Can your diet affect your skin?
A very popular acne myth is that eating fat-rich food, such as chocolate and foods that are fried can cause acne. This myth has been gaining in popularity especially since people tend to have pimples after they eat junk food. However, the correlation between junk food and acne has still yet to be scientifically proven. Nevertheless, having a well-balanced, nutritious diet will definitely help in achieving clear skin and a healthy body. In the next few topics, you will learn about some important nutrients that will help keep the skin glowing and healthy, avoid acne breakouts, and heal acne in a shorter period of time.Keep Hormones Stable
Since acne is caused by an imbalance of male hormones or androgens that increases the production of sebum to clog pores and ultimately cause acne, then it is best to avoid food that do just that. Eating food with high fat content is often the culprit for increasing hormone production. To counter the increased production of hormones, eating food such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and lean meats is best.Having Food with Low Glycemic Index
Foods with low glycemic index are those foods that are low in sugar. Keeping the sugar content low will prevent insulin hormone levels from suddenly increasing, which in turn keeps androgen levels stable. Examples of these foods are fish, eggs, cheese, legumes, and vegetables.High Fiber, Great Skin
When digestion in the body is sluggish and out of order, it can cause a buildup of toxic materials in the body, which can usually affect the condition of the skin. Fiber aids in the body’s digestive system by flushing out toxic materials in the digestive tract. Therefore eating fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables will definitely promote great skin.Fatty Acids, not Fatty Food
Certain fatty acids play an important role in keeping the skin healthy since they help regulate androgen production, thus controlling the production of sebum in the skin. Fatty acids or good fats such as omega-9, omega-6, and omega-3 are important in cell membrane function and strength. They are also essential in the removal of bad cholesterol in the blood vessels. Avocados, salmon, wheat germ oil, walnuts, and vegetables, especially the green leafy ones are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids while omega-6 is often found olives, olive oil, flaxseed and the seeds of sunflowers and pumpkins. Pistachios, pecans, cashews, almonds, and sesame oil are rich in omega-9 fatty acids.Vitamins and Minerals for the Skin
While most vitamins are needed by the body to keep it strong and healthy, the skin in particular needs vitamins A, B, and E and the mineral Zinc for its regeneration. These vitamins also help regulate the sebum production and secretion of sebaceous glands. Foods rich in these vitamins include spinach, tomatoes, carrots, mangoes, and soybeans.Milk no more
There is still much controversy over the supposed harmful effects on humans of the milk-producing hormones given to cows. However, knowing that the milk produced by the cows may also have these hormones, and hormones are closely related to the production of acne, this is enough reason to become wary about drinking milk especially if you are trying to prevent acne from occurring. Avoiding dairy products can help determine whether you are sensitive to it or not. But do not forget to take in other calcium-rich foods such as walnuts, kale, almonds, and spinach for your daily calcium allowance as well as other benefits for the skin.Eating healthy, especially fresh foods with the essential vitamins and minerals will go a long way in having that glowing skin. However, because each individual has their own type of skin and lifestyle, it would be best to observe your food habits and its possible link with acne breakouts.
