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.

Words and photographs by Alexa Michelle.

Many would know or have heard of the health benefits to drinking tea as compared to drinking coffee. For those whose body system rejects caffeine, it is quite common you would order yourselves a cup of tea when having dessert or perhaps a drink over a short meeting.

Perhaps the other reason to tea drinking could be for those who enjoy the aromatic fragrance of the tealeaves before taking a sip of warm indulgence. The action is a little similar to how we drink wine.

Below we have included three tea recommendations and their health benefits.

The first tea on this list would be the chamoile tea – one that is found in most restaurants or cafes. Chamomile tea is known for its medicinal benefits such as remedy for migraines, stomach cramps and also to help improve sleep. Apart from placing a hot towel or facial mask over your face before heading to bed, try making yourself a small cup of chamomile tea the next time!

The second tea is the rose bud tea. It is said that the rose bud tea helps in the wellness of women, for good complexion and also to ease stomach bloatedness. Simply infuse the rose buds in hot water for about 3 minutes in the first and second brewing before serving.

Last but not least, for the ones with a sweet tooth, the third tea would be the Strawberry Cream fruit infusion tea. After infusing it in hot water for 6 – 8 minutes, the scent of strawberries will be filled in the air. This tea would make a great party choice for your guests.

And since it’s still the summer season, let the tea cool to room temperature, freeze it up with ice cubes and serve it chilled to compliment the hot weather! Though strawberries and cream might not be diabetic-friendly due to its natural sugar content, simply remember to drink in moderation or make it for special occasions to spice up a party!

About the writer:
In her free time, Alexa likes to visit museum exhibitions, reading or lying on the beach. Apart from having a sweet tooth, on selective food items of course, she also enjoys lounging to the beat of good tunes. Tempt her with tea and cakes if you could, weak spots do it right all the time. To read more of Alexa’s writings, please visit Pixiekrane.