Radiant Skin Begins With Clean Plates

by: Lisa Roberts-Lehan (Clean Plates Author)

Glowing skin is anything but skin deep: our epidermis is often the visible scorecard for how well we eat. Here is a shortlist of my favorite go-to beauty foods. Look for these gems at your local farmer’s market, food co-op or health food store, and start noshing your way to luminous skin and glowing inner health.

Berries: Berry season is blossoming at farmers markets around the country. As rich sources of antioxidants, berries — strawberries, blueberries blackberries and raspberries — help protect your skin’s collagen from free radical damage (think wrinkles) caused by too much stress, sun, and pollutants. 

Dark Leafy Greens:  Dark green, leafy vegetables— kale, collards, chard, spinach, arugula, watercress, parsley, and wheat and barley grasses — are chlorophyll-rich foods available at local farmers markets. Chlorophyll is a pigment that catches the sun’s energy and emanates its benefits to you: Someone who eats plenty of greens has radiant skin.

Radishes: Farmers markets are brimming with organic spring radishes fresh from the field. This humble root might hold the triple crown of glowing skin: vitamin C, sulfur and silicon all support collagen production and help keep skin moist and elastic.

Dark Chocolate and Raw Cacao: The benefits of cacao in high quality, organic, raw chocolate and 70% dark chocolate seem endless. The super dose of antioxidants helps increase hydration, improves blood flow, enhances texture and cell renewal. Cacao has a high concentration of the mineral sulfur, known to promote beautiful skin.

Flax, Hemp and Chia Seeds: These beautifying seeds are rich sources of ALA (alpha-linoleic acid) omega-3 fatty acids. High levels of ALA help prevent wrinkles and protect against sun damage, resulting in youthful, nourished skin that glows!

Olive Oil: Mediterranean cultures have long appreciated this green elixir for its healthful properties: Organic, cold-pressed olive oil is rich in vitamin E and omega 6 fatty acids. These nutrients help keep skin looking soft, smooth and radiant.

Lastly: Dry, rough and dull skin is often a sign of dehydration. Ensure your body is hydrated and keep skin moist and supple by drinking plenty of water.

Full post with more photos available here: https://national.cleanplates.com/health-nutrition/radiant-skin/