6 foods for healthy skin

culled from:pulse.ng

A lot of ladies spend thousands of naira on expensive skin care products looking for perfect skin to no avail, guys too.

Well, the struggle is over as there is a way out, a natural one that does not involve cosmetics, and is extremely good, as it works from inside out.

With the right food, you can go from an acne prone, blemished skin to gorgeous, glowing, healthy skin in no time.

Take a look at the right food for the right skin.

1. Red bell peppers- can be found everywhere so, it should easy to incorporate into your meals and have it every day for healthy skin. One red bell pepper contains more than 100% of your daily vitamin C needs, it also contains significant amounts of dietary fiber and vitamin B6. Moreover, it is rich in carotenoids that can help prevent wrinkles and increase blood circulation to your skin, helping it look more youthful. Due to their carotenoids, red bell peppers are also great to fight acne. A red bell pepper is a perfect, low calorie snack that contains about 30 calories and has a really satisfying crunchy bite. Keep slices of red bell peppers in the fridge, so you will always have something healthy and tasty to reach for when you are having a snack attack. The fiber that a bell pepper contains will help you to feel full longer with very little calories. Plus, you will have a flawless skin!
2. Dark chocolate- this one is obviously everyone's favorite but remember, have this in moderation, so, as to have a perfect skin and still maintain your figure. It is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids and flavanols that promote glowing skin. The antioxidants in dark chocolate will help reduce roughness in your skin and protect it against sun damage. Moreover, cocoa relaxes arteries, increasing blood circulation that leads to healthier skin.
3. Coconut oil- this is rich in saturated fat with about 90 percent of calories as saturated fat. It contains lauric acid, a powerful antibacterial and antiviral agent that keeps away viruses, infections, inflammation and acne. Coconut oil is also rich in essential fatty acids and Vitamin E, which are perfect for keeping your skin moist, soft, and wrinkle-free. It can be used as body cream and consumed by either using it instead of vegetable oil to fry things or for cooking. Coconut oil is especially good for your thyroid. Plus, there’s considerable evidence that this oil can help lose weight.
4. Green tea- the tea leaves used for green tea come from a plant, and it is a great source of antioxidants and a unique amino acid, L-theanine, that helps relax your body and lower stress. When the tea is hot, the bionic brew releases catechins, a kind of antioxidant with proven anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea may also reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure. Drink 3 or more cups of tea every day for better results.
5. Papaya- Papaya is a wonderful fruit which has a rich history and numerous nutritional benefits. It is very low in calories (only 39 calories per 100 g!) and also contains no cholesterol. So if you are trying to lose weight, consider eating papaya every day to maximize its health benefits. A great food, papaya is low in fructose and is excellent for digestion! The antioxidant nutrients found in it, including Vitamins C and E and beta-carotene, are great at reducing inflammation and acne. Moreover, Vitamin C may also protect your skin against sun damage.
6. Carrots- These are not just good for your teeth, and eyes, they are also good for your skin. They are especially good for clearing up breakouts. Carrots are rich in vitamin A and they help prevent the overproduction of cells in the outer layer of the skin. That’s where excess sebum combines with dead cells and clogs pores. Another great reason to snack on some carrots is because Vitamin A reduces the development of skin-cancer cells. So make sure you nibble on a half-cup of baby carrots every day for perfect skin.

You don’t have to eat all these foods every day, but even some of them would be great!

Be sure to avoid junk foods, too much sugar, trans fats and refined carbs for the best skin possible.

Which of these foods do you already eat every day and which will you add to your meals?

Let us know what you think.