Five Formidable
Fruits to
Feed Our Skin
We all know that a balanced diet is the best way to stay healthy. Part of having a balanced diet includes consuming fruits. Most of us have no difficulty doing that. Fruits are delicious and refreshing and are filled with nutrients that make us feel better just knowing they are in our bodies.
To help us maintain healthy skin, let’s make the extra effort to choose fruits that will not only help, but that will also do an exceptional job. Here are five that come highly recommended:
Watermelon
Water is the elixir of life and watermelon has an abundance of it. In order for our skin cells to function properly, they need water for hydration. Hydration helps skin maintain its elasticity. The vitamin C and beta-carotene in watermelon also ward off inflammation and free radicals, unstable molecules that break down collagen in our skin causing wrinkles, dark spots, fine lines, and sagging. The delightful fruit can be added to smoothies and fruit salads or cut into thin slices and enjoyed the way we ate it as children.
Strawberries
The succulent strawberry is another effective fruit in the battle against skin inflammation because it contains ellagic acid and flavonoids, whose anti-inflammatory properties can also help repair damage to skin cells. Strawberries also contain fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, all guaranteed to keep skin healthy. Whether eaten out of hand, as a topping on a favorite cereal, or mixed into a smoothie, there is no limit to the way this delectable fruit can be enjoyed.
Pineapple
Pineapples contain bromelain, an enzyme that aids in digestion and has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, all of which are good for our skin. The high vitamin C content of pineapples promotes collagen production. Slices of pineapple add flavor and pizzazz when grilled or roasted as a topping for a favorite meat. Chunks of pineapple are wonderful in recipes like teriyaki chicken or when served raw with yogurt or on ice cream.
Lemon
The lovely lemon is also high in vitamin C, a powerful agent in protecting our skin from harmful environmental factors like pollution and ultraviolet rays, and, as has already been mentioned, is vital for collagen production. Adding the benefits of lemons to our diet isn’t a difficult task. They are excellent (and pretty) as a garnish for fish; delicious when sliced and added to a pitcher of cold water; perfect when squeezed over a green salad; and, along with the vitamin-C-loaded peel, a remarkable flavor enhancer in soups and other cooked dishes.
Cucumber
Another tasty addition to a pitcher of ice water is the cool cucumber. We may forget that a cucumber is a fruit, but because it comes from the flower of a plant and contains seeds, it is. Its high water content, like that of the watermelon, makes it a natural hydrator so skin can maintain its elasticity. Ideal for serving with vegetable dips, sliced into salads, or eaten on its own, cucumber is an easy addition to any diet.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, eating well, staying hydrated, consuming low levels of alcohol, and not smoking plays an important part in the health and appearance of our skin. Adding fruits that are high in antioxidants and vitamin C to our diets, helps us minimize the effects of natural stressors on our skin so we can look as healthy and radiant as we feel every day.