Superfoods That Promote Glowy Skin

While dieting and dietary changes are usually made for weightloss purposes. However, your diet can also affect the health of your skin and its overall glow.

From reducing stress and drinking water to avoiding certain foods, there are many things that we do that reflect on our skin. Here are the best foods to eat to ensure your skin is glowing from within.

1. Miso

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Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning. It is made by fermenting soybeans in salt, kōji and sometimes rice. It can also be fermented with barley, seaweed or other ingredients.

The Japanese staple is the equivalent of yogurt, especially for those who are lactose intolerant. Both yoghurt and miso are packed with probiotics that help ensure healthy skin, gut health, and control bloating.

2. Cooked Tomatoes

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Tomatoes are known for their eye-catching red color. They get this from a substance called lycopene which also helps boosts collagen strength to keep skin taut and youthful. Lycopene also helps fight against oxidizing effect of UV rays as it reduces free radicals.

A study in the British Journal of Dermatology revealed that people who eat five tablespoons of tomato paste every day were 33 percent more protected against sunburn than a control group who did not eat the tomato paste. Cooking tomatoes, like in tomato sauce, gazpacho, and ketchup, increases the amount of lycopene available in them.

3. Fatty fish

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Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and herring, are excellent foods for healthy skin as they contain omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamin E. The high levels of omega-3 fatty acids help keep skin thick, supple, and moisturized. A deficiency of omega-3 fatty acid may result in dry skin. The omega-3 fats reduce inflammation and sensitivity to UV rays.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects skin against damage from free radicals and inflammation. The high protein content of fish also helps maintain the strength and integrity of the skin. Zinc is great to fight inflammation and promote overall skin health. It also encourages the production of new skin cells and reduces inflammation.

4. Cinnamon

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This everyday spice is known to stimulate circulation and blood flow. This reportedly gives the skin more oxygen and nutrients. Other studies also show that cinnamon can help stabilize and balance blood sugar levels.

This, in turn, helps reduce oil production. The best way to benefit from cinnamon is to add a bit to your coffee, tea or morning smoothie at the beginning of the day.

5. Spinach

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Another amazing edible skin saver is leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. These are all rich in vitamin K.

Vitamin K is known to improve blood circulation and coagulation. Spinach also has a high zinc content and, like collard greens and kale, it contains zeaxanthin which is a natural antioxidant.