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Natural foods that help tighten skin.
Getting older, poor nutrition and dieting can lead to skin that just doesn't ping back into shape like it use to. Despite the miracle claims from some companies; skin tightening creams do not always deliver the results we are looking for. However, that doesn't stop us layering on costly, chemical laden creams in the hope that our body will resume the shape of our younger selves.
Organically Pure firmly believes that skin health and beauty comes from within, and that the foods we eat is mirrored in the condition of our skin. Natural foods have a wealth of benefits in helping the skin to repair, renew and improve, this article will take a closer look at some of the foods you can incorporate into your daily diet to help restore your skin to it's former glory.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is widely used in most skin care creams for brightening, tightening and for radiant complexions, and this is food good reason. This vitamin is a potent antioxidant that helps mop up free radicals, but if this is not enough to get you heading for the fruit and veg aisles , then this might. This powerful, most sought after vitamin promotes the formation of collagen and elastin fibres, it helps in the growth and repair of body tissue. Collagen is a protein that is essential in the development of tendons, ligaments and blood vessels, all of which contribute to the foundation of our skins structure.
Benefits of vitamin c
- Supports the immune system
- Increases iron absorption
- Protects cells from oxidating damage
- Helps reduce the risk of heart disease, including coronary heart disease and stroke
- Helps in for formation of collagen, carnitine and catecholamines
- Maintains elasticity of the skin.
The best food sources for vitamin c
- Papaya
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Pineapple
- Citrus fruits
- Kiwi fruit
- Melons
- Kale
- Dark leafy greens
- Cauliflower
- Guavas
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another vitamin frequently found in skin creams and oils, its benefits are widely known and highly regarded. This is well deserved praise indeed, for Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that protects cell membranes by blocking free radicals; which play a significant role in the aging process.
The environment speeds up our skins aging process by way of ultra violet (UV) radiation, Vitamin E can help protect the skin against UV damage, although it is not considered a sun screen. Sunlight damages the skin by breaking down collagen and elastin, the antioxidants in vitamin E help mop-up the free radicals before this damage can occur.
Vitamin E also has anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce red complexions, and even out skin tone.
Benefits of vitamin E
- Antioxidant - protects cells from damage
- Supports a healthy immune system
- Helps regulate blood pressure
- Aids in the repair of muscles and skin damage
- Slows down the ageing process
- Balances cholesterol
- Balances hormones
- Thickens hair
- Improves vision
- Slows down the decline of Alzheimer's disease
The best food sources for Vitamin E
- Sunflower seeds
- Almonds
- Spinach
- Swiss Chard
- Avocado
- Turnip greens
- Kale
- Papaya
- Broccoli
- Olives
- Mustard greens
- Beet greens
Selenium
Selenium is a trace mineral that is vitally important to our skins health. It works much in the same way as Vitamin E, and when in synergy they make an excellent, more powerful team. Selenium has incredible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that protect cells from damage, the antioxidants neutralise compounds before the damage turns into wrinkles, thereby slowing down the signs of aging.
Epidemiological studies have shown that areas in the world with the highest levels of selenium in the soil, have the lowest death rates from cancer. Other studies have shown that selenium may play a role in prevention of skin cancer.
Just two Brazil nuts a day will provide you with your daily requirement of selenium. However, it must be noted that four Brazil nuts daily would be considered your safe upper limit.
Benefits of Selenium
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Promotes a healthy thyroid function
- Anti-aging
- Improves sperm motility
- Along with Vitamin E offers cardiovascular benefits.
The best food sources for Selenium
- Brazil nuts
- Chia seeds
- Brown rice
- Lima/pinto beans
- Tuna
- Sardines
- Salmon
- Turkey
- Cod
- Chicken
- Lamb
- Beef
Green tea
Green tea has well documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and, as previously mentioned, play a huge role in fighting free radicals, which leads to cell damage and aging. However, some studies have suggested that the polyphenols found in green tea promote collagen and elastin health, while the catechins in the tea prevent the breakdown of collagen.
Lycopene
Lycopene is the red pigment that provides colour to plants. It is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, protecting against UV radiation and cellular damage. Lycopene is known to protect cellular DNA, prevent the breakdown of collagen and encourage cell renewal.
Benefits of Lycopene
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Helps prevent heart disease
- Promotes a healthy sperm count
- Helps to prevent macular degeneration and cataracts
- Helps prevent skin aging
The best food sources for Lycopene
- Watermelon
- Tomatoes
- Guavas
- Papaya
- Asparagus
- Grapefruit
- Sweet red peppers
- Carrots
- Mango
- Red cabbage
Sulfur
Sulfur is a mineral with great skin properties including anti-aging, these benefits come from antioxidants, which provides protection against free radicals.
Sulfur helps cells eliminate toxins, making way for healthy nutrients to nourish the cells and improve cell health. Sulfur also helps to build collagen which is essential for skin elasticity and prevention of sagging skin and wrinkles. This amazing mineral is also well known to reduce acne with its healing anti-bacterial properties.
Benefits of Sulfur
- Fights acne - healing anti-bacterial properties
- Helps to heal Eczema
- Prevents dandruff
- Anti-aging
- Required for insulin production
- Detoxifies at the cellular level
- Builds flexible calls in the arteries and veins
- Promotes collagen production
- Can help curb food cravings
The best food sources for Sulfur
- Eggs
- Garlic
- Onions
- Red meat
- Red bell peppers
- Walnuts
- Kale
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Sprouts
As always, Organically Pure recommends that vitamins and minerals should be consumed via natural foods.
