The Secret to Glowing Skin

Hey girls.. The secret to healthy and beautiful skin does not lie in expensive skin creams, but in what we eat. Beauty is skin deep and what you eat reflects on your skin. Junk foods and coffee are highly processed, which makes the skin lose its radiance. A research at the University of St. Andrews has found that eating two servings of vegetables daily can make a visible difference to the skin’s health. The phytochemicals, fiber, antioxidants and other important nutrients present in vegetables improve the quality of the skin by making it beautiful and luminous. Today we present 10 vegetables that can help to make your skin appear glowing and healthy. 1. Beans: Beans are a good source of B complex vitamins like niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid and pyridoxine that are required for the normal functioning of the cells. Beans contain biotin, a mineral that forms the structure of the skin cells, while niacin helps the skin to retain its moisture. Edamame beans are rich in isoflavones, which scavenge the free radicals produced by constant exposure to the sun. It also keeps the skin firm by preventing collagen breakdown. 2. Sweet potatoes: Vitamin A in sweet potatoes contains anti-inflammatory properties, fighting acne-causing bacteria. It also provides Vitamin E to the skin, which is required to regenerate the skin cells. Sweet potatoes regulate the fluctuation of blood sugar by combating stress. Vitamin A also helps to improve the circulation of oxygen to the skin. It enables the skin to hold in moisture, relieving dryness and flaky skin.
3. Beets: Beetroot is a great source of anthocyanin - an antioxidant that reduces inflammation and slows down the aging process. This vegetable in rich in Vitamin A, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and Vitamin E, which is essential for epidermal health. These nutrients eliminate the toxins from the body, endowing you with glowing skin. 4. Carrots: Carrot is not only beneficial for the eyesight, but is excellent for the skin as well. Carrots contain beta-carotene, which gets converted into Vitamin A in the body. This acts as an anti-oxidant, reverting skin aging and cell damage. It produces new skin cells and helps to get rid of the old ones, giving you bright and beautiful skin. 5. Broccoli: Broccoli contains a compound that boosts the DNA repair cells and aids new cell production. Vitamin C in broccoli synthesizes collagen, a fibrous protein that keeps the skin firm. Broccoli is also a great source of sulforaphane, which heals UV rays induced damage. The high water content in broccoli keeps the body hydrated, maintaining the elasticity of the skin. The essential nutrients like Vitamins A, B, C, E and K revive the luminosity of the skin and repair the damaged tissues. Omega 3 fatty acids in broccoli aid the proper functioning of the skin cells and prevent skin dryness. 6. Lemons: Lemon is an excellent source of Vitamin C, a primary skin care ingredient used in most beauty treatments. It neutralizes the free radicals that damage the skin and cause premature aging. Lemons contain natural bleaching properties that help to lighten blemishes, acne scars and pigmentation. Drink lemon water on an empty stomach to fight cellulite and get clear skin. 7. Green leafy vegetables: Green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, collard greens, and lettuce are some of the best vegetables for glowing skin. Spinach is loaded with antioxidants that can help to reduce the onset of wrinkles by strengthening the skin tissues. Kale is one of the best sources of beta-carotene, an anti-ageing antioxidant that protects the skin from the onset of aging. It contains lutein and zeaxanthin, the carotenoids that protect the skin from UV rays. It also contains manganese, an enzyme that helps to fight free radical damage. Green leafy vegetables also act as a powerful cleansing agent by flushing out the toxins and excess fluids from the body. Regular consumption of green leafy vegetables may help to cure skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, burns, sunburn, pigmentation and skin scaling. Moreover, leafy vegetables are also a good source of iron that helps to treat dark circles around the eyes. 8. Pumpkin: Pumpkin is a good source of beta-carotene, a compound that lends it its bright orange color. Beta-carotene, as mentioned earlier, protects the skin from UV rays induced damage. It keeps the immune system healthy, preventing the attack of viruses. Vitamin K in pumpkin also helps to reverse under-eye dark circles. 9. Artichoke: Artichoke is a woody, fibrous vegetable that is linked to healthier skin and skin luminosity. The vegetable is used as an herbal remedy in skin creams owing to its high antioxidant properties. Artichokes contain silymarin and cybarin, which support the liver and gallbladder. It also eases digestion, eliminating wastes and discharges from the body. This in turn removes dullness and gives a natural glow to the skin. Daily consumption may also help to reduce eye puffiness. 10. Cucumber: Cucumber is one of the best vegetables for the skin. Cucumber paste, when applied on the skin, provides a calming effect after long-term sun exposure. The juice provides purifying and detoxifying properties, preventing acne and other skin inflammations. It also eliminates liquids from the body, clearing freckles and blemishes. Include the above veggies in your diet and welcome clear and youthful skin in no time. Do share your feedback with us below. Also here you can check vegetable juices that you can make at home for this summer season. http://www.nutritionguideexpert.com/vegetable-juices-that-you-can-make-at-home/ Author Bio  Radha Vanga, a new blogger from India. She is a nutrition lover & ayurveda practitioner. She started a new blog nutritionguideexpert.com to share what she has learnt with health conscious people. Follow her @nutrition_in My Say: Radha, Loved reading the article. Though I hate few vegetables, I will try to add them in my regular diet. Thanks for the great tips. If you want to get featured too.. quickly send an email to appu@getsetblush.com ps Image Source Shutterstock