Vegetables for your Skin

Fruits and vegetables are vital to our health but many of us are guilty of the lack of these included in our diet. Instead, the processed food that we so commonly eat outweighs the intake of fruits and vegetables which are rich sources of nutrients, vitamins and fibre, essential to our overall well-being.

Following up on our previous blog post on fruits, we now share with you which kinds of vegetables can benefit your skin (and of course your health too)!

Carrots

Carrots are high in beta carotene, which are absorbed into the body to aid in the production of Vitamin A, which is necessary for healthy, glowing skin. Large amounts of vitamins (K, C and B6) and carotenoids (anti-oxidants) found in Carrots can help combat free radicals that causes damage to skin cells. Consuming Carrot juice can also keep your skin hydrated. However, do eat Carrots in moderation as excessive consumption may cause the skin to have a slight yellow/orange tinge.

Broccoli

High concentrations of Vitamin A and Vitamin C can be found in this cruciferous vegetable. Vitamin A helps in the production of healthy cells in the skin, while Vitamin C helps the skin with collagen repair and production, while protecting the skin from free radical damage. Broccoli also contains a great source of folate, which is essential in healthy cell regeneration, and sulforaphane, which studies have shown that it helps in reducing incidences of cancer.

Tomatoes

Studies have shown that properties in tomatoes help function as an internal sunscreen that blocks harmful UV rays. High concentrations of Lycopene found in tomatoes also help in skin renewal, and has anti-ageing properties for the skin. Moreover, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium and Potassium in Tomatoes are effective in tightening your pores, and also work as an astringent to deep-clean. For a quick home DIY facial, try mashing up tomatoes and apply to a clean face.

Garlic

Garlic is widely known for its strong medicinal value, despite its pungent smell and taste. Holding anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties, Garlic helps to relieve skin bacterial infections thereby helping the skin to stay clear and free from impurities! The large number of antioxidants present will also make your skin healthy and looking young.

Potato

Potatoes are high in starch and thus are a good source of carbohydrates, but it also means that they are culprits to your weight gain. However, do you know that Potatoes can be included into your skincare regime as well? Potatoes have properties that make it an anti-aging agent. Washing your face daily with potato juice may help improve the skin’s clarity, and even reduce appearances of wrinkles! Additionally, you may wish to cut a few slices of raw potatoes and place them over your eyes to reduce dark eye circles.

Cucumber

Cucumbers are often used in skincare products as it is really an effective vegetable that helps one to achieve glowing skin, treat various skin problems and even reducing dark eye circles. Containing antioxidants and large amounts of water, Cucumbers help to moisturize and hydrate tired skin. Cucumbers can also help to reduce redness of the skin. Also, Vitamin C in Cucumbers aids in collagen production, which helps to promote elasticity in our skin.

Avocado

Avocado is rich in nutrients and vitamins A, C and E which helps to soothe and soften the skin. Also present is Niacin (Vitamin B3) which helps to soothe dry, irritated, or red blotchy skin. Avocadoes are also great for making facial masks at home as their buttery texture allows easy application, and what’s more is that the various nutrients and vitamins can be easily absorbed into the skin, leaving your skin feeling smooth and soft after application.

As the saying goes, “you are, what you eat”. Don’t forget the importance of including both fruits and vegetables into your diet for a healthier you, and a healthier skin. Fruits and vegetables have abundant nutrients and vitamins that act as our skin food whether they are being consumed, or applied as a mask!

A repost from http://porcelainfacespa.com/blog/, facial sponsor of me.