The human body contains about 60 percent water, so it makes sense that we need about two liters of water a day to maintain a healthy body. When the body is healthy, your skin is healthy. Acne and other skin problems can indicate that your liver is sluggish. A diet containing water, fruit, veg, fish, herbs, and nuts can help to eliminate toxins from your body and purify your skin.
Nutritionist Sara Stanner says “Most of us don’t eat enough fruit and vegetables so smoothies are a better choice than juices as the fibre content is retained. However, a range of fruit and vegetables is important because they vary in nutrient content, so don’t just opt for green veg, try to throw in other colours too.”
Almonds are very beneficial for acne because they are rich in Vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that helps to keep the skin healthy.
Onions are rich in sulphur which is known as a ‘face lift nutrient’ that helps to reduce wrinkles and improve acne. Onions also contain Vitamins A, C and E which help to protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun.
Garlic is very rich in antioxidants. A clove of garlic contains vitamins A, B and C, selenium, iodine, potassium, iron, calcium, zinc and magnesium. It has antifungal and antiviral properties so it can heal warts and colds. If you get warts, crush a clove of garlic and rub the juice of it onto the wart and then bandage it. It is advisable to do this twice a day. If you have a cold, it is better to eat a raw clove of garlic.
Oily fish Nutritionist Dale Pinnock says “with skin issues like acne, eczema, and psoriasis, the redness and irritation you see is caused by inflammation. You may have taken Ibuprofen in the past to fight against inflammation, but the body has its own natural anti-inflammatory compounds. Oily fish help the body make these compounds, so increasing your fish intake will reduce the soreness and rawness of bad skin.” Pinnock says fish such as mackerel, herring, trout and salmon are very high in Omega 3 oil, and by consuming them you will notice a significant difference to your skin.
Turmeric this yellow spiced herb is excellent for healing cuts and burns. It has amazing anti-inflammatory agents and is useful for reducing psoriasis and eczema too.
Honey, especially raw honey has strong antibacterial properties which when applied to the skin, helps to eliminate spots. When taking internally it is also beneficial for the skin, because it is rich in enzymes, minerals and vitamins.
Broccoli contains sulforaphane which is a phytochemical (disease fighting) compound that can help to prevent cancer. It is an excellent source of vitamin C. One cup of broccoli contains about 135 percent of vitamin C. Vitamin C is beneficial for the production of collagen which helps to improve the elasticity of the skin. Eating adequate supplies of broccoli can help to prevent or reduce wrinkles.
Red delicious apples have the highest amount of antioxidants. Polyphenols (antioxidant) is in the skin of the apples, so it is best to eat the whole apple rather than peeling it, to get the best source of nutrition from it.
Fruit and vegetables are good for your skin because they are high in Vitamin C and antioxidants which help to protect your body from free radicals. Free radicals drastically damage skin cells.
Tomatoes contain lycopene which is one of the strongest antioxidants. Lycopene is more easily absorbed if you add some olive oil or some type of oil to it, because the fat from the oil will increase the lycopene levels.
Mangoes are full of beta carotene and vitamin A which help to revitalize your skin and reduce blemishes, acne, dark spots and blackheads.
