Introduction: Medicinal cuisine has been famous since ancient times, and Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasizes nourishing the body through food. So, it's no surprise that you'll find food or plant extracts in many skincare products, as these ingredients have various benefits for skin care. Today, I'm here to share with you 10 foods that can improve your skin.
1. Apple
The belief that eating more apples leads to better skin is nothing new for skincare enthusiasts. But why are apples good for the skin?
There are two main reasons why apples are great for skin and weight loss. First, apples are rich in antioxidants called apple polyphenols, as well as other polyphenols like catechins and quercetin. These polyphenols effectively slow down skin oxidation and keep the skin smooth and flawless. If the amount of these polyphenols were converted to an equivalent amount of vitamin C with the same antioxidant effect, it would be about 1500 mg, which is the amount of vitamin C an adult needs for 15 days. So, an apple is practically a natural beauty serum. Hurry and tell this amazing discovery to friends and family who are worried about wrinkles!
In addition, the pectin in apples is rich in dietary fiber, making it a great helper for beautiful skin. Pectin not only prevents hardening of stool and increases the number of beneficial gut bacteria to regulate the intestines, but it also slows the rise in blood sugar after meals and reduces the accumulation of neutral fat. Seeing this, isn't it amazing how a small apple can have such a powerful effect?
Apples are also rich in potassium, which helps reduce body swelling, and citric acid, which boosts metabolism. Moreover, apples are very low in calories. A bowl of rice (150g) has 252 calories, a banana (160g) has 138 calories, but one apple only has 135 calories. You can eat them even while on a diet!
Rose Apple Roll
2. Honey
Honey has been a renowned remedy for detoxification and beauty since ancient times. It contains various amino acids and vitamins that the human body needs, as well as fructose. Regular consumption of honey not only helps expel toxins but also has certain effects on preventing cardiovascular diseases and neurasthenia. Honey contains over 180 natural ingredients, 60-80% of which are monosaccharides (fructose and glucose). This sugar is known as "human fuel" because it provides an important source of energy for the body's activities, can be directly absorbed and utilized by the body, and is thus called "liquid jade" or "milk for the elderly."
Honey also has a moisturizing and skin-whitening effect. Because honey is rich and diverse in nutrients and is easily absorbed and utilized by the body, it has a moisturizing effect on the skin, especially in the dry winter climate. Eating more honey can prevent chapped skin. Many high-end cosmetics are made from refined honey, showing its excellent protective effect on the skin. Long-term oral and external use can help with beauty and even prolong life.
Lemon Honey Water
3. Salmon
Regular consumption of salmon can improve skin inflammation. This deep-sea fish is a true "superfood" that can help people achieve both physical health and beautiful skin.
Salmon is rich in ∞-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and Omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory effects. It can improve symptoms of itching, redness, and scaling caused by psoriasis and eczema. In addition to being anti-inflammatory and reducing wrinkles and acne, Omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids are a component of the skin barrier. They help the skin retain moisture and have a hydrating effect.
Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) is a unique component found in salmon. DMAE has a skin-firming effect, which can make wrinkles and eye bags lighter (or even disappear). Salmon also contains materials essential for synthesizing skin collagen fibers, and its structure is very similar to human collagen, making it easily absorbed and utilized by the body. Therefore, eating more salmon can promote skin collagen regeneration and has an anti-aging effect.
Pan-fried Salmon with Teriyaki Sauce and Mixed Vegetables
4. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate contains antioxidants, fatty acids, and flavanols, which can make the skin smooth and radiant. Antioxidants reduce skin roughness and protect against UV damage. It can also promote blood circulation, making the skin healthier.
The flavonoids in dark chocolate are absorbed by UV rays, helping to protect and increase skin blood circulation, making women's skin more hydrated and smooth.
Intense Dark Chocolate Waffle
5. Beans
They are rich in vitamin E, which not only neutralizes the chemical activity of free radicals and inhibits skin aging but also prevents pigmentation. The simplest way is to drink soy milk every day: soy milk is mild in nature and sweet in taste, containing rich antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. It also contains a plant estrogen called "daidzein," which is not found in milk, and it regulates the female endocrine system. Drinking fresh soy milk daily can significantly improve a woman's mood and physical condition, delay skin aging, and make the skin delicate, fair, and smooth.
Chestnut, Walnut, and Goji Bean Soy Milk