The Latest Dietary Guidelines and Your Skin
Whole grains. These products contain a wealth of skin-healthy nutrients such as antioxidants and fiber, which can stabilize your blood sugar and prompt skin repair. Look for products that list “whole grain” as their first ingredient. Expand beyond wheat to other grains such as quinoa (pronounced keen-wah), oatmeal, bulgur, whole-grain barley and brown rice.
Fruits and vegetables. Leafy green vegetables contain many antioxidants and other anti-inflammatory nutrients, as well as fiber, which again can regulate blood sugar.
Tea. Green, black and other teas are a good source of antioxidants, in contrast to coffee, which has a lot of acid that can increase insulin production and inflammation, and ultimately cause wrinkling. “Limit coffee to one cup a day, or switch to tea,” she recommends.
Healthy fats. Fatty, ocean-sourced fish such as salmon, albacore tuna, herring, anchovies and sardines, as well as walnuts, flaxseed, and canola oil are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which may reduce inflammation in your body that could be exacerbating skin conditions. These essential fatty acids also help to keep your skin healthy, maintain its natural oil barrier and make it look younger (less wrinkly) and clearer. Other sources of “good fats” are olive oil and avocados.
Plant protein is a good alternative to red meat. Contrary to popular belief, most plants are very rich in protein. It is best to eat plants in salad form, or lightly steamed, as cooking them destroys many of their vital nutrients.
The guidelines also encourage people to consume less sodium, saturated and trans fats, added sugars and refined grains such as white flour. No foods are off-limits, but the guidelines encourage portion control and calorie modification.
It’s important to limit milk and milk products to one or two servings a day rather than the three recommended. The data suggests that dairy products can be problematic for people with acne and other inflammatory skin conditions. These products may prompt the body to produce more of the male hormones, called androgens, which cause more oil and sebum that can clog pores. Additionally, dairy produced in non-organic farms may contain external hormones and pesticides, which can exacerbate skin conditions. Eating calcium-rich vegetables such as spinach and collard greens to compensate for eating less dairy.
Here's to your healthy skin,Sarah
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