This week Beauty and lifestyle blogger Sophia Smith shared an informative article about which foods are best to eat for glowing skin.

As wonderful and effective as great topical solutions are, some of us are firm believers that beauty truly comes from within, and not only in the figurative sense. According to teachings of both Ayurvedic and Holistic medicine, the bond between the gut and skin is unbreakable and undeniable, which puts an entirely new meaning on the phrase ‘you are what you eat’, and that’s something that even modern western medicine doesn’t deny.

What we allow to enter our body has a massive effect on our health, and since the skin is a reflection of our inner state, it’s time to turn to foods that will benefit not only our health, but subsequently provide us with a flawless and luminous complexion thanks to the precious micronutrients that keep everything in great shape.

All the rage

The matcha tea frenzy has no intention of fizzling out and for a good reason as this tea, that comes from the green tea family, contains “137 times more antioxidants than regularly brewed green tea”. As antioxidants are powerful substances that can prevent or slow down cell damage caused by free radicals, you aren’t only getting a nutrient-packed, delicious and healthy beverage, but also benefits that will reflect on both the vitality of your body and the radiance and plumpness of your skin. One cup of matcha tea a day helps detoxify the body, gives you your daily dose of skin-precious vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium, all vital for proper organ function and subsequently healthy and plump skin. You know what to do – ditch the coffee and switch to matcha!

The miracle worker

Chia seeds, which are incredibly easy to incorporate into your diet, do wonders for both your metabolic system and your skin. They are first and foremost packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, which among numerous other health benefits, help hydrate your skin, prevent the appearance of acne – one of our worst enemies, and also fight signs of ageing. You can incorporate them into your diet easily, and it’s best if you use chia seeds that come from a natural and organic food family. Aside from the raw seeds, there are also amazing organic oils you can incorporate into your topical skincare routine for optimal results – when chia offers so many possibilities, why not take advantage of them all?

While in the seed family

Pumpkin seeds, which are delicious and can be used as a healthy afternoon snack – easy to make into an integral part of your diet, are amazing for the digestive system, but even more importantly for giving you that lit-from-within glow. Namely, these particular seeds are full of such nutrients as vitamin E, zinc and magnesium, all of which promote skin cell regeneration, which means more collagen and that of course translates into smooth, glowing and plump skin.

In case of skin issues…

Resort to one of the most commonly used veggies in the world – the sweet and orange carrot. You see, thanks to the fact that it contains massive amounts of vitamin A – a vitamin out of which one of the most powerful topical products – retinols, are made, carrots are nature’s gift to your skin as the amount of vitamin A has the power to help you fend off and treat almost any skin condition, from acne to hyper-pigmentation.

The most super of them all

By now, almost everyone who has been familiarised with superfoods knows that berries in general, but blueberries in particular, are the gateway to impeccable skin, and they are a song for the pallet as well so it’s a double win. Namely, being so full of antioxidants, essential vitamins as well as minerals, blueberries are the ultimate superfood that will get your skin where it needs to go – the glowland, that is. When you get tired of eating them on their own, make a delicious homemade yogurt using either blueberries or any other berries and you will have both glowing skin and a great kick-start for your metabolism.

Nuts about coconut

Coconut has for a while been a crowd-pleaser, but usually used as a topical solution, makeup remover, hair mask, moisturiser – you name it, the coconut has been it. However, we have somewhat forgotten that coconut can be a part of our diet as well and foster skin beauty from within and the outside. Thanks to the presence of cytokinins, kinetin and trans-zeatin, the coconut has anti thrombotic, anti-carcinogenic and anti-ageing effects on the body, and if you don’t know how to incorporate it into your diet and stay forever young, you might want to try this Turmeric and Coconut Bedtime Elixir that will even help you sleep better, and we all know how important beauty sleep is.

Last, but not least

In the recent years, every restaurant you go to offers something featuring avocado. We thought it was just a fad, but now we’re glad it isn’t, because avocado has proven to be one of the proudest members of the glowing-skin-inducing superfoods. This is all thanks to the essential oils and B-complex vitamins that nourish both the body and the skin, so put avocado in everything you can, delicious salads, your pasta, club sandwiches and even eat it on its own. Of course, you can always use it as a natural face mask, all you have to do is turn it into a paste and apply on the face just like any other mask and let the skin absorb all the oils and vitamins.

All of these foods have a double purpose – each of them does something for our health and they all do their fair share for our skin. Incorporating them into your diet won’t be a hassle at all and you will enjoy the innovative and delicious meals and treats you will prepare for them, knowing that there is the glowing skin-incentive behind every meal or snack.