Curious Facts

5 foods you should consume for envy-worthy skin

By Eloísa Carmona - 2020-11-06T09:50:10Z
A proper diet tailored to your needs will result in a healthy body, which means your skin will also benefit, especially if you include foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, healthy fats, or nutrients that provide vitamins.As good and surprising news, while researching foods that promote skin health, we found several delicious elements that you will surely find easy to include in your meals, such as avocado or dark chocolate.Without further ado, here we tell you which foods benefit your skin and what properties they have.Blue fishBlue fish, also known as fatty fish, such as salmon or sardines are excellent foods for healthy skin, as they are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, necessary to help keep it thick, flexible, and hydrated. In fact, a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids can cause dry skin.Additionally, fatty fish is also a source of vitamin E, one of the most important antioxidants for the skin, which helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and inflammation. Furthermore, they are a source of high-quality protein, necessary to maintain the strength and integrity of the skin.AvocadoAvocados are rich in healthy fats, important for helping to keep the skin flexible and hydrated. In addition, a study found that avocados contain compounds that may help protect the skin from sun damage, thus reducing the signs of aging.Sunflower seedsIn general, nuts and seeds are good sources of skin-stimulating nutrients, but especially sunflower seeds are a great example, as 28 grams of sunflower seeds contain 49% of the daily value for vitamin E, 41% of selenium, 14% of zinc, and 5.5 grams of protein.Red or yellow bell pepperBell peppers are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. They are also one of the best sources of vitamin C, necessary for creating collagen protein, which keeps the skin firm and strong.BroccoliBroccoli contains lutein, a carotenoid that acts like beta-carotene and helps protect the skin from oxidative damage, which can cause the skin to dry out and wrinkle.But broccoli florets also contain a special compound called sulforaphane, which has some impressive potential benefits, as it is a powerful protective agent against sun damage. It works in two ways: by neutralizing harmful free radicals and activating other protective systems in your body.Dark chocolateIf you needed one more reason to eat chocolate, here it is: the effects of cocoa on the skin are amazing. After 6 to 12 weeks of consuming high-antioxidant cocoa powder daily, participants in a study experienced thicker and more hydrated skin, as well as less rough and flaky skin, less sensitivity to sunburn, and better blood flow, which brings more nutrients to the skin.But it is important to ensure you choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa to maximize the benefits and keep added sugar to a minimum.