Eat your way to healthy skin
Your skin is the window to your overall health. If you feel like your skin is dull and dry, maybe you should take a closer look at what you’re eating because the state of your skin is largely a reflection of your diet. Achieve healthier, younger-looking skin by eating food rich in antioxidants, vitamin C and E, and essential fatty acids, among others.
“The skin is the largest body part of the body and one of the most vital ones. Aside from using skincare products, you can take better care of your skin by eating food that’s beneficial for the skin such as salmon, berries, and green tea. In addition to eating right, healthy skin can be achieved through regular exercise and adequate sleep,” says MediCard president and CEO Dr. Nicky Montoya.
Here are some of the best foods for glowing, healthy skin:
• Green tea. “Green tea has numerous health benefits, especially for the skin. According to studies, drinking green tea also helps prevent skin cancer. We suggest drinking at least one cup of green tea daily to efficiently reap its benefits,” Dr. Montoya says. Drinking green tea also helps lessen facial redness. In addition to antioxidants, enzymes, and amino acids, green tea also has antiinflammatory properties that may help delay skin aging. It also flushes out toxins from the body, giving you clear and supple skin. Also, green tea improves blood circulation, which is essential for healthy skin.
• Sunflower seeds. Rich in vitamin E and beta-carotene, sunflower seeds keep the skin young and healthy. They protect the skin from free radical damage, help diminish the appearance of scars, combat UV rays, and delay the onset of wrinkles. Sunflowers are packed with essential fatty acids that increase the production of collagen and elastin, essential components for a smooth and soft skin.
• Salmon. This superfood is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which help the skin maintain its elasticity. Eating salmon also increases the skin’s ability to protect itself against the sun’s damaging rays. It also reduces inflammation and helps prevent skin cancer. Dr. Montoya recommends eating salmon three times a week for radiant skin.
• Berries. Berries not only help keep you healthy, they do wonders for the skin, too. They are packed with antioxidants and antiinflammatory properties, vitamins, minerals, and flavonoids. “Opt for berries rich in color like red, blue, and black as these contain the highest level of antioxidants, protect your skin from aging, and keep your skin supple and hydrated,” says Dr. Montoya.
• Greek yogurt. Full of essential nutrients and vitamins, Greek yogurt is not only good for the digestive tract but for the skin as well. It is an anti-aging food as protein from dairy is known to help skin become firmer. Eating Greek yogurt also nurtures vital cells, breaks down harmful cells and bacteria in the body, thus preventing wrinkles and giving you flawless, glowing skin. Furthermore, yogurt also increases good bacteria in the body, which help fight acne-causing bacteria.
Learn more on how to take care of your skin. MediCard has numerous free-standing clinics located in key cities nationwide that offer consultations, tests, and vaccinations. Visit a MediCard clinic near you or check out www. medicardphils.com for more information.