They say that a way to a man’s heart is through their stomach. Well the same could be said of your skin. New research and studies are finding that showing your belly some love could lead to clearer, more radiant skin. Here are some of our favourite tips to get your healthy bellies get a little kick start.
- Switch your oils and fats – research suggests that choosing the right oils and fats for your body can help to keep your skin soft and supple and looking more radiant. Change the way you cook by opting for oils like extra virgin olive oil (drizzling on salads), olive oil (sautéing), and coconut or red palm oil (high-heat cooking). Try to eat healthy omega 3 fats, which can be found in some fish like salmon or trout, and flax seed and chia seeds, on a regular basis.
- Eat pretty – What does that mean? Eat foods that are diverse in colour. Fresh fruits and vegetables that have that blue/purple (blueberries) and red (cherries) pigmentation usually mean that they have a higher quantity of anthocyanin which is a great source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are great for protecting the skin against free radicals, which ultimately helps to prevent signs of ageing. Fruits and vegetables are also great sources of vitamin C, which helps to synthesize collagen.
- Reduce your sugar intake - Sugar attaches to the protein collagen in a process called glycosylation or glycation. A study in the Journal of Experimental Gerentology found that the accumulation of these in the skin can contribute to the loss of skin elasticity, assisting in the ageing process.
- Eat more protein to promote production of healthy collagen – Ever think that those protein powders were only made for those men wanting to bulk up at the gym? Think again. Rather than having a bowl full of sugary cereal, opt for a protein-rich smoothie filled with assorted fruits, vegetables, some Greek yoghurt and of course, your favourite protein powder.
- Keep hydrated – Keeping your body adequately hydrated helps to maintain nutrients in your cells and excrete toxins from your body. Studies suggest that about two cups of water a day can help improve blood flow to your skin.
Good luck and keep happy and healthy!
References
Abbie Kozolchyk, The Good Skin Diet: 10 Foods for Healthier Skin, Fitness Magazine, http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/healthy-eating/superfoods/best-foods-for-good-skin/?page=2
JJ Virgin, 5 Strategies for Vibrant, Healthy Summer Skin, Huffpost: Healthy Living, 26/6/2014, www.huffingtonpost.com/jj-virgin/healthy-skin_b_5519809.html#
Lisa Guy, Eat Your Way to Healthier Skin In 7 Days, Body + Soul, http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/nutrition/nutrition+tips/eat+your+way+to+healthier+skin+in+7+days,14141
Photo credit Yong-Li Zhou