skin foods

Power foods for your skin! 

These are Dr. Howard Murad’s favourite water-rich foods. Have a healthy and fabulous bank holiday weekend!

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are composed mostly of water – structured water – which will keep you feeling hydrated longer. But, they are nutritious too! Cucumbers are an excellent source of silica, a trace mineral that contributes to the strength of connective tissue, and the cucumber skin is a good source of Vitamins A, C and folic acid. Cucumbers are 96% water.

Pomegranates

Pomegranates are a wonderful source of antioxidants, and may be the world’s most prolific source of polyphenols. The unique combination of elements in pomegranates increases the protective abilities of sunscreens (which can help prevent sun damage). Pomegranates are 82% water.

Avocados

Avocados contain potassium, monosaturated fats and are very high in fibre. The mono-saturated fats in avocados contain oleic acid which has been found to improve fat levels in the body and help control diabetes and cholesterol. Avocados are 82% water.

Apricots and Mangos-86%

Apricots and mangos contain high amounts of Vitamin A. Vitamin A normalizes the production and life cycle of skin cells. In skin with acne, there is an overproduction of cells in the stratum corneum which is the outermost layer of the skin and is composed of biologically "dead" cells. These excess dead cells combine with sebum (the skin's own natural oil) to form comedones - the pore plugs that are the defining element of acne. Taken as a dietary supplement, Vitamin A helps to prevent overproduction of skin cells in the stratum corneum. Apricots are 86% water. 

Broccoli and Spinach

These green foods are a great source of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) which is a potent fat-and-water-soluble antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Broccoli is 91% water while spinach is 92% water.