Worth the reminder
#Repost @functional.foods
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Our skin health is an outward reflection of our internal health. When we desire strong radiant skin, we often look for these “silver bullet” skin care products that claim to give us youthful skin.
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When we have a lusterless complexion, one that appears, inflamed, saggy, and wrinkled, we need to look deeper to restore healthy looking skin. Skin cells, like all cells, need nourishment to grow.
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When we adopt a standard American diet, one that is devoid of phytonutrients, and laden with refined sugars, industrialized vegetable oils, and fried foods, we create massive amounts of free radicals.
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The oxidative stress induced by these free radicals in turn creates an inflammatory response. Impaired detox pathways, underlying gut dysbiosis, and hormonal imbalances are some other root causes to explore!
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So, what should we focus on to improve our skin complexion? Consume more foods rich in omega 3s and high antioxidant foods, while minimizing processed carbohydrates and sugar which drive insulin (skin aging) and oxidized vegetable oils.
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Salmon and oily fish like sardines are high in DHA & EPA which hydrate skin and provide cell structure. Glycine and other amino acids from fish are integral for collagen synthesis, which give our skin structural integrity. The antioxidant capacity of astaxanthin also helps protect the skin from UV damage.
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Walnuts and seeds such as pumpkin are high in vitamin E, zinc (important in skin repair), copper, and ALA.
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Avocados are high in vitamin E, lutein/zeaxanthin, and contain non-sunscreen protection from UV induced sun damage.
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Olives and olive oil are high in vitamin E which protects against oxidative damage. People in the Mediterranean apply olive oil to their skin, many of whom swear by it.
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Broccoli and other Brassica vegetables contain high amounts of sulforaphane, which is involved in phase II conjugation reactions.
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Bioflavonoids in grapefruit aid in phase I biotransformation. Both Brassica and citrus are high in vitamin C, a neutralizer of free radical damage.
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Sweet potatoes and carrots are rich in fat soluble carotenoids which can squelch oxidative damage.
#foodasmedicine
