two bowls of flax seeds | 8 Vegan Foods to Get Clear & Spotless Skin

Vegan Foods for Clear Skin

In recent times, healthier eating is becoming more and more prevalent to preserve your health and live happily. In the race of switching to a new diet, “Veganism” is on the rise because of its several health benefits. A vegan diet only consists of plant-based foods and avoids eating animal-based foods such as meat and meat by-products, eggs, dairy food items, honey, etc.

Numerous studies have shown that plant-based diets are not only healthier than various other diets but also much more appropriate for all stages of the life cycle. Furthermore, nutrition experts believe that a diet rich in fruits, and vegetables have incredible benefits for getting flawless, clear, and radiant skin.

Interesting facts about being a vegan

Vegans are at lesser risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer.
Turning vegetarian could minimise the global mortality rate.
Statistics show that Americans older than 55 are now moving towards a vegetarian diet.
By going vegan, you can save 100 lives every year.
Cutting down on meat consumption may reduce carbon footprints by up to 73 per cent.

A lack of omega 3 fatty acids in the vegetable diet increases the risk of depression.

Being vegan you can also save water. On average, it requires 15000- 2000-litre water to make one 1kg of beef.

Benefits

Fights acne
Improves skin’s glow
Prevents premature signs of ageing and lowers skin inflammation
Makes you feel refreshed

What effects can different foods have on your skin?

Excessive intake of refined sugars and artificial sweeteners can cause an increase in inflammation in the body which can lead to a breakdown in collagen and elastin – both of which contribute to skin strength and skin elasticity.

Highly refined sugar and trans fats consumption could also lead to raised free radicals and ‘advanced glycation end products’ production, which can cause inflammation too and hamper skin structure and appearance.

Excessive caffeine consumption, whether from a coffee or energy drinks, raises cortisol (the main stress hormone in the body), which then increases insulin levels, possibly causing breakouts in people with more delicate and acne-prone skin.

Luckily though, certain foods can also have a good effect on your skin. We can consume many nutrients daily that are used in the formation of skin fibres, structure and the protection of the amazing largest organ.

Let us take a look at some of the most skin-loving nutrients and see which vegan foods we need to eat for clear and spotless skin.

8 Vegan Foods to Get Clear & Spotless Skin

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are loaded with the antioxidant lycopene, which helps guard your skin against age-inducing free radicals. While you’ll surely want to apply sunscreen to shield yourself from sun damage, studies have shown that tomatoes also offer good protection against harmful UV rays of the sun. Slice them, dice them, put them on a sandwich or include them in your green salad.

Flax Seeds

Flax seeds are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that help to keep the skin hydrated, making them one of your greatest combinations in the battle against wrinkles. Flax also keeps your heart strong by reducing triglyceride levels and lowering inflammation.

Dark Chocolate

Having a clear complexion can be pretty sweet—the cocoa powder in dark chocolate is filled with flavonoids (an anti-ageing antioxidant). Besides providing a youthful appearance, dark chocolate has also been shown to prevent cancer and heart disease.

Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes are also a rich source of vitamin C, a nutrient that has been proven to minimise the appearance of wrinkles by boosting collagen in the skin.

Spinach

Along with the regular usage of sunblock, you may think of loading up on lots of leafy greens before you hit the beach this summer—an 11-year study, published in the International Journal of Cancer, found that consuming green vegetables like spinach and collard greens lowers the risk of developing skin tumours more than 40 per cent.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits are a pack of powerful punches of vitamins and nutrients that helps to keep your skin silky and smooth. Under their thick skin, oranges, lemons, grapefruits and limes present a plethora of flavonoids and plenty of vitamin C, which will help keep the wrinkles away. Citrus fruits have also been shown to prevent cancer, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, and treat headaches. Eat them solo or add them to a fruit salad.

Walnuts

Walnuts are another superfood loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. They will also help you feel and look young, enhancing your heart health by reducing your cholesterol and keeping your arteries clear.

Carrots

Carrots’ high levels of beta-carotene will provide you with vitamin A and antioxidants that are essential for healthy skin. As per the National Institutes of Health, beta-carotene has been shown to shield people with delicate skin from sunburns.

Take Away

While these vegan foods will make you shine and glowy, remember that healthy skin is an extension of your complete well-being. The better you treat yourself, the better your complexion and appearance will reflect. So, opt for healthy foods like anti-ageing foods with a healthy lifestyle and see the visible changes in your skin.