10 Plant Foods for Glowing Skin

We all know glowing skin starts from within, which means we need to nourish our skin from the inside-out.

As I'm nearing 40, I have noticed some changes in my skin and want to bring back a naturally glowing complexion through the right foods and healthy, natural ways.

Our skin requires a variety of foods to help promote healthy, glowing skin. Nourish your body with fiber-rich, colourful plant foods and over-time your skin will show it's appreciation.

Aging is a natural progression with life and I don't have any problem with that. I'm not trying to prevent aging. For me, including these foods is to help promote healthy skin - not just for today or tomorrow, but for the years to come.

HERE ARE MY TOP 10 FAVOURITES

BLUEBERRIES

Someone ones referred to them as tiny superheroes for your skin. They are high in antioxidants which help against damaged skin cells and accelerate aging.

WAYS TO INCLUDE THEM DAILY

• Add a small handfull to your oats

• Add fresh or frozen blueberries to smoothies

• Make a healthy blueberry chia jam to spread on sourdough toast

• Eat them as a snack

ALMONDS

Almonds are one of the best plant-based sources of vitamin E, that supports collagen preservation and helps protect the skin against UV damage.

WAYS TO INCLUDE THEM DAILY

• Add a few chopped almonds to your breakfast,

• Eat them as a snack. *A recommended serving size is 25g.

• Spread 100% almond butter on your toast

• Add a tablespoon of almond butter to your smoothies.

PAPAYA

A fruit excellent for skin health. It can improve the skin texture, boost hydration and lighten pigmentation. It also contains enzymes called papain that acts as natural exfoliator that may help remove dead skin cells and reduce acne.

WAYS TO INCLUDE THEM DAILY

• Add chopped papaya to your breakfast

• Add fresh or frozen to smoothies

• Make a papaya fruit boat, with a dollop of yoghurt and berries

• Eat them as a snack, with a squeeze of lime or lemon juice

SWEET POTATO

It contains a nutrient called Beta Carotene which acts as a natural sunblock and may also help prevent dry, wrinkled skin.

WAYS TO INCLUDE THEM DAILY

• make sweet potato toast - roast disks of sweet potatoes and serve them with nutbutter, berries, yoghurt and cinnamon

• Add them to stews and soups

• Blend them into pasta sauces

• Swap regular fries with sweet potato fries

• Use them in desserts such as this Secret Ingredient Chocolate Pudding

  
  

RED BELL PEPPERS

One of the nutrients found in Broccoli is Vitamin C, which plays a critical role in collagen synthesis.

WAYS TO INCLUDE THEM DAILY

• Eat them as a snack with a side of hummus for dipping

• Add chopped red bell peppers to stews

• Blend them into pasta sauces

• Make Romesco sauce

• Add them to wraps

BROCCOLI

Broccoli is another vegetable high in Vitamin C, which plays a critical role in collagen synthesis.

WAYS TO INCLUDE THEM DAILY

• Roast them in the oven with a bit of olive oil, chilli flakes and sea salt

• Add a few stemps to stews and soups

• Serve steamed or roasted broccoli as side dishes

DARK CHOCOLATE

(70% or higher cacao content)

Rich in flavanols which can improve skin hydration and help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.

WAYS TO INCLUDE THEM DAILY

• No need to give ideas of how to include Chocolate.

TOMATOES

Tomatoes are high in lycopene, which helps protect the skin from sun damage and oxidative stress.

!TIP - Cooking the tomatoes will increase the lycopene absorption.

WAYS TO INCLUDE THEM DAILY

• Add to salads, wraps and sandwiches

• Make a delicious pasta sauce

  
  

AVOCADO

Healthy fats, such as Avocado, is excellent for the skin. It offers deep hydration and can boost skin elasticity.

WAYS TO INCLUDE THEM DAILY

• Try adding them to smoothies

• On your toast

• Make a creamy avocado pasta sauce

• Have you tried making a healthy chocolate pudding with avocado?

GREEN TEA

High in antioxidants, and just like other foods antioxidant-containing foods, it may help protect your skin against sun damage and aging.

WAYS TO INCLUDE THEM DAILY

• make a green tea ice tea

• enjoy as a hot drink

  
  

The last one may not be a food as such, but it certainly is one the most natural and simplest to include on a daily basis.

WATER

Hydration is essential for skin to be in it's best condition. It supports hydration with helps improve skin elasticity and can make your skin appear firmer and plumper. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

DISCLAIMER

PLEASE NOTE I am not a medical professional. My blog post is based on research from various sources. These are ingredients I have personally found work for me and my body and I'm sharing this as I hope these natural foods will help you too.