5 Superfoods For A Glowing Skin

An assortment of superfoods can be consumed for glowing skin and good health

‘You are what you Eat’, this age-old adage has stood the test of time and how. So, what is the ideal diet for radiant skin and general well-being? The truth is, one cannot pinpoint the best food, however, an assortment of superfoods can be consumed for glowing skin and good health.

There is no doubt that natural foods can improve our skin’s health by keeping the skin hydrated and youthful for a longer time. Eating natural and organic foods regularly makes our skin glowing and young. Therefore, it’s sacrosanct to keep a watch on what we eat and drink. One should reduce intake of red meat, excessive fat and sugar. A part of our daily diet must consist of fresh fruits and vegetables, as much as possible.

In summers, when the loss of fluids in our body is greater, eat summer fruits like watermelon, cucumber and so on – which hydrates as they are high in water content. Taking in enough water and fluids stimulates blood circulation, keeping the skin hydrated and cleansed of toxins.

So, prepare your ‘Bucket List’, take a note of these 5 superfoods, whilst making sure you don’t give in to your unhealthy food cravings which can cause ill health and dull skin. Shahnaz Husain, Beauty Icon and CMD, Shahnaz Husain Group shares 5 superfoods for a glowing skin:

1. Sweet Potato

   There’s no reason to go carb-free just because you’re after perfect skin. Sweet potatoes are a great option because of their high levels of vitamin A. Vitamin A derivatives have been shown to help reduce oil production in the skin, and are used to treat acne and help impart a natural glow and also makes your skin softer and younger. Its high levels of beta-carotene means sweet potato benefits skin by fighting the free radicals that cause skin ageing too.

2. Yogurt

   Probiotic Yogurts contain a variety of active bacteria cultures that aid in digestion. Lactobacillus Acidophilus is one bacterium that aids digestion in the small intestine. Lactic Acid, one of the main nutrients in Yogurt forms a key ingredient in several skincare products. Lactic Acid is a great exfoliate and skin moisturizer. It works as an anti-aging agent by reducing the visibility of wrinkles and preventing new wrinkles and fine lines from forming. Yogurt is also replete with Zinc, Vitamins B2, B5 and B12. Vitamin B2, or Riboflavin, helps keep the skin hydrated, protects the skin cells from the damage caused by free radicals, helps in cellular regeneration, and plays an important role in the manufacturing of healthy cellular fats. 1 cup of yogurt offers you 20 to 30 percent of our daily recommended amount of Riboflavin.

3. Quinoa

   Quinoa is a flowering plant that belongs to the “Amaranth” family. This protein-packed grain is well-known in the kitchen, but its high levels of riboflavin make it a superstar for your skin. Riboflavin lends a hand to your skin’s elasticity and the production of connective tissue, which helps even things out and makes fine lines and wrinkles look less prominent.

4. Cucumber

   The key to luminous skin is hydration. Water intake is important as the skin is a mirror of the body’s moisture levels. Cucumber, which has a very highwater content, offers us an excellent way to ‘Eat your Water.’ Eating hydrating fruits and vegetables, such as cucumber, is an excellent way to add to our overall hydration levels too, which will in turn promote glowing skin.

5. Oysters

   Well known for their aphrodisiac qualities, saltwater mollusks – Oysters which live in marine habitats such as bays and oceans, are excellent sources of zinc and other trace minerals like copper, iron and selenium that are needed in small amounts in the body. The above mentioned minerals present in oysters have a lot to offer in terms of improving immunity and skin health.

   Zinc maintains the skin’s defence against infection and promotes wound healing. Of all foods, Oysters contain the maximum Zinc per serving.

The trace minerals present in Oysters have skin enhancing qualities. Copper improves skin elasticity and reduces wrinkles, whereas a deficiency in Selenium may make the skin more sensitive to oxidative stress.