Originally published May 18 2005
Balanced diet is important factor for healthy skin
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and foods rich in lycopene and omega-3 fatty acids can be more useful than over the counter skin-care products when it comes to keeping healthy and young-looking skin. Lycopene, an antioxidant that can be found in red fruits and vegetables, helps to reduce the risk of cancers, protects against sunburn and damage from ultraviolet rays, and helps to prevent premature aging. Foods rich in beta-carotene, which can be found in a variety of yellow, red, and orange foods, help to protect against sun damage. Omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in salmon and various nuts and oils, is useful to prevent inflammation and to protect against damage from ultra-violet rays.
Clinical nutritionist says all the skin-care and beauty products in the world won't keep your skin looking good if you're not eating the right foods.
You may even have been tempted to pick up a product that promises to keep your skin looking vibrant and young, wiping away wrinkles overnight.
But, says Health magazine contributor and clinical nutritionist Samantha Heller, all the skin-care and beauty products in the world won't keep your skin looking good if you're not eating the right foods.
Clinical studies have found that eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and omega-3 fatty acids can help skin retain its healthy glow and look youthful.
It's a proven antioxidant, and antioxidants are important because they reduce the risk of several types of cancer and they prevent the formation of harmful byproducts of metabolism called free radicals.
Free radicals are thought to be responsible for damaging the body's cells, as well as their genetic makeup.
In addition, studies are showing that lycopene in combination with other carotenoids may help to reduce sunburn and damage to skin from ultraviolet rays.
And when you protect the cells from damage and disintegration, you also guard against premature aging.
So in order to prevent damage to your skin, keep it looking younger, and give yourself added protection from the sun, you should include lycopene in your diet.
It's a form of vitamin A, and is an antioxidant that offers added protection against sun damage.
Inflammation triggers cells to clog pores, and that can cause acne.
Omega-3s also offer protection against ultraviolet ray-induced skin lesions, and decrease ultraviolet-induced inflammatory responses.
Micronutrients in foods can act as sponges to soak up destructive ultraviolet, help protect skin from harmful oxidants, repair skin damage, and modify biochemical skin responses to ultraviolet rays.
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