Radiant Skin Begins With Clean Plates

By Lisa Roberts-Lehan

Glowing skin is anything but skin deep: Our epidermis is often the visible scorecard for how well we eat. Here is a shortlist of my favorite go-to beauty foods. Look for these gems at your local farmer's market, food co-op or health food store, and start noshing your way to luminous skin and glowing inner health.

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• Berries

  Berry season is blossoming at farmers markets around the country. As rich sources of antioxidants, berries -- strawberries, blueberries blackberries and raspberries -- help <a href="http://www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/psychology/health_psychology/anoxres.htm#Antioxidants and Free Radicals" target="_hplink">protect your skin's collagen</a> from free radical damage (think wrinkles) caused by too much stress, sun, and pollutants. <br><br> <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mukluk/64080481/" target="_hplink">Dano</a></em>

• Dark Leafy Greens

  Dark green, leafy vegetables -- kale, collards, chard, spinach, arugula, watercress, parsley, and wheat and barley grasses -- are chlorophyll-rich foods available at local farmers markets. Chlorophyll is a pigment that catches the sun's energy and can potentially emanate its benefits to you: Someone who eats plenty of greens has radiant skin. <br><br> <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gloryfoods/6354686247/" target="_hplink">Glory Foods</a></em>

• Radishes

  Farmers markets are brimming with organic spring radishes fresh from the field. This humble root might hold the triple crown of glowing skin: <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/169024-vitamins-that-stimulate-collagen-production/" target="_hplink">Vitamin C</a>, <a href="http://wellnessadvocate.com/?rtc=2088&welltrients_id=10089" target="_hplink">sulfur</a> and <a href="http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2003/apr2003_report_silicon_01.html" target="_hplink">silicon</a> all support collagen production and help keep skin moist and elastic. <br><br> <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/desiitaly/2583828776/" target="_hplink">the Italian voice</a></em>

• Dark Chocolate And Raw Cacao

  The benefits of cacao in high-quality, organic, raw chocolate and 70 percent dark chocolate seem endless. The <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16702322" target="_hplink">super dose of antioxidants</a> helps increase hydration, improves blood flow, enhances texture and cell renewal. Cacao has a high concentration of <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/182861-the-use-of-sulfur-for-skin-care/" target="_hplink">the mineral sulfur</a>, known to help promote beautiful skin. <br><br> <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chocolatereviews/5033148227/" target="_hplink">Chocolate Reviews</a></em>

• Flax, Hemp And Chia Seeds

  These beautifying seeds are rich sources of ALA (alpha-linoleic acid) omega-3 fatty acids. <a href="http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=54286" target="_hplink">High levels of ALA</a> may help prevent wrinkles and protect against sun damage, resulting in youthful, nourished skin that glows! <br><br> <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/waferboard/6054867934/" target="_hplink">waferboard</a></em>

• Olive Oil

  Mediterranean cultures have long appreciated this green elixir for its healthful properties: Organic, cold-pressed olive oil is rich in vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids. These <a href="http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/36273089/ns/today-today_health/t/foods-younger-looking-supple-skin/%23.T9ZQieJYvDM#.T9uFfj5YtZY" target="_hplink">nutrients help</a> keep skin looking soft, smooth and radiant. <br><br> <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sikachu/4783484352/" target="_hplink">Sikachu!</a></em>

• Water

  Dry, rough and dull skin is often a sign of dehydration. Ensure your body is hydrated and keep skin moist and supple by drinking plenty of water. <br><br> <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/darwinbell/286131360/" target="_hplink">Darwin Bell</a></em>

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Comments

[Seppo Puusa]

05:48 AM on 07/12/2012

You forgot green tea. It's one of few 'silver bullets' when it comes to acne. Studies have shown it helps with insulin resistance and systemic inflammation, both of which can lead to acne. The antioxidant potential of a cup of green tea is much higher than most fruits or vegetables. http://www.acneeinstein.com/3-ways-green-tea-treats-acne/

[SisterAnn]

11:04 AM on 07/11/2012

In some ways you are eating what you put on your skin because it absorbs what you put on it. There are some anti wrinkle creams I can't take because I get a headache.

Also your lungs and most of the inside of your body are made up of the same cells and so forth that your skin is. If what you eat is good for your skin it should be good for your organs.

I have read if you have brown spots on your skin that you also have them inside your body too. I don't know if that is true.

[Alvarask]

11:50 PM on 07/09/2012

Humans are not "carnivores". They are omnivores. I doubt you'll find any human who exists on a diet of 100% meat.