***Secrets to Healthy Skin

It is an old saying that we are what we eat, and that sentiment definitely holds true when it comes to our skin. Our skin is not only our body’s biggest organ but it completely replenishes itself every seven years So it deserves all the nutritional TLC we can give it. So take a look at what you’ve been feeding yourself, and therefore feeding your skin.

One the most important components of skin health is to supply it with plenty of vitamin A. and one of the best sources of vitamin A include low-fat dairy products, cod liver oil, sweet potatoes, carrots, leafy vegetables, and fortified breakfast cereals. For example, low-fat yogurt is not only a good source of Vitamin A, but also acidophilus, the "live" bacteria that is good for intestinal health. This live bacteria also have an impact on the skin, since it aids in digestion that helps to flush the body of waste.

In addition, you should also consume foods that are rich in antioxidants, such as fruits and berries. Other fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants include artichokes, black, red, and pinto beans, prunes, and pecans. Fruit juices and fruit juice concentrates including cherry juice and wild blueberry juice are another way to the antioxidant benefit of these particular fruits. For example, 100grams of tart cherry juice concentrate delivers over 5000 ORAC units. However, when drinking fruit juice concentrates make sure they are 100% natural and provide a sediment-free guarantee. Sediment occurs when the juice concentrate begins to break down and settle on the bottom of the bottle. This can be an indication of poor quality fruit juice concentrate.

According the nutritionists a person some consume 3,000 – 6,000 ORAC units per day to help fight the destructive effects of free radicals on the body. This in turn guards against premature aging, and keeps skin looking younger longer.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are another way to keep your skin health. Foods such as salmon, walnuts, canola oil, and flax seed are good sources of EFA. EFAs keep cell membranes healthy, and allow nutrients to pass through.

We also need healthy oils, which contain more than essential fatty acids. Eating good-quality oils helps keep skin lubricated and keeps it looking and feeling healthier overall. Look for oils that are cold pressed, such as olive or extra virgin oil. We only need about two tablespoons a day of healthy oils, so use wisely.

Selenium plays an important role in the health of skin cells. Turn to foods like Whole-wheat bread, muffins, and cereals; turkey, tuna and brazil nuts for this important nutrient. Recent studies show that if selenium levels are high, even skin damaged by the sun may only suffer minimal, if any, damage.
Choosing the whole grain versions of complex carbohydrates can have a significant effect on insulin levels. Processed and refined sugars can cause inflammation that may ultimately be linked to skin break outs.

Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties, and it protects the membrane of the cell. It may even help prevent or reduce skin related issues.
Water plays such an important role in your overall health, and it has a profound effect on your skin’s health as well. Well-hydrated skin is healthy and young-looking. It also helps move the toxins out of your system so they have less chance to do damage.