You have probably heard the old adage “you are what you eat.” Even though a good diet is going to keep us healthy and slim, its impact goes beyond that. The food that we eat impacts how we look. Given that it is the largest organ in the body, our skin is able to benefit from the foods that we eat just as any other organ in the body might.
Foods that worsen our skin
There are millions of people throughout the country who struggle with medical skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, or acne. Consuming alcohol or eating certain foods could lead to an unexpected flare-up or help aggravate their symptoms. This is why it is important that those people who struggle with chronic skin conditions be aware of what food interactions may occur.
For example, there may be a link between an improvement in acne and a low-glycemic diet. The study was published din the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and it examined male acne patients aged 15 to 25. Those who eat less refined carbs found that they had far fewer instances of acne.
What it can do for us
If we eat foods that are rich in certain vitamins and minerals and contain an abundance of protein, it may even have valuable anti-aging effects. While we often forget, the skin is still an organ. We accept that a healthy Mediterranean diet is going to help us feel better and lose weight, but somehow forget that it can help leave us with glowing skin.
Help reduce wrinkles
Even though visiting a qualified dermatologist is always going to help, there might be a direct link between a reduction in wrinkles and the food that we eat. The Journal of the American College of Nutrition published an article in February 2001 that amongst a population of 70-year olds, those who had a higher intake of monounsaturated fat and legumes, olive oil, and vegetables showed significantly fewer wrinkles than those who ate more sugar products, margarine, butter, and milk/dairy products. Even though a single study should not count as evidence, it certainly gives us something to think about.
Common knowledge
We all know that the food that we put into our bodies can change how we feel. If we drink enough water, we are going to see our skin react positively as well, because our cells are able to hydrate fully. If you are serious about wanting to change your skincare regimen, you might want to start at the fridge.