5 Nutrients For Great Skin

Are you getting enough of the right nutrients from the foods you eat? Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in antioxidants is good for your whole body, including your skin.

Most people treat their skin with chemical-ridden products, but don’t address the root cause, which may lie within. The ideal way to get the nutrients you need for a radiant complexion is eating a healthy, balanced diet. The best-kept beauty secrets is right there in your grocery store! Be sure to eat foods that include these nutrients often, and you'll reap the benefits of having a beautiful, glowing and healthy skin.

Vitamin A + Beta-Carotene- Vitamin A is critical for skin repair and maintenance. It fades dark spots and blemishes and also smooth's out rough skin If you suffer from flaky or dry skin, it could be a sign you're deficient in vitamin A. Beta-carotene, the precursor to vitamin A, is an antioxidant found in brightly colored foods. This antioxidant helps to reduce free radical damage that occurs due to skin damage caused by sun overexposure. Foods sources high in vitamin A and beta-carotene include: liver, collard greens, asparagus, peaches, beet greens, kale, spinach, eggs, sweet potato, cantaloupe, and red peppers.

Selenium- Selenium is a powerful antioxidant trace mineral that is responsible for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity. This mineral not only prevents acne but also aids in skin cancer prevention. It promotes absorption of vitamin E and enhances the antioxidant function of vitamin E, which is mainly stored in the skin. The end result is glowing skin and less deterioration to the skin's collagen. Food sources high in selenium include: brazil nuts, walnuts, red snapper, tuna, liver, wheat germ, herring, onion, seafood, whole grains, brown rice and poultry.  

Vitamin E- Vitamin E is one of the key vitamins for skin health. When combined with vitamin A, vitamin E is especially effective at preventing certain skin cancers. Because of vitamin E’s antioxidant properties, it helps fight free radicals caused by pollution, smoking, processed foods and sun exposure. Free radicals are the catalyst for premature skin aging such as wrinkles. Food sources high in vitamin E include: almonds, eggs, walnuts, avocados, asparagus, sunflower seeds, pine nuts, spinach, oatmeal, and olives.

Vitamin C- Vitamin C helps build up collagen and maintain skin tautness and elasticity. Like vitamin E, vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin C is also involved in the synthesis of collagen, an important protein for making your skin supple. Many fruits and vegetables are great sources of vitamin C, so be sure to include them in your diet. Food sources high in vitamin C include: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, bell peppers, guava, acerola, beet greens, grapefruit, strawberries, red and green bell peppers, kale, parsley, collard greens and turnip greens.

Zinc- If you suffer from acne, it may be as a result of a zinc deficiency. Zinc may help prevent acne and regulate the production of oil in the skin. Zinc is an important trace mineral that helps repair damaged tissue and heals wounds. Another important use for zinc includes protecting skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. Foods sources high in zinc include: oysters, pecans, poultry, pumpkin seeds, ginger, legumes, seafood, mushrooms and whole grains.