What we eat makes a significant impact on the health and appearance of our skin. Our body requires certain essential macro and micronutrients that promote its proper functioning. Therefore, healthy skin is a sign of a healthy human being who is eating a nutrient-rich diet and is getting proper exercise.
Causes of inflammation of the skin:
Foods that are particularly rich in vitamins A, C, D, and E, along with minerals such as zinc and selenium, and fatty acids are great for our skin. However, dairy products, processed foods, sugary foods, and greasy foods can take a toll on skin health by causing acne, making the skin less elastic, and even causing the skin to dry.
Bad food can also cause our faces to puff up. Redness, swelling, or puffiness is usually a sign of inflammation. Inflammation is our immune system’s way of recognizing and removing harmful stimuli. Some foods have anti-inflammatory properties. They remove the substances that cause inflammation in our body, thereby, reducing puffiness and swelling.
Let’s take a look at foods that have anti-inflammatory properties and which are good for skin health-
Fatty Fish- Fatty fish are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which help keep our skin thick, moisturized, and supple. The Omega-3 fatty acids also have anti-inflammatory properties and reduce the redness and swelling caused by acne. Fatty fish also protects the skin from the effects of the sun.
Blueberry- Blueberry is a fruit that is rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Flavonoids are an antioxidant present in blueberries that tackles inflammation. Blueberries can be enjoyed raw or even made into healthy desserts.
Turmeric- In India and a lot of other South Asian countries, turmeric is consumed when a person has a cold or is experiencing joint pain as it brings great relief and relaxes the body. Both consuming turmeric and making a skin mask with turmeric can benefit the skin greatly as it clears the skin by protecting the skin cells from free radicals and reduces inflammation.
Tomatoes- Tomatoes are a rich source of vitamin C, carotenoids, beta-carotene, and lycopene. All of these compounds promote healthy beautiful skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, promoting the production of collagen, and protecting the skin from the adverse effects of pollution and sunlight.
Green Tea- Green tea is a great source of epigallocatechin-3-gallate, an antioxidant that not only exhibits anti-inflammatory properties but also protects the skin by reducing oxidative stress and removing free radicals.
Nuts and seeds- Hazelnuts, pine nuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds have vitamin E that protects the skin from oxidative cell damage and in the process even reduces the inflammation caused by acne.
Sweet potatoes- Sweet potatoes are full of beta carotene and provitamin A. Beta carotene is a type of carotenoid that acts as a natural sunblock and even reduces sun damage. It adds a warm orange hue to the skin as well as reduces inflammation.
Leafy greens- Spinach, kale, collard greens, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli are a powerhouse of antioxidants and vitamins. The vitamin C present in many of these leafy green vegetables undoes sun damage and promotes the production of collagen and elastin. They are also a rich source of Vitamin E, a vitamin that reduces inflammation in the body.
Ginger- Just like turmeric, ginger is another aromatic that is used heavily in South Asian cuisines because of its many health benefits which include anti-inflammatory properties.
