Every bride dreams of a flawless complexion for her wedding day. A few months before the D-day, brides are likely to find themselves caught in a variety of skincare treatments. However, the importance of a healthy and nutritious diet with superfoods for the skin is often underestimated. Surprisingly, the secret to radiantly beautiful skin is often hidden in our fridges and kitchen.
Your skin is a direct reflection of what you feed your body, and only if you’re healthy on the inside will you radiate an enviable glow on the outside. Indulging in junk food and foods high in sugar, preservatives and trans-fat can leave your skin looking dull with breakouts, pigmentation and puffiness. Gut health and hygiene play a key role in the complexion of your skin. Think hydration, detox waters and juices, and a diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
We’ve curated a list of 11 superfoods every bride must incorporate into her diet at least few weeks before her wedding celebrations. Now, let's get started on that grocery list.
Citrus Rich Foods
A natural source of Vitamin C can help to flush toxins from your body and help soothe inflammation, dark spots and sun burns. Oranges, tomatoes, grapefruit, lemon, and lime work wonders to fight pigmentation and even out your skin tone, leaving your skin hydrated. Lemon with warm water makes for the perfect start to the day. And, if you’ve been looking for a mid-meal snack, oranges and tangerines are a great idea. Tomato soup doubles up as the perfect low-carb dinner for brides who’d like to shed a few pounds. However, if a summer wedding is on the cards, freshly squeezed orange juice should be your go-to.
Chia Seeds
Enriched with essential Omega-3 fatty acids, chia seeds are packed with mineral and fibres that are known for helping you achieve a glowing skin. Omega-3 fatty acids provide the building blocks for healthy skin cell function and new collagen production to keep the skin wrinkle free. The best part? They’re super easy to incorporate into your diet. Sprinkle them into smoothies and fruit salads, or soak them in milk overnight for a satisfying dessert.
Ginger
No matter what your skin type, ginger is an essential addition to your diet. It is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, while having a soothing effect on your skin. Add it your morning cup of tea or into your meals for delicious flavour along with glow getting properties.
Avocado
Healthy fats are essential to keep your skin looking young and moisturized. Avocadoes are a rich source of healthy fats that prevent your skin from the harmful damage of the UV rays causing wrinkles and other signs of ageing. Smashed avocado with toast is a breakfast favourite in many households. And if you love Mexican, there’s nothing like a bowl of guacamole.
Sweet Potato
Adding these beta-carotene-rich starches into your daily diet can magically brightening your skin. Not only do they work as skin brightening agents but also as a natural sunblock. The combination of Vitamin A and Vitamin C neutralize cell tissue-damaging free radicals that cause the dreaded dulling effect. Bake them in the oven with onions or toss them into a kale salad to have as a side with any meal.
Seeds and Nuts
Think almonds, walnuts, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, dates and figs. Enriched with essential vitamins, fibres and nutrients, seeds and nuts help regenerate and rejuvenate our skin, cleanse the digestive tract, and also delay skin-ageing, leaving our skin radiant and bright. In general, nuts and seeds are good sources of skin-boosting nutrients. Toss them into your salad or start your day with a handful of these.
Spinach
The benefits of green leafy vegetables are countless for your skin and overall health. Green detox juices and meals rich in green vegetables are a no-brainer. This leafy green is high in Vitamin A and C necessary for growth in skin and imperative for the building and maintenance of collagen. It is also loaded with zinc that helps prevent acne breakouts. Along with spinach, kale could also be added to your diet.
Turmeric
The power of turmeric is so much that Hindu weddings have a dedicated haldi ceremony for the bride and groom. Turmeric is known for its glow-getting properties when applied as a DIY face pack. And adding it to our food can reverse the ageing of our skin, leaving it with a sun-kissed glow. The spice promotes blood circulation, fights wrinkles, stimulates skin elasticity and smoothens out fine lines. Today, turmeric shakes and lattes have become a staple in cafés across the world.
Honey
If you’ve an acne prone skin, adding honey to your diet is non-negotiable. With its antibacterial properties, honey is known to fight against breakouts. Whether in the form of honey water or using it as a natural sweetener, honey is a super skin-food. Substitute sugar in your food with honey to make it a healthy alternative.
Dark Chocolate
Need an excuse to have more chocolate? Then dark chocolate has a phenomenal effect on the skin provided it has at least 70% cocoa and minimum sugar. It is known to leave your skin hydrated, less rough and scaly, and less sensitive to sunburn. When you’re craving a sweet treat, make dark chocolate your best friend.
Salmon
Are wrinkles and fine lines the skin woes you worry about? Then salmon is your answer. With a list of health benefits, the Omega-3 fatty acids present in salmon contribute to the production of collagen and help keep the skin wrinkle-free. So ditch those high carb diets with fried fish, and swap it for delicious smoked salmon.
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