Foods that fight Acne

I think we’ve all experienced times when a pimple or two or three decided to rear it’s ugly head on prom night, wedding day or on a job interview. When I recall those times, I remember the pimple feeling and appearing to be the largest thing on my face. Not only was the pimple and or their siblings painful to touch, they were very stubborn to get rid of for that special occasion. To make matters worse, after the pimple had rescinded, there was an aftermath of embarrassing dark spots and scars.

Acne occurs when excess oil, dirt and dead skin clogs the skin’s pores. It can also be caused by chemicals used in skincare products, improper cleansing, and poor diet. There are a number of home remedies and professional remedies that we sometimes utilize to rectify the problem after experiencing an outbreak. Topical creams, medications and facials are just a few treatments used in attempts to get rid of acne. However, for the purpose of this discussion, we will explore dietary options that may help prevent it before it even has a chance to surface.

A combination of vitamins A, C, and E along with fiber are key in the fight against this age old challenge. I would also be remiss if I did not mention one of the main building blocks for healthy skin, collagen. With it being the most abundant protein in the body, it is crucial to the structure and strength of many organs. Boost collagen production and increase vitamin consumption by adding citrus fruits and berries to your meals or snacks.

Butternut Squash is an excellent source of Vitamin A and C, which are both powerful antioxidants that help to eliminate free radicals that can damage cells. It’s bright orange flesh has similar nutritional benefits to carrots and sweet potatoes. It also promotes elimination of waste, which is instrumental for removing toxins from the body through proper channels. It can be enjoyed roasted, mashed or puréed for soups. I personally love this incredible fruit roasted with a little olive oil and a dash of salt and pepper.

Papaya, an abundant tropical fruit, is also an excellent source of vitamin A. Papayas also promote the elimination of waste, which helps remove impurities that can accumulate on the skin. It has many other health benefits and can be enjoyed fresh or frozen in salads, smoothies or eaten alone. Although they can be found year round, peak season is early summer and fall.

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Avocados are loaded with a variety of nutrients that are vital for healthier skin. Aside from Vitamins A & E, avocados are an excellent source of fiber, which adds to the detoxification process in the body. They can also be used topically as a face mask to draw out impurities and to moisturize the skin. There are also many other healthy benefits that contribute to our overall health. There are many options for adding Avocado to our daily diets such as smoothies, soups and on top of toast or nachos. If you are not a fan of the ever so popular guacamole, don’t be discouraged, try one the aforementioned ideas to add this superfood to your healthy eating routine.

Nuts and Seeds are both excellent sources of insoluble fiber, which moves toxins and harmful bacteria out of the body. Consuming them benefits gut health, which is important for the body’s ability to remove waste and free radicals that can cause inflammation of the skin and other organs. Pumpkin seeds and cashew nuts are good sources of zinc, which is an essential nutrient for the efficiency of the glands. Although nuts and seeds have a plethora of nutritional benefits, it is important to consume them sparingly due to the high fat and caloric content. Enjoy them in salads, smoothies, toppings and of course, as a healthy snack alternative.

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Green Tea seems to find it’s way onto many lists when discussing foods that benefit our health, so we might as well include it here! Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, green tea is an excellent way to fight free radicals and inflammation that can be harmful to organs throughout the body. It has been used around the world for centuries for it’s medicinal properties and has many vitamins, such as B, C and E, which are essential for healthy skin.

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This list of foods is not by any means exhaustive, it only scratches the surface in finding foods that fight acne. Even if they’re not the knock out punch, gradually incorporating some of these foods will benefit the body in more ways than one!

Eat, Drink and Be…

M.M.

*The content of this post is not intended for medical advice and is for informational purposes only.