Forget expensive blush and complicated routines. The secret to radiant skin might be hiding in your kitchen. Recent scientific discoveries are revealing that certain foods can deliver a natural glow that makeup can only imitate. Remember, the radiance starts from the inside, and it just manifests on the outside. Here are 10 foods that will make your colleagues ask for your skincare and makeup secrets.
10. Bone Broth
Different bones offer different benefits: beef bones are rich in Type III collagen, which specifically supports skin and blood vessel health. Meanwhile, chicken bones provide other types. This liquid gold is also packed with amino acids like glycine and proline, which are essential building blocks for creating your own healthy collagen.
9. Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are packed with beta-carotene, an antioxidant that your body converts into vitamin A. This essential vitamin is a powerhouse for skin health that stimulates cell turnover to help fade your blemishes. One study also revealed that sweet potato root extract works well with beta-carotene to significantly boost collagen production.
8. Green Tea
Your afternoon tea break just became an important skincare step. Green tea is filled with antioxidants called catechins (GTCs), which neutralize the free radicals that cause premature aging. Recent studies have also shown that drinking green tea can actually help protect your skin both inside and out against harmful UV radiation by reducing redness and inflammation caused by sun exposure. Another study found that applying green tea extract led to a 50% reduction in acne.
7. Sunflower Seeds
A single one-ounce serving of sunflower seeds delivers nearly half of your daily recommended vitamin E, which is crucial for skin health. But the real magic happens when vitamin E teams up with selenium, another mineral in sunflower seeds. Together, they form a powerful anti-inflammatory duo that can calm irritated, acne-prone skin.
6. Walnuts
Walnuts are one of the richest plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fats are crucial for maintaining your skin’s natural barrier, as they lock in moisture. A diet rich in omega-3s can help reduce skin roughness and inflammation, which leads to a smoother and even complexion. Walnuts are also a good source of vitamin E, which protects your skin from damage.
5. Red Bell Peppers
Believe it or not, red bell peppers are one of the most potent sources of vitamin C. This is also crucial for collagen production, which is the protein that keeps your skin firm and youthful. They are also loaded with carotenoids, a powerful antioxidant that protects your skin from sun damage and environmental toxins. Always opt for red bell peppers as they work best among its other color varieties.
4. Pomegranate
A study revealed that pomegranate extract can significantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin hydration, and even boost Type I collagen, which keeps your skin firm and plump. The real secret, however, lies in the peel as it contains an even higher concentration of powerful antioxidants of punicalagin and ellagic acid. These compounds have been shown to inhibit the enzymes that break down collagen and protect against photoaging caused by UV exposure.
3. Watermelon
Think tomatoes are the king of lycopene? Nope, watermelon contains significantly more of this powerful antioxidant, which acts as a natural internal sunscreen. Lycopene helps protect your skin from harmful UVB radiation as it reduces redness and prevents the cellular damage that leads to premature aging. While it’s not a replacement for your daily SPF, a diet rich in lycopene can give your skin an extra layer of defense.
2. Dark Chocolate
Don’t feel surprised, as it’s based on science. The flavanols improve blood flow to the skin, which delivers more oxygen and nutrients for a vibrant appearance. Also, stress is a major contributor to skin problems, and dark chocolate is a mood boost that helps achieve a happy glow. Note to get them with at least 85% cacao to get the healthy skin benefits.
1. Kiwi With Peel
While the fruit itself is exceptionally high in vitamin C, recent discoveries have revealed that eating the fuzzy peel along with the fruit contains collagen-boosting benefits. The peel is packed with additional fiber and antioxidants that work with the fruit’s vitamin C to stimulate collagen synthesis, which helps to reduce fine lines and maintain skin firmness.