Eat and Drink Your Way to Beautiful Skin

As the saying goes, beauty comes from within, and it's true that we are what we eat. This is why, no matter how much money we spend on our skincare products, our skin health and condition is reflected by our lifestyle choices, especially the type of food that we choose to consume.

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As we age, our skin starts to sag and lose its elasticity. One way to regain youthfulness is to get a facelift. But this can be invasive and expensive. A simpler alternative to slowing down the ageing process, is to take note of the food that we eat. There are some foods that can help us keep our skin firm and taut, and here are five of them to include in your diet.

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Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin C helps our body produce collagen, which is an important protein that keeps our skin firm and elastic.

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Beta-carotene, which is abundant in carrots is converted into Vitamin A in our body. It helps to maintain good vision, teeth and bones. At the same time, Vitamin A ensures normal skin cell development, thus giving us firm skin.

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Lycopene, one of the compounds found in tomatoes, helps protect the skin against sun damage, which is one of the main causes of ageing. It also strengthens the skin by inhibiting the activity of collagenases — an enzyme involved in the breakdown of collagen, thereby keeping skin firm and line-free.

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The high amount of vitamin C in parsley nourishes the skin from within, to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Parsley also stimulates collagen production in our skin and promotes cell reproduction and repair.

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Salmon. which is rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids helps to keep our heart healthy, while inhibiting inflammation and acting as a natural anti-depressant by increasing feelings of well-being. It can also help keep skin young, supple and radiant, and is a healthy source of protein. So why not eat and drink our way to beautiful skin?