Can we eat our way to radiant skin?
I would like to try.
Beautiful skin starts with nourishment from within.
It seems true we are what we eat so I asked Lily to simplify my choices, to give me three elements to work on. She suggested three ways each day to focus and improve not only how my skin looks but also how I feel.
I won’t be dropping any of my skincare routines or relegating my best products to the back shelf but I will be upping my food intake with her suggestions.
Thank you Lily; you are my voice of reason when I most need it. A little reminder every now and then always helps, don’t you think?
Eat Your Way To Radiant Skin
1. Get your daily dose of vitamin C to boost collagen production
Collagen is the structural component of the skin that keeps it looking supple and youthful. As we age, collagen production declines. This ultimately reduces the structural integrity of the skin leading to wrinkles and sagging skin.
Vitamin C is a critical nutrient involved in the formation of collagen. By increasing vitamin C consumption we can stimulate collagen synthesis, which ultimately slows the signs of ageing.
To ensure you’re getting your daily dose of vitamin C, try to incorporate these vitamin C rich foods into your diet: broccoli, strawberries, kale, Brussels sprouts, red peppers, kiwis and oranges.
- 2. Fight wrinkles and skin sagging with antioxidants
Antioxidants are absolutely vital to protect from damage against harmful free radicals produced by sun, pollution, smoke, alcohol and stress.
Free radical damage is one of the main culprits of accelerated aging. Increased consumption of antioxidants can protect against damage to skin cells and further wrinkles from forming.
Top skin antioxidants are vitamin C, E, zinc and beta-carotene, which can be obtained from a diet rich colourful fruit and vegetables as well as nuts, seeds, and avocado.
- 3. Avoid sugar and avoid wrinkles, lines and discolouration
It is now being said, that sugar can be as ageing as sun damage or even smoking.
The reason for this is that excess sugar and refined carbohydrate consumption results in a damaging process called glycation. This is where sugar molecules permanently bond to protein molecules forming advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs cause huge damage to the skin, reducing its elasticity – a key factor in ageing and sagging skin.
Glycation and the production of AGEs is the same process, which happens when BBQ’ing or browning food, which can put into perspective what this process may be doing to our skin.
A blood sugar balancing diet is so essential to youthful skin. Consumption of good quality protein, healthy fats, whole grains and packing in the veg can ensure you be well on the way to radiant skin.
Eat Your Way To Radiant Skin by Lily Soutter
Lily Soutter is a Nutritionist & Nutritional Therapist
Learn more about Lily @lilysoutternutrition.com
image, marc jacob
