While most ladies are consistent with their skincare routine and invest in high quality skincare products to maintain their complexion, do remember that beautiful skin starts from within. Yes, your skin is an important organ requiring much attention, and it reflects how healthy you are. Our diet and lifestyle play a part in making you feel and look good. It’s important to keep your skin enriched with essential vitamins and minerals from natural foods. Here we share 5 foods that will transform dull, lifeless skin into healthy, glowing skin and make you beach-ready!
1. Broccoli
Broccoli is undeniably a bunch of goodness; it contains so many vitamins and minerals beneficial to our skin. First of all, it has Vitamin C, which stimulates collagen production and contains antioxidant properties that prevent skin damage by free radicals. Vitamin A in this cruciferous vegetable prevents damage by UV radiation. Moreover, broccoli is loaded with beta-carotene, Vitamin E and Vitamin B complex which nourishes our skin. More importantly, it contains a substance called sulforaphane, which helps to control redness from sun exposure and reduces the risk of skin cancer. This vegetable improves our skin immune system and gives a natural glow to your complexion through the nutrients it offers, letting you sparkle from within.
It’s best to cook broccoli over boiling water for 3-4 minutes (just enough to soften it but not too long so as to retain its nutrients) and tossed with olive oil and a pinch of salt.
2. Papaya
Tropical fruits are the perfect complement to summer! The papaya fruit impresses us with its combination of nutrients promoting healthy skin. A prominent one is Papain, which has exfoliating properties and works by breaking down proteins and eliminating dead skin cells. (Wonderful, isn’t it?) This also means that it can prevent premature aging. Papaya also has Vitamin A, protecting our skin from damage. It also has anti-cancerous and anti-inflammatory properties. Best of all, it promotes skin firming and gives us a glowing complexion. So remember to have your slice of papaya before hitting the beach!
3. Tomato
The tomato is a rich source of potassium, and contains the essential nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. It also contains a natural pigment called Lycopene, which gives it its bright red colour. The benefits do not end here. As an antioxidant, Lycopene helps prevent UVA and UVB damage, which means it can help protect against sunburn and skin aging caused by sunlight exposure. Sounds like a good internal sunscreen, isn't it?
It’s a good idea to eat tomatoes both raw and cooked, as each option offers different benefits. While eating tomatoes raw can help retain vitamins that are sensitive to heat, cooking tomatoes allows easier absorption of Lycopene.
4. Tofu
If you want skin as soft and smooth as tofu, then eat it! Tofu makes a very good replacement for meat since it contains mainly polyunsaturated fats and is rich in calcium, protein as well as minerals such as iron, copper and manganese. The proteins in tofu work in boosting skin elasticity, making your skin look younger and firmer. There's so much more to tofu, such as reducing the risk of osteoporosis, heart disease and even breast cancer.
Tofu tastes best when it is sautéed and mixed into a salad, or steamed with soy sauce.
5. Avocado
For ladies who love the sun, it is important to keep your skin hydrated. Avocado is known for its moisturizing properties, making your skin soft and supple from the inside. In particular, Lutein helps our body to retain moisture and maintain skin elasticity. It is also rich in nutrients, including fiber, potassium, and vitamins. On top of that, it speeds up the absorption of carotenoids such as beta-carotene; so you get to receive more nutrients from other foods too. Here’s a bonus tip: you can even apply mashed avocado on your face to brighten up your sunspots!
A refreshing way to eat avocado: blend with milk to create a milkshake.
With glowing, well-hydrated skin, you are all ready to hit the beach!