The Best Foods for Your Skin

The Best Foods for Your Skin Photo by Valentinian via Flickr Lycopene  can be found in red fruits and vegetables, and is effective in blocking the damaging effects of UV rays, helping prevent sunburn and skin cancer. Eating tomatoes, watermelon, and red peppers will help protect your skin as you bronze up this spring. Beta-Carotene is found abundantly in orange vegetables and leafy greens. I always grew up hearing that eating tons of carrots would help improve your eye sight but in addition to being great for your eyes, foods rich in beta-carotene will also help protect against sunburn and skin cancer. Be sure to stock up on carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and kale during your next visit down the produce aisle. Flavonoids  are usually found in berries, onions, green tea, and dark chocolate. Flavanoids have anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties and will help to strengthen the blood vessels under the skin and stabilize your elastin and collagen production. This will help minimize the appearance of your pores and help keep your skin looking firm. Asorbic Acid (Vitamin C)  can be found in oranges, papayas, broccoli, kale, and brussel sprouts. Vitamin C is the key to collagen production which gives skin its firmness and strength. It also helps create scar tissue and is the key to helping the skin repair itself. Vitamin C may help reduce sunburn and the appearance of dark spots. Vitamin E can be found in nuts, eggs, leafy green vegetables and whole grains, and is the most powerful anti-oxidant of them all! Vitamin E is essential to healthy skin, but the body cannot produce on its own, which is why including it as a key component of your diet is important. Try incorporating these anti-oxidants into your daily diet and watch as your skin transforms from dull and pasty to healthy and glowing.