] with either whole fruits or grated amla. You could also make an amla pickle that is tangy and spicy. In case you prefer a drink, you can choose Amlana, which is a cool appetizer, or an amla-ginger punch. Or try these amla packs for your skin and hair.

Water

While the exact amount of water you should drink each day varies, no one disputes the role good hydration plays in keeping skin looking healthy and even young. When that hydration comes from pure, clean water – not liquids such as soda or even soups – experts say skin cells rejoice. But water can also affect your skin. Read more…

Try incorporating at least a few, if not all of these healthy potions in your daily meal and within a few days, you will certainly see the difference in your skin.

Published : March 17, 2015 11:05 am | Updated:March 17, 2015 3:38 pm

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