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If I had to pick between focusing on my skin or my hair, I think skin trumps hair. I could have a bad hair day and pull it back. But, I can’t hide my skin. That’s one reason I researched a list of the best foods for glowing skin.
I put a lot of effort into having healthy skin. We all have those friends that have beautiful, basically pore-less skin and they don’t do ANYTHING! I have one friend that just washed with bar soap for years, moisturized with whatever she had within arms reach. Still does it! Beautiful skin.
Well, unfortunately, I don’t fall into that category. Most of us don’t. I have high maintenance skin.
They all say beauty starts from within. That makes total sense. What we eat affects our skin as much or more then what we slather on top of it. It’s the largest organ in our body and it requires nutrients just like the rest of it.
So, here’s a rundown of the best foods we can put in our body for glowing skin!
Amino Acids…
Amino acids are great for the skin because they stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Collagen keeps it firm. Something we need more of as we age. It comes from the production of creatine. And creatine also helps to keep our skin hydrated.
Foods high in amino acids
- Spirulina
- Leafy Greens,
- Hemp Seeds
- Chia Seeds
- Soybeans
- Sunflower Seeds
- Lean Meats
- Chicken and Turkey Breast
- Red Meat
- Halibut, Tuna and Salmon
Omega-3’s
Many foods have omega-3’s artificially added, such as peanut butter, baby formula and cereal, the best are of course foods that contain them naturally. Foods containing DHA and EPA are the best kinds of omega-3’s, foods containing ALA are second best. But, really Omega-3’s do it all for your skin. Protect, re-hydrate, regenerate.
Foods high in Omega-3
- Mackerel
- Salmon Fish Oil
- Cod Liver Oil
- Walnuts
- Chia Seeds
- Herring
- Wild-Caught Salmon
- Flaxseeds
- Tuna
- White Fish
- Sardines
- Hemp Seeds
- Anchovies
- Natto
- Egg Yolks
Antioxidants
Antioxidants fight free radical damage, which can lead to aging skin. Antioxidants protect your healthy cells. Something we all need as we get older.
Foods highest in antioxidants:
- Goji Berries
- Wild Berries
- Dark Chocolate
- Pecans
- Artichoke
- Elderberries
- Kidney Beans
- Cranberries
- Blackberries
- Cilantro
Good fats
Good fats such as olive oil, eggs and avocado. Also, protein in general is essential to building collagen and elastin tissue. Grass-beef is great for that also.
And, here’s a biggie.
Yu-huh. This one’s obvious and you knew it was coming.
Water!
Very bad for your skin to be dehydrated.
Lastly, even if you don’t hyper focus on these foods. Lets be real here. Having a balanced diet will help in the end. Eliminating junky, greasy, basically gas-station foods are what you should be doing anyway. And, not just for your skin!
xo-Megan
Sources:
Dr. Axe: 15 Omega-3 Foods Your Body Needs Now
Dr. Axe: Top 10 High Antioxidant Foods
