Lifestyle
8 Skin Superfoods You Haven't Heard Of And Need to Try
The correlation between diet and skin has been denied time and time again by dermatologists. However, recent studies have made it clear that dietary intervention may influence your complexion. This summer, on a search to naturally improve my skin, I did my research and tried a number of superfoods that have a number of properties that help to give you glowing skin.
By incorporating some of these into my diet, my skin appeared smoother, more hydrated, and less inflamed. Here's a list of some of my favorite skin superfoods that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine!
1. The Açaí Berry
You've probably seen the word "açaí" on the menu at your favorite smoothie joint. In addition to its Instagram-worthy smoothie bowls The açaí berry is packed with antioxidants that help protect our bodies against free radicals that speed up our aging process. This superfood is also high in Vitamin C, which plays an important role in building collagen in our to give you youthful and glowing skin. The açaí berry comes in puree packets and powder that you can easily add into your smoothies.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric powder has extreme anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that comes from curcumin, a bioactive component that is responsible for the superfood's bright orangey-yellow pigment. Turmeric is also known to help reduce acne and skin damage. It can be used topically as a mask with some honey, or it can be incorporated into your diet in the form of soups, lattes, juices, and more.
3. Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are extremely nutritious. They're rich in Gamma-Linolenic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that helps control inflammation and naturally balance hormones for clear, glowing skin. You can sprinkle hemp seeps on top of salads, yogurt bowls, or blend them into a smoothie.
4. The Goji Berry
Goji Berries contain 11 of the 22 essential dietary trace minerals, including calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, and selenium. These all help firm and plump your skin! These super berries are also rich in beta-carotene, a carotenoid that gives the skin a healthy glow. I like to add goji berries to my trail mix, on top of my oatmeal, or into my smoothies for an added boost.
5. Bee Pollen
What?! Bee pollen? You might be shocked, but it is actually one of the most nutritious, nourishing superfoods on this list. It contains more amino acids than beef, eggs, or cheese of equal weight, and is approximately 40% protein. Bee pollen also contains vitamins C and E, both of which stimulate collagen growth.
You only need a small amount of this superfood to reap the benefits. I like to top my smoothie bowls with them.
6. Cacao
From dense chocolate bars to gooey chocolate chip cookies, chocolate is definitely a staple in my life. What's not to love? Chocolate is made from cacao beans that are roasted to produce cocoa. Raw cacao itself provides a wide variety of health benefits that contribute to a glowing complexion. Its packed with antioxidants, numerous B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, iron and more.
The antioxidants found in cacao fights free radicals and protect our cells from premature oxidation and destruction. Using raw cacao powder or cacao nibs are the best ways to reap these benefits (I like to add them into my smoothies). However, I'm taking this as an incentive to eat more chocolate.
7. Chia Seeds
Ch-ch-ch-chia! Chia seeds are a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, iron, and calcium. Omega-3 fatty acids strengthen your skin, reduce inflammation and dryness, and increase circulation. You can top your oatmeal with them, add them to smoothies, or my personal favorite, use them to make delicious chia pudding.
8. Maca Powder
Maca powder is adaptogenic, meaning it supports an individual body to heal and balance specific to itself. A natural stimulant of the hypothalamus and pituitary, this superfood stimulates the endocrine glands to balance our hormones, which can help heal acne and other skin flare-ups. Maca powder is also rich in vitamin c, copper, and iron. I like to add a little bit of this superfood into my smoothies.
These superfoods are incredibly easy to incorporate into your daily diet, and can be found in most local health food stores. And hey, chocolate can be found almost anywhere, right?