We can’t help but admire beauty models or picture-perfect Korean idols with their smooth healthy skin, and sometimes despite our best efforts at skincare doesn’t seem to be able to improve our situation. While for some it might be due to dermal issues, for the rest of us, the problem might just be in our diets.

Beyond cutting down on the obvious culprits behind poor skin such as oily and greasy food, getting more rest and drinking more water, a complete diet overall sounds far too difficult for most of us. Instead, here we’ve done up a list of simple everyday food to increase our daily intake of to give our skin that extra nourishment it needs.

AVOCADO

Beyond being a millennial’s favourite superfood, avocados are also rich in beneficial fats and contain vitamins E and C, both of which protect the skin from oxidative damage and to create collagen. The specific type of healthy fats present in avocados are also commonly associated with springy and supple skin, so all the more reason you have to grab an avocado milkshake.

Photo Credit: EatingWell

BROCCOLI

Full of vitamins, minerals and carotenoid important for skin health — zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C and lutein — these work together to protect the skin from oxidative damage that normally causes the skin to become dry and wrinkled. Broccoli also contains a special compound called sulforaphane that’s a powerful protective agent against sun damage, boasting some of the most impressive anti-cancer effects found in food too.

DARK CHOCOLATE

As if we need another reason to consume more chocolate, but thanks to its high antioxidant properties, apart from reducing harmful stress hormones that break down collagen in the skin, it also helps the skin to withstand over twice as much UV radiation. Studies have also shown participants experiencing thicker, more hydrated skin that was less susceptible to sunburn and had better blood flow. Overall it also helped to prevent the formation of wrinkles too!

FATTY FISH

We’ve heard the term “omega 3” thrown around a lot in the past decades, but what exactly does it do? Apart from keeping skin thick, supple and moisturized, it also helped to reduce inflammation — the main cause behind redness and acne. It also fights other inflammatory and autoimmune conditions that affect the skin, such as psoriasis and lupus. Of course, that just gives us all the more reasons to indulge in salmon.

GREEN TEA

Green tea can perhaps be considered the healthiest beverage on Earth and is known to improve brain function and weight loss. But apart from those, it also helps to improve skin elasticity and protect against sun damage. Green tea is high in polyphenols and a specific type of antioxidant called catechins that reduces the redness of the skin while improving moisture and elasticity.

RED WINE

Red wine contains resveratrol, a certain type of antioxidant that has anti-cancer effects and pro-collagen effects on the skin. It has also been shown to help with reducing the effects of ageing by slowing down the production of harmful free radicals that damage skin cells. However, it is recommended to drink in moderation as excessive amounts of alcohol would harm the liver, and ultimately the skin too.

SOY

While soy is the usual go-to for meat substitutes in vegetarian and vegan diets, it’s also extremely beneficial for skin care. It contains plenty of isoflavones that can either mimic or block estrogens in the body, whereby daily consumption actually helps to reduce fine wrinkles by improving skin elasticity. On top of that, it also improves skin dryness and increases collagen that keeps the skin smooth and strong.

SWEET POTATO

Interestingly enough, the nutrient found in sweet potato — known as beta-carotene — functions as provitamin A, meaning that it can be converted into vitamin A in the body. While it’s found in other sources like oranges and carrots, sweet potatoes are far richer and can provide four times as much of vitamin A to protect the skin from UV and sun damage. It also adds a warm, orange tone to the skin and gives you a healthier looking glow.

TOMATO

A fantastic source of Vitamin C, Tomatoes contain all of the major carotenoids — including lycopene, lutein and beta-carotene — all of which have been proven to improve the efficacy of sun protection. Having plenty of major carotenoids also makes it an excellent food choice for maintaining healthy skin. Whether as tomato paste or cooked tomato, fairing it with a good source of fat such as cheese or olive oil would boost absorption of carotenoids!

Photo Credit: Marsha

WALNUTS

We all know that eating more walnuts is beneficial for brain development, but there’s actually many more characteristics that make them an excellent food for healthy skin. Just like fatty fish, they’re rich in omega 3 and even more so than most other nuts. One handful of walnuts also contains 6% of the recommended daily intake for zinc that’s essential for healing wounds and combatting bacteria and inflammation of the skin. Still, it’s advised not to take more than 10 walnuts a day due to the amounts high omega 6.

Word has gotten around that Apple Cider Vinegar is a health elixir, boasting numerous health benefits as well as being incredibly affordable. But what exactly are these health benefits?

As foul as apple cider vinegar smells and tastes, we have here some health benefits that will make you consider having this “miracle liquid” a part of your health regime.

DIGESTION

You would think that something acidic like apple cider vinegar may cause acid reflux and other gastric problems, but surprisingly, it does the complete opposite. Apple cider vinegar turns alkaline when it enters the digestive system, which in turn helps to balance stomach acids, prevent bloating as well as aids in digestion.

Photo Credit: StyleCraze

HELPS ACNE AND ACNE SCARS

Our skin is naturally acidic, but this acidity is disrupted by the use of face products, which leads to acne problems. Apple cider vinegar solves this but returning the acidity to our skin, which helps to kill bacteria and dead skin cells, leaving your pores smaller, your scars faded and your skin tone more even.

HELPS YOU TO LOSE WEIGHT

If you’re feeling a bit flabby and are looking into ways to lose some of not so loved love handles, you can try taking at least 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar a day to help you in your weight loss journey. Its been proven that consistent consumption of apple cider vinegar over a long period of time can with aid in overall weight loss, especially in the belly area.

Photo Credit: NHS

GOODBYE DANDRUFF

Would you believe us if we told you that apple cider vinegar can help you get rid of your pesky dandruff problems? The enzymes in the apple cider vinegar fight the bacteria and fungus that causes dandruff, helping to open up your clogged pores while acting as a conditioner. Just spritz some apple cider vinegar mixed with water on your scalp and let it do its magic.

LOWERS BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS AND HELPS WITH DIABETES

If you or a loved one are struggling with diabetes, apple cider can help you make it all a little easier. Its been proven that apple cider vinegar helps to reduce blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity. Even if you don’t have diabetes, consuming apple cider vinegar can help in the prevention of future blood sugar problems. Prevention is always better than cure!

PROTECTIVE EFFECTS AGAINST CANCER

If you’re scared of cancer and are looking for preventive measures to take to protect yourself from the possibility of it, you can turn to apple cider vinegar for help. It has been found to have anti-tumor effects, which in turn can reduce your risk of getting cancer.

Photo Credit: Greenteasource

REMOVE STAINS FROM YOUR TEETH 

If you’re embarrassed of smiling because your teeth aren’t as pearly white as you want them to be, don’t worry, apple cider vinegar can you with that problem. Just rub your teeth directly with apple cider vinegar and rinse it off later with water. Give it a few months and your pearly whites will be ready to face the world.

Photo Credit: Tuscaloosaent

SOOTHES A SORE THROAT

Run out of Strepsils or cough syrup? Don’t panic, all you need to do is gargle a mixture of apple cider vinegar and warm water, and it can help you to ease and alleviate the pain in your throat.

Green eats, healthy eats, we all want it all, but sometimes it’s just too much effort to prepare our own meals every day. And more often than not, the foods we tend to consume as a result of limited time, are usually the ones loaded with unhealthy amounts of fat.

Instead of reaching for those pre-packed vending machine salads or the ones that are sold at commercial cafes, make life easy and more exciting by heading down to these amazing salad bars in Singapore.

Who said healthy food, let alone a big bowl of vegetables, was boring?

AFTERGLOW BY ANGLOW

Feast both your eyes and your stomach on the spread offered here at Afterglow By Anglow. Using ingredients only sourced from local and Thai farmers, Afterglow builds their platters from scratch to give you nothing but the best quality.

While they also have baked, grilled and cooked options, their raw versions look the best in photos. So for all of you Instagram fanatics out there, take note.

24 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089131
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park

HARVEST

Located right opposite i12 Katong. This homely salad and protein bowl bar features an extensive range of fresh ingredients of which you can pick to customise your very own healthy bowl.

What makes them stand out from other salad bars is their use of sous vide in cooking their protein to ensure even and consistent cooking, after which they complete it by searing or flame-torching.

81 East Coast Road #01-01
Singapore 428785
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Eunos

Photo Credit: Levitise

MAHOTA COMMUNE

An all in one eat, drink and shop space, Mahota Commune keeps true to their motto of “we grow what we cook, we cook what we sell”.

Within Mahota Commune you can find both Mahota Kitchen and Mahota Pantry, both of which pay extreme attention to details for each of their carefully crafted menus so the food served not only tastes good but looks good too.

809 French Road
Level 3 Kitchener Complex
Singapore 200809
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Lavender

MUNCH SALADSMITH

Munch Saladsmith is one of the more popular and longer-standing salad places in the CBD, offering a whole range of wholesome and natural foods such as sandwiches and salads.

The salads alone have more than 60 concoctions, all of which are freshly (and painstakingly) hand-cut upon order.

1 Raffles Place
#B1-16 One Raffles Place
Singapore 048616
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 8am – 9.30pm
Sat: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

SALMON SAMURAI

Opened by the same guys behind Tanuki Raw, Standing Sushi Bar and The Secret Mermaid, Salmon Samurai is meant for busy people looking for healthy meals on the go.

Serving up the king of omega 3 on a bed of your desired base for just S$9.90, Salmon Samurai is both affordable and the perfect way to settle your health and sashimi cravings at once.

100 Tras Street
#01-11 100AM
Singapore 079027
Daily: 11am – 11am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

THE DAILY CUT

Known for their protein-filled salad and rice bowls, generous portions and affordable pricing, The Daily Cut is a hot favourite among gym-goers and office workers alike. Unlike most salad bars, The Daily Cut serves up even ribeye steaks with their salads.

For the vegetarians, they offer tofu selections for their protein section too.

1 Raffles Place #B1-31
Singapore 048616
Mon to Fri: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 8.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 3.30pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

THE GREEN BAR

The Green Bar serves up a creative blend of ingredients that are not only fresh but refreshingly jam-packed with flavours. All their salad combinations are tried-and-tested and carefully arranged in a wooden bowl for you to enjoy.

Using only freshly imported greens and homemade dressings, their salads will leave you thoroughly satisfied.

9 Raffles Boulevard
Millenia Walk
Singapore 039596
Mon to Fri: 11am – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Promenade

TOSS & TURN

Opened by Cedele, Toss & Turn is one of our favourite salad bars in Singapore for wholesome and affordable salad. The DIY salad station with unusual ingredients and dressings such as goat cheese and plum sesame.

Of course, they also offer the usual Cedele sandwiches and cakes alongside soup for the salads here.

2 Orchard Turn
#B4-55 Ion Orchard
Singapore 238801
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Photo Credit: Julius Lee

WELL DRESSED SALAD BAR

Well Dressed Salad Bar’s motto of “Meatless doesn’t mean tasteless” shines through in their salads, so much so that you really won’t miss the meat at all.

From pulled jackfruits, spiced beans and vegetarian ham topped with scrambled tofu and creamy guacamole, there’s not much else that you can ask for. Every component is well thought of

282 South Bridge Road
Singapore 058831
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Chinatown

Photo Credit: Wheat Baumkuchen

WHEAT BAUMKUCHEN

WHEAT is the go-to for Japanese and Asian-inspired flavours in humble salad bowls. They pay special attention to their noodle varieties as well as premium sauces.

As they’re approved by the Health Promotion Board as a Healthier Dining Partner, all their meals are kept below 500 calories.

International Plaza #01-19
10 Anson Road
Singapore 079903
(Closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 10am – 8.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Here is a list of best food to add to your daily diet for good and healthy skin.

Tomatoes have lycopene which works as a sunscreen for the skin. It is also rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K. Trust me when I say that tomatoes are good for your skin. Ever since I started eating them regularly, my skin complexion has improved tremendously.

Water Your body is composed of 60% water. Drinking more water helps to replenish your body fluids, and make your skin glow.

Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which is a required nutrient for healthy skin. Like tomatoes, they also contain high levels of antioxidants, which prevent free radical damage of skin cells.

Green Tea is filled with antioxidants which are good against free radicals. Research has also shown that the antioxidants in green tea can help to fight against skin cancer.

Salmon is high in healthy fatty acids like Omega-3, that are key for achieving healthy skin.

There is no secret for eating well. The simplest tip to healthy eating is to watch what you put into your mouth. We should always eat good and healthy food. It’s all about eating in moderation and striking the right balance.