The 9 Foods You Should Be Eating For Your Skin This Summer Memorial Day weekend brought barbecues, picnics, and beach parties, which means that despite summers official start on June 21, the season is already underway for many of us. But before you toss back more hot dogs, chips or beer, think about how it might affect how you look and feel—and no, we dont mean your waistline. Its not just the sun that can age your skin, Paula Simpson, a biochemist and holistic nutritionist who specializes in supplement formulation for skin health, told HuffPost. Diet influences skin at the cellular level, and since skin is our largest organ, its also the first to show nutrient deficiency. In order to keep a healthy glow inside and out this season, Simpson stresses eating well and hydrating correctly (in addition to slathering on sunscreen, of course). Read on for her list of foods that will help you look and feel your best all summer long. 1. Watermelon This symbol of summer is around 90 percent water, which hydrates the body. Its loaded with vitamin C, which is required for healthy collagen production, Simpson said. Its antioxidant properties make it a free radical scavenger, she says, which helps prevent signs of aging. 2. Berries Fresh produce like blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries are delicious in their prime, but Simpson really loves them because theyre packed with antioxidants, which can protect skin from the damaging effects of the sun. 3. Pineapple Along with vitamins and minerals, this tropical fruit contains bromelain, thought to fight inflammation. Lessening inflammation may bring some comfort for people with sunburns, Simpson says. 4. Citrus Fruits Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes—name a citrus fruit and its probably good for your skin, says Simpson. Their vitamin C and amino acids, like proline and lysine, play a role in collagen production, which can keep skin looking young. 5. Cucumber Weve all seen cucumber used to relieve puffy eyes, but Simpson points out you should be consuming cukes for healthy skin, too. Cucumbers are mostly water, so they hydrate and replenish the body and skin. 6. Tomatoes Simpson calls tomatoes the perfect food to protect skin cells, thanks to their lycopene, which not only promotes collagen production but also fights off fine lines and wrinkles. 7. Dandelion Greens Tis the season for salads, and if dandelion greens arent already a part of your mix, they should be, notes Simpson. Youll get more than your daily dose of vitamins A and K, as well as a good deal of collagen-producing C. Its also used for skin conditions like acne and eczema, according to WebMD. 8. Salmon Seafood by the beach is a popular treat this time of year, and Simpson suggests ordering salmon if you want your skin to appear dewy and plump. The omega-3 fatty acids in the fish are a key component of how skin cells regulate oil production. 9. Coconut Water Instead of reaching for sugar-laden sports drinks, Simpson encourages getting electrolytes from coconut water. It supports youthful and supple skin, she says, thanks to its hydrating powers and its hearty dose of potassium, which can help deliver more nutrients and oxygen to the skin by boosting circulation, Prevention reported. Whats on your summer menu? Tell us in the comments below! Lauren Mikler
Posted on: Fri, 06 Jun 2014 19:00:01 +0000
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