Eat These Superfoods for a Healthy Summer Glow
Summer may not officially begin until June 21, but it’s never too early to add some more fruits, vegetables and seeds to your diet! Not only can doing so improve your overall health, but many nutritionists say that what you eat has a greater influence on the beauty of your skin than pricey creams and specialized routines do. To maximize your summer glow, consider working a few of these powerhouse superfoods into your menu every day.
Seeds – Chock full of essential fatty acids like omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9, hemp, pumpkin and flax seeds have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is often at the root of skin problems including redness, blemishes and wrinkles, so adding seeds to your diet can help you prevent those issues. Sprinkle them on a salad, stir them into your yogurt, add them to your granola, or blend them into a smoothie.
The Secret Life of Veggies
Radishes – Not only do radishes add a delightful crunch to salads and make perfect dippers for protein-rich hummus, but they are also loaded with silicon, vitamin C and sulfur. Together, these compounds work to stimulate the circulatory system and boost collagen for plump, glowing skin.
Avocado – Whether you spread it on toast, layer it on a sandwich, or smash it into guacamole for an afternoon snack, creamy avocado is supremely satisfying. Avocados may help you feel fuller for longer—making it easier to stick to a low-calorie diet. It also delivers a hefty dose of healthy vitamins (like vitamin E) and biotin, which can keep your skin smooth and resilient. Not a fan of avocado? Try smashing it along with a couple of other ingredients to make a smooth and creamy face mask!
Dark Leafy Greens – From arugula and spinach to kaleand collard, dark leafy greens are packed with vitamins A+C, sulfur and chlorophyll. They’re also versatile and delicious, whether you choose to eat them raw in salads and smoothies, lightly sautéed or stewed. Dark greens also help aid in clearer, younger looking skin so no need to spend a few on the newest glow creams!
Ginger – Whether you toss it into a stir-fry or mince it for a salad dressing, ginger is full of skin-beautifying zinc. Zinc helps to control your skin’s production of oil as well as regulate the hormones that often create acne. Other Zinc-rich foods include pumpkin seeds and pecans.
Fruit of the Loom
Melons – Few fruits scream summer like melon. Thanks to their high water content, watermelon, cucumber, honeydew and cantaloupe are supremely hydrating. They’re also high in vitamin C, helping your skin remain dewy, firm and wrinkle-free. Eat them on their own or add melon to salads and fruit smoothies. You can even blend melon and freeze the puree into popsicles for a refreshing treat that will leave your body smiling.
Tomatoes – Rich in carotenoids, a phytonutrient that gives fruits and vegetables their color, tomatoes can brighten your dull winter complexion based on an article by YouBeauty. They also contain lycopene, which may increase your skin’s natural protection against sunburn and pollutants. Tomatoes are an easy addition to salads, sandwiches, and—when combined with some other healthy ingredients—yield a simple fresh salsa.
Cherries – High in vitamin C and potassium, luscious summer cherries help your skin produce collagen and stay hydrated and glowing. Delicious on their own, cherries are also a yummy addition in salads and salsas. And if you’ve yet to try them, roasted cherries go fabulously with grilled chicken or pork.
Coconut Water – Unlike sports drinks, coconut water is loaded with electrolytes and free of sugar. Sip it on the beach, after a vigorous workout, on a picnic, or whenever you’re feeling parched and dry this summer. It will help you stay hydrated and also contains potassium, which boosts circulation and makes your skin glow.
