Feed Your Skin: Foods to Keep Your Skin Healthy and Youthful
by Ann Karcich

We've all laughed at the expression "you are what you eat" but it's no joke.  A balanced diet will help supply the nutrients your skin needs to stay moist and supple.  Here are some powerhouse foods to help your skin maintain that healthy glow.
 
French Fries, Anyone?
Sorry, it's not French fries but one baked potato that can supply 25-100% (depending on the potato variety) of an adult's daily copper requirement.  Copper works with zinc and vitamin C in the body to produce elastin which makes your skin look firmer.  If potatoes aren't on your to-die-for foods list, try this to relieve under-eye dark or puffy areas.  Grate a raw potato and wrap it in gauze.  Lie down and apply the gauze wraps to the under-eye area.  Remove the wraps after 15-30 minutes.
 
Good For Your Skin, Hair, Heart ...
Seafood, particularly wild salmon and tuna fish, are excellent food sources of omega-3 fatty acids.  A note of caution here - pregnant women and children should restrict their consumption of tuna fish because of environmental contaminants in the fish.  Non-seafood sources of omega-3's are walnuts and flaxseed.  Be sure to grind the flaxseed before eating so that the body can absorb the nutrients.   Unground flaxseed will pass right through the body without being absorbed.  Recent research has shown improvements in skin softness and suppleness, acne, skin sun sensitivity and psoriasis with the addition of omega-3's to the diet.  And for a bonus, there is ample evidence that omega-3's in the diet are beneficial for heart health.
 
Relax With a Cup of Green Tea
There's a growing body of research-supported evidence of the considerable skin benefits from drinking green tea.  Skin damage from sun exposure is reduced when green tea is consumed.  And animal studies have shown reduced skin cancer with regular green tea intake.  It is likely that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of green tea can reduce signs of skin aging.  The benefits of green tea can be obtained by drinking the tea or by taking capsules containing the active ingredients from green tea.
 
How About an Alligator Pear?
The alligator pear, named because of its lizard-like skin, is known to most of us as the avocado.  Avocados are packed with vitamins A, B, D and E as well as the mineral potassium.  The skin-smoothing and moisturizing benefits of avocados can be obtained by eating them (try adding slices to your favorite salad) or by applying creams made with avocado oil directly to the skin.  Avocados also contain glutathione, an antioxidant critical in preventing heart disease, cancer and aging.
 
Eggs at the Breakfast Table - And At the Spa
Eggs contain vitamins A (good for skin), D (bone strengthener), E (antioxidant properties) and several B vitamins (energy production from food). They are also a source of many minerals needed by our bodies for optimal functioning.  All of these nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy skin, hair and nails. 
 
And for a quick facial, try smoothing the egg white from one egg on your face.  Gently wash the egg white off after a few minutes and see the improvements in the smoothness and tone of your skin.
 
Try adding one of more of these foods to your diet.  Simple changes like these can have amazing benefits both for your skin and your overall health.  Happy eating!