Did you know these eight foods are natural skin care?

Introduction: Good skin is also built from the inside out. The latest issue of the American magazine *Prevention* features an article summarizing 8 types of food beneficial for skin health, as recommended by dermatology experts.

1. Apple

Apple is a low-calorie food, with only 60 kcal per 100 grams. The nutrients in apples are highly soluble and easily absorbed by the human body, earning it the nickname "living water," which helps dissolve sulfur and keeps the skin smooth and supple. Apples also contain elements like copper, iodine, manganese, zinc, and potassium. A deficiency of these elements in the body can lead to dry, cracked, and itchy skin. The antioxidant quercetin in apple peels can protect the skin from damage by short-wave ultraviolet rays. Therefore, on a sunny day, besides applying sunscreen, consider eating an apple before heading out.

2. Lettuce

Lettuce is an annual or biennial vegetable from the Asteraceae family. Six lettuce leaves can provide the daily required amount of Vitamin A, which promotes cell metabolism. Lettuce also contains a certain amount of trace elements like zinc and iron. The iron in lettuce is particularly easily absorbed by the human body, and regular consumption of fresh lettuce can help prevent iron-deficiency anemia. Additionally, the potassium in lettuce promotes blood circulation, allowing the skin to receive more nutrients.

Crispy Lettuce with Chili Oil

3. Soybean

Soybeans are rich in soy isoflavones, a type of plant estrogen that can improve skin aging and alleviate menopausal syndrome. Furthermore, Japanese researchers have found that the linoleic acid in soybeans can effectively inhibit the synthesis of melanin in skin cells. Therefore, women in their thirties and forties who often eat soybeans can help improve skin laxity.

4. Tomato

Tomatoes contain carotene and Vitamins A and C, with effects such as removing freckles, beautifying, anti-aging, and skin care. They can also help treat infectious skin diseases. Tomatoes can balance the skin's pH level and help with spot reduction and whitening. At the same time, the lycopene in tomatoes protects the collagen in the skin, making it less prone to peeling. German studies have found that lycopene helps flatten wrinkles and makes the skin delicate and smooth. Regular consumption of tomatoes can also help prevent dark circles under the eyes.

5. Walnut

Walnuts have exceptional beauty benefits. The alpha-linolenic acid they are rich in can moisturize the skin and maintain its elasticity. The Vitamin E in walnut kernels can protect cells from oxidative damage by free radicals, a substance recognized in the medical community as an anti-aging agent, which is why walnuts are called "the fruit of longevity" and "the ten-thousand-year nut."

Walnuts with Asparagus

6. Almond

Almonds are rich in fiber and the antioxidant Vitamin E. The mineral magnesium they contain is essential for the body to produce energy, build muscle tissue, and maintain blood sugar levels. At the same time, almonds can stabilize blood sugar during a diet, effectively preventing overeating and obesity caused by excessive hunger. However, the most remarkable feature of almonds is their ability to prevent the body from absorbing calories. Research has found that the cell wall components of almonds can reduce the human body's absorption of fat. Eating a handful of almonds daily can increase Vitamin E levels, which can inhibit skin aging and prevent pigmentation.

7. Dark Chocolate

The fat in cocoa can promote blood circulation. A study showed that if women drank a beverage containing two tablespoons of flavanol-rich cocoa powder daily for 12 consecutive weeks, their skin became significantly smoother, retained more moisture, and had better blood circulation. Eating one ounce of flavanol-rich dark chocolate daily can achieve the same skin-beautifying effect.

8. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The rich monounsaturated fatty acids, Vitamins E, K, A, D, and phenolic antioxidants in olive oil can eliminate facial wrinkles, prevent skin aging, and have benefits for skin and hair care, as well as preventing chapped hands and feet. A study published in The Lancet Oncology found that the essential fatty acids (EFAs) in healthy extra virgin olive oil help prevent skin damage from ultraviolet rays and help keep the skin moisturized. The human body cannot synthesize EFAs, so it is best to consume one tablespoon of olive oil daily.

Olive Oil with Cherry Radishes