6 Foods To Help You Get Shiny Looking Skin

Like other parts of the body, skin is also a living organ. The more you nurture it the more it will glow. Nurturing doesn’t mean applying plenty of cosmetics or artificial products, but it indicates maintaining good nutrition to have radiant skin.

In the present scenario, there are a lot of factors like pollution, harmful UV rays, stress, hormonal imbalance, improper dietary habits etc. that lead to the deterioration of your skin quality. Applying chemicals to the skin doesn’t make you look good, they can just embellish you for some time. You need to nourish your skin from deep inside while avoiding practices that cause unnecessary stress.

Stress is not something that you can completely avoid but definitely, you can minimize that through various lifestyle practices like, doing yoga on regular basis, excluding foods in regular diet that increase stress (junk food, too much tea or coffee, too much sugar or desserts etc) and including foods that nourish your skin. Including foods which are rich in protein, good fats like omega 3 & 6, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, zinc, selenium, magnesium, and manganese.

# Quinoa

Quinoa is a superfood, rich in various nutrients like protein, iron, magnesium, manganese, folate, zinc, omega 3 & 6, Quercetin (antioxidant), phytochemicals etc. Researches show that the various nutrients present in Quinoa plays an important role in the treatment and prevention of skin ageing. It also contains lysine, an essential amino acid and hence it supports the healing of scars and rejuvenates your skin. Quinoa can be prepared in different styles like Indian porridge style, Quinoa- yoghurt style or Quinoa water. It is very beneficial for skin as well as overall health.

# Amaranth

Amaranth is a perennial plant, whose leaves and seeds are edible. It is a very rich source of protein, manganese, calcium, fiber and phyto-nutrients. It also consists of Vitamin E that fights with some DNA damaging free radicals, hence making the skin glow. It also keeps the skin infused with essential fatty acids which are good for dry skin. Amaranth Soup or stew, amaranth porridge, amaranth vegetables are some good preparations that you can consider to include in your diet.

# Barley/ Oats Water

Barley is a grain packed with a number of nutrients. It consists of azelaic acid which helps in reducing acne and skin inflammation. It is also a rich source of protein, carbohydrate, manganese, selenium, copper, vitamin B1, phosphorus, magnesium and vitamin B3. Barley water can be termed as a miracle drink with numerous benefits which include glowing skin as well. Adding lemon wedges, ginger and mint to barley water adds to its taste, as well as enhances its skin care properties.

Oats too are a very good source of phosphorus, copper, biotin, vitamin B1, magnesium, dietary fiber, chromium, zinc, and protein. Oats water acts as a cleansing agent, hence drinking it is very beneficial against pimples, skin spots and dullness. The proteins present in oats protect your skin against infections, and the fats in it give a moisturizing effect to your skin.

# Kefir

Kefir is a superfood, that is made by fermenting cow’s, goat’s or sheep’s milk by kefir grains. It consists a wide range of nutrients that includes vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium, vitamin K2, biotin, folate, enzymes, and probiotics. It is also rich in lactic acid, that is one of the AHAs (present in most of the skin care cosmetics), and so it inhibits melanin formation in skin (responsible for darkening of your skin) and brightens your skin complexion. It also prevents wrinkles and premature aging.

# Yogurt

Yoghurt is a rich source of B vitamins, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, riboflavin, lactic acid, and probiotics. Zinc has anti- inflammatory properties and so it helps in preventing acne, lactic acid in it gives moisturizing effect to the skin and calcium helps in skin renewal. Adding yogurt to your diet helps in maintaining a glowing and hydrated skin, it is very beneficial for dry skin.

# Sunflower & Pumpkin Seeds

Sunflower seeds are a very rich source of copper, vitamin E, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, selenium, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, folate, and niacin. On the other hand, pumpkin seeds are rich in manganese, magnesium, copper, protein, zinc and phytosterols. Both of them prevents aging, skin tanning and provide you a radiant skin. Pumpkin seeds are also helpful against acne.