5 Summer Superfoods To Get Your Skin Glowing
"Superfoods" are all those plant-based foods that have a high content of antioxidants, proteins, omega-3s, minerals, fibres and other essential nutrients that have proven health benefits. Several studies have shown that a diet rich in these foods can bring numerous health benefits to the appearance of our skin and body.
Read on to find out more on what are the best superfoods to include in your diet to have a healthy gut and glowing skin!
FRUIT
Focusing on your daily water-intake and eating a balanced diet, rich in fruit and vegetables, will provide a variety of nutrients for the skin that will make it healthier and younger looking. Oranges and other citrus fruits are a sweet way to get a boost of vitamin C and skin-nourishing water. This is important as vitamin C is essential for skin growth and repair. Other fruit recommendations include: berries, that provide antioxidants and plenty of vitamin C, grapes, rich in polyphenols that slow down skin ageing, and pomegranate, that has soothing and regenerating properties.
ALOE VERA
Aloe Vera’s leaves secrete a clear gel that once extracted from the plant, can be used to heal wounds, soothe the skin and calm inflammations. Various studies have shown that Aloe has different properties in treating a wide range of skin conditions: from dry skin to local inflammations to scalp problems.
Aloe Vera contains a lot of vitamins and a large number of polysaccharides that have hydrating and anti-inflammatory benefits, allowing to create a protective barrier on the skin. Aloe Vera’s gel contains bioactive compounds, rich in vitamin A, B, C, D and E and minerals such as: magnesium, potassium and zinc.
Aloe juice is considered a superfood as it can be drunk and mixed with other foods (such as coconut water) to enhance hydration and skin radiance.
TURMERIC
Turmeric is a natural antioxidant that supports skin regeneration thanks to the increased production of collagen. Studies have shown that turmeric helps reduce the damages caused by UV rays. It is, therefore, worth adding turmeric to your daily diet: turmeric milk or turmeric energy balls, delicious curries and soups can all make your gut happier and your skin brighter.
MORINGA
Moringa Oleifera is rich in vitamins and proteins. It contains seven times more vitamin C than oranges, helping to neutralize free radicals that cause wrinkles, premature aging and loss of skin tone.
A recent study showed that products that are formulated with moringa extracts are capable of revitalising the skin and reducing the signs of ageing. Known as the "tree of life", moringa is native to India but also grows in other parts of Asia, Africa and South America. It can be added to smoothies, or cooked fresh and eaten with mixed vegetables.
GREEN TEA
Green tea has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, that improve conditions such as acne and oily skin. Moreover, the polyphenols which are present in the tea, slow down sebum production, helping to prevent acne formation.