A healthy diet = healthy skin. The formula for flawless, pure skin could be this simple. Unfortunately, it is not, because our complexion is influenced by many factors. Nevertheless: Our diet has a direct influence on our skin which should not be underestimated. So if you are prone to blackheads and pimples, you should pay more attention to a balanced diet. In this article, we will tell you which foods support healthy skin and which are suspected of causing skin blemishes.
Foods You Should Eat For Healthy Skin
Antioxidant-Rich
Antioxidants, free radicals, oxidative stress – you’ve probably heard of these terms before. Oxidative stress is caused by different triggers: Smoking, lack of sleep, alcohol, and psychological stress are some of the most well-known triggers. They ensure that free radicals are created. And they damage important macromolecules such as lipids, proteins and DNA. To a certain extent, oxidation takes place in everybody, but the above-mentioned triggers intensify it unnecessarily – with serious consequences for the skin: it is no longer supplied with blood as well, wrinkles appear and inflammatory processes are intensified. Examples of food with antioxidants are blueberries and tomatoes.
Fewer Dairy Products
Now all cheese lovers have to be strong: Milk and dairy products such as quark, yogurt, and yes, cheese too, are strongly suspected of promoting acne symptoms such as blackheads. Researchers in various studies compared the diets and skin texture of thousands of young people and found that people who regularly consumed milk and dairy products suffered from blemished skin more often and more severely. This means that if you want to reduce the appearance of acne, it makes sense to reduce the consumption of milk and dairy products.
Zinc-Containing Foods
Zinc is one of the so-called trace elements and plays an important role in many metabolic processes – also in your skin! Together with other trace elements, it ensures wound healing and cell growth. Acne patients often suffer from zinc deficiency. This occurs when we do not eat enough zinc-rich foods. The result: the trace element cannot perform its function and the likelihood of blackheads and pustules increases. For purer skin, it can be really worth it to include more zinc-containing foods in your diet. These foods include: Seeds, e.g. pumpkin or sunflower seeds and
oatmeal.
Less Foods With A High Glycemic Load
The glycemic index (GI) of food describes how quickly and strongly your blood sugar levels increase after consumption. These are not limited to just sweet foods like chocolate but also products made from white flour or potatoes. Various studies indicate that foods with a high glycemic load promote the formation of blackheads. Because the insulin released as a result of the high blood sugar has a stimulating effect on androgens. These hormones can boost sebum production and also affect the growth of cells, which can lead to cornification. Examples of foods with a low glycemic load are wholesome multigrain-rich foods and vegetables, e.g. cauliflower, lettuce, bread and avocado.