Healthy, glowing skin starts on the inside. Here’s a list of nutritious foods that can improve your overall well-being AND your complexion.
- Tomatoes. They’ve got lots of lycopene, which helps protect against sun damage. Heating them up renders their powers even more effective.
- Mangoes, papaya and apricots. These tasty fruits are chock full of pigments called carotenoids, which can improve skin coloring. So eat up, and regain your rosy glow!
- Sweet potatoes. Not only are they delish, they’ve got lots of Vitamin C, which stimulates collagen production and smooths wrinkles.
- Spinach. All along, your parents and Popeye have been preaching to you about this leafy vitamin. But did you know it’s great for your skin too? According to a U.S. News and World Report story, “A study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that folks who ate the most spinach developed half as many skin tumors over 11 years as those who ate the smallest amount. That’s likely because the folate in spinach helps maintain and repair DNA, reducing the likelihood of cancer-cell growth.”
- Cocoa powder. Yep, you heard right! Antioxidants in cocoa powder called flavonals protect against sun damage and reduce skin roughness. According to the U.S. News story, “Just a few ounces a day—or a standard Hershey’s Dark Chocolate bar—is sufficient. Another tasty way to get enough? Spoon some cocoa powder into your morning coffee.”
To discover more foods that contribute to skin health, check out this great story.