8 Superfoods For Glowing, Youthful Skin

While topical applicants and chemical-laden formulas can tackle your skincare woes up to a point, the ultimate secret to true beauty—inside-out—lies in what you feed your skin. 

If you desire blemish-free, radiant skin, begin by clearing out your plate—get rid of heavily processed, devoid-of-fibre foods—and incorporate a range of essential superfoods, including powerful seeds, nuts, and plant-based items, in your daily diet. A well-balanced, nutritious meal including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich ingredients promote collagen build-up, stalling signs of premature ageing and giving way to clear, healthy skin. 

Founder of Kaashi Wellness, Neha Ahuja tells you *exactly* what (and how) to consume these nutrient-dense and Vitamin-laden foods, to achieve your best skin yet.

 

1) Almonds

 

 

You must recall your mother insisting on almonds—an apparent brain food—right before you took off for school. However, were you aware that almonds serve as a rich source of copper, that play an important role in glowing skin and hair pigmentation?

 

2) Nuts—Pecan nuts, Pine nuts, Brazil nuts

 

 

Nuts including pecan nuts, pine nuts, and Brazil nuts, are a rich source of linoleic acid—an essential fatty acid that helps prevent dryness by providing moisturisation to your skin, and boosting hydration. Power-packed seeds and nuts can be incorporated in your daily meals as a cereal topping, in smoothies, acai bowls or in a chia pudding!

 

3) Sunflower Seeds

 

 

Sunflower seeds contain a substantial amount of Zinc and Vitamin E, that protect your skin cells. Enriched with fatty acids that serve powerful antibacterial properties, they help fight common skincare concerns and tackle signs of premature ageing. 

 

4) Pistachio

 

 

Another nutrient-laden nut, pistachios—which can be added to salads or eaten as is—offer high levels of Vitamin E that improve skin elasticity. A fat-soluble nutrient with anti-inflammatory properties, Vitamin E combats the impact of free radicals on your skin.

 

5) Dates

 

 

Dates—comprising of Vitamin C and D—also help sustain skin elasticity, and keep your skin supple and smooth. They provide anti-ageing benefits and prevent the accumulation of melanin. Dates (or a date syrup) can well be used as a sugar substitute or natural sweetener in desserts, providing a rich kick of flavour!

 

6) Cold Pressed Coconut Oil

 

 

Offering intense moisturisation and hydration, cold pressed coconut oil boosts collagen production in your skin. The lauric acid content found in coconut oil is responsible for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity. If you have a penchant for South Indian food, there's no better way to put coconut oil to use. Besides, cold pressed coconut oil can be utilised in the oil-pulling technique, steering away bacteria from your mouth and keeping your gums healthy.

 

7) Drumstick Tree (Moringa)

 

 

Drumstick tree—popularly known as 'moringa'—is packed with antioxidants that aid in the fight against free radical damage. Free radical damage often targets your skin tissues, leading to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. Moringa also consists of Vitamin C that helps repair damaged skin cells. Consider adding a few moringa flowers to a wholesome, homemade soup. 

 

8) Lime

 

 

Limes are a rich source of magnesium and potassium, and work to improve your digestive functioning—giving way to clear, glowing skin—a marker of optimal gut health. They also help keep diseases at bay, lower blood sugar, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Alkaline water can be prepared using lime, that can be sipped on throughout the day.

 

Most of the top superfoods are now widely available across the country, with an easy-to-store procedure. From your grandma's old, classic recipes to the latest health cafes around the corner, superfoods are prevalent, owing to their umpteen benefits for your skin, hair, and overall well-being. A 100 percent natural, nutritionists across the globe are propagating the consumption of such foods, since they aren't artificially processed and are easy on your digestive system as well.