Eating Right for Healthier Skin

Olive Oil provides Sterols and good fats

Researchers recognize that many natural foods have anti-inflammatory properties, mostly provided by healthy fats and antioxidants.

Foods containing these skin-healthy fats include avocado, fish oil, flax seed, and olive oil. Olive oil and avocado provide barrier-supporting nutrients, called sterols, and anti-inflammatory monounsaturated (“good”) fats.

Vitamins E and C, selenium, green and white teas, apples, cocoa and berries are also skin friendly; they supply protective antioxidants. Even probiotics, which are the friendly bacteria in our diets, aid in protecting the skin.  Experts suggest we get more of the aforementioned foods and less red meat, fried foods, salt, sugar and white flour.

The other major defense against environmental damage is the antioxidant capacity of the skin. Bolstering the antioxidant defense system of the skin is an important strategy for reducing environmentally induced skin damage.

Recent clinical trials in which green leafy vegetables, egg yolks, and marigold flower extracts (all rich in lutein and zeaxanthin) were administered orally, topically, or both indicated that combined oral and topical administration provides the highest degree of antioxidant protection.

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