Eat Your Way to Better Skin Health

By Stepy Kamei

You've probably heard the phrase, "You are what you eat" before. This phrase rings true when it comes to the health of your entire body, but especially so in terms of the well-being of the largest organ in your body -- your skin. Eating the right foods for your skin health is about more than merely looks -- well-nourished skin can benefit many important aspects of your overall health and wellness too. Keep on reading to learn more about the foods you should and shouldn't be eating in order to boost the health of your skin.

Eat: Fatty Fish

If it has the word "fat" in it, you may be tempted to avoid it and think it's unhealthy. As it turns out, some types of fat are not only good for your health, but downright necessary to maintaining your overall well-being. That's because healthy fatty fish are loaded with skin-boosting nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, which keep skin moisturized and supple. Fatty fish are also loaded with Vitamin E and zinc, which both work to fight inflammation from damaging the cells of the skin.

The types of fish that are best for receiving these important nutrients are salmon, mackerel, and herring.

Eat: Nuts and Seeds

Raw nuts are another fantastic source of Vitamin E, the antioxidant that restores skin health while protecting the skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. Walnuts, almonds, and sunflower seeds in particular are fantastic for boosting skin health. Be sure to add these to your salads for a nutritious boost of flavor, or simply pack a handful of mixed nuts and seeds in your bag as a snack to munch on throughout the day.

Eat: Broccoli 

Broccoli florets are loaded with important vitamins and minerals that can do wonders for many aspects of your well-being, including your skin's. Broccoli contains healthy amounts of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and zinc. Furthermore, it also contains a compound known as lutein, which is a carotenoid that's similar to beta-carotene. Lutein works to prevent skin from becoming dry and wrinkled by protecting the skin from oxidization and other damage.

Avoid: Sugar and Salt

People who eat a diet that's high in processed sugar and sodium tend to experience duller, less supple skin as well, and the connection is not a coincidence. A diet that's high in added sugar and salt is a diet that increases inflammation in the body, which is simply damaging for your overall well-being. Your skin can reveal this by looking less taut and radiant than if you were eating a more nutritious diet.

Do your best to stick with foods that are whole and minimally processed in order to start seeing glowing, supple skin.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Weston, Fla.