Want Healthy Skin? Look to your Plate

The saying is true: you are what you eat. So if you want healthy skin, take a look at what’s on your plate! Skin is the largest organ in the human body and you can keep it looking great with a well-balanced diet. What exactly is a “skin-healthy” diet? Here’s what you need to know:

Add Some Variety to Your Diet
Vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, selenium, zinc and vitamin E all play a role in skin health. If you’re deficient in any of these nutrients, your skin can suffer. In fact, many skin care products use commercially produced forms of these nutrients to rid the skin of acne, wrinkles, and dullness. Instead of spending a fortune on skin care creams, try getting good nutrition for your skin the natural way by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean sources of protein.

Eat Your Antioxidants
Antioxidants can help to prevent skin damage by blocking the effects of free radicals, which damage cells throughout the body. Since the skin is particularly prone to damage from the sun, eating a diet rich in antioxidants can help protect your skin. Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of antioxidants, so when you’re at ShopRite stock up on fresh, frozen and canned. Be sure to choose a variety of fruits and vegetables since each provides different nutrients and antioxidants. Blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, strawberries, broccoli, carrots, and spinach are just a few.

Make Half Your Grains Whole
Filling up on whole grains leaves less room for refined (“white”) grains. Refined grains can spike insulin levels, causing inflammation. Make half of your day’s grains whole and keep skin looking and feeling great. The extra vitamins and minerals found in whole grains are an added bonus!

Essential Fatty Acids
Fats are an essential part of a healthy diet, but be sure to choose healthy, unsaturated fats found in some plant sources, nuts, and fish. Fatty acids help to make up our cell membranes which helps keep water and nutrients inside our body. They also help to reduce inflammation. For healthy skin, choose omega-3 fatty acids such as flaxseeds, walnuts, salmon, halibut, and mackerel. And, always exercise portion control.

Stay Hydrated with Water
Good old H2O is the way to go for optimal skin health! Hydrated skin means healthy skin and there is no better way to stay hydrated than with water. Water provides moisture and rids the body of toxins and waste. Aim for 48-64 oz. (6-8 cups) each day for healthy skin.

Try our suggestions for a skin-healthy diet your skin will thank you! And, next time you stop by your local ShopRite don’t forget to fill your cart with skin-healthy foods!