Food has a very important role in a healthy lifestyle. Some foods can give us radiant and fabulous skin, and some have medicinal powers and can help improve the immune system, mood, beauty, and signs of aging. Remember that drinking water, sleeping well, and smart nutrition are key!
When it comes to super foods, we need balance. There are plenty of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in this Super Foods list, which is based on studies and research to improve skin radiance and prevent some illness. After all, skin is the biggest organ and one of the most important parts of the body.
Improve your health— and the look of your skin— by adding these super foods to your diet. It is easy and you will see improvements very quickly.
1. Dark chocolate improves your mood, and a good mood is very important to live healthy. The phytochemicals in dark chocolate could also possibly improve blood flow to all the parts of your body, including the brain, the sexual organs and the skin.
2. Nuts and seeds are natural snacks and are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamin E and potassium, and are high in minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc. Nuts help maintain collagen and also improve hair health, and protect us from heart disease, cancer and weight gain.
3. Salmon contains key fats and protein essential for health. Salmon is especially high in omega-3 fatty acids that are basic for beautiful skin and hair. Salmon is also rich in niacin and vitamin B6, reduces inflammation, enhances radiance, reduces wrinkles and puffiness, and increases skin smoothness and firmness. Sounds good, and tastes even better!!
4. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and lycopene, and help prevent wrinkles and dark spots.
5. Berries are delicious! Strawberries contain more than 100 milligrams of vitamin C, which plays an important role in collagen production to prevent wrinkles. Strawberries also contain calcium,magnesium, folate and potassium, and are rich in salicylic acid, which helps to improve the appearance of whiteheads and blackheads. Berries also contain phytochemicals and flavonoids that may help prevent some forms of cancer. Blueberries and raspberries contain lutein for vision health.
6. Sweet potatoes have large amounts of beta-carotene, which protects against the damage that sun exposure will cause.
7. Olive oil improves the look of your skin, is good for heart health, and reduces risk of cancer because it contains healthy fats and polyphenols. It also has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.
8. White tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, which contains antioxidants. White tea helps control obesity and prevents cancer. It also helps prevent acne, and drinking white tea every day helps keep the skin more rejuvenated.
9. Leafy greens, such as spinach, kale and mustard greens, provide valuable amounts of nutrients, including beta-carotene, calcium and lutein— plant-based nutrients that support the health and appearance of the skin.
10. Avocados supply rich amounts of nutrients, including vitamin E— a nutrient associated with improved hair and skin tone. Monounsaturated fats in avocadoes are linked with improved heart health and reduced risk for a variety of conditions and disease.
Now it’s time to enjoy those amazing and delicious super foods, and remember to use a good sun protector, take your vitamins and SMILE every day. Smiling rejuvenates!
I love to hear comments and answer questions, so please do not hesitate to write me on twitter (@marcelatribin) andFacebook!
References:
http://www.ehow.com/about_6509423_strawberries-good-skin_.html, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salicylic_acid,http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellagic_acid, http://www.care2.com/greenliving/strawberries-kitchen-cupboard-beauty.html
Seeram NP, “Berry fruits for cancer prevention:current status and future prospects.” JAgric Food Chem.2008Feb13
Nuts and Seeds Provide Health Benefits by S.Steve Dounis http://healthynutrition.me/?p=977
Health Benefits of Berries by Shereen Jegtvig, About.com Guide Updates July 09, 2012
Darvin M, Patzelt A, Gehse S, Schanzer S, Benderoth C, Sterry W, Ladermann J “Cutaneous concentration of Lycopene correlates significantly with the roughness of the skin” Eur Pharm Biopharm.2008 Aug
Superfoods That May Help Prevent Cancer By Shereen Jegtvig, About.com Guidehttp://nutrition.about.com/od/foodfun/tp/superfoodsforcancer.htm
Baron Ed, Swain FR,Matsui M, Marenus K, Maes D, Cooper KD, Stevens SR “Efficacy of topical white tea against UV-induces Langerhans cell depletion and DNA damage in humane skin.” University Hospitals of Cleveland/Case Western reserve University, Cleveland Ohio and Estee Lauder companies Melville NY USA 2003
Sohle J, Knott A, Holtzman U, Siegner R, Gronniger E, Schepky A, Gallinat S Wenck H, Stab F, Winnefeld M “White Tea extract induces lipolytic activity and hinibits adipogenesis in humans subcutaneous9pre)-adipocytes” Nutrition and Metabolism 2009
http://healthyfood-list.blogspot.com/2011/11/beauty-healthy-skin-tomato-benefits.html