Eat your way to fabulous skin. Your diet plays a huge role in overall skin

You are what you eat! It's possible to influence your looks simply by choosing specific foods. Your diet plays a huge role in your overall skin. Lustrous and shiny hair, radiant and fairer skin, attractive look, hormone balance and more are all tied to what you choose to eat... A healthy skin reflects how healthy you are on the inside.

The best food should include a mix of fruits and vegetables and boast of all the nutrients that your body needs. It's not an instant fix but an investment that will benefit you long-term.

Fruits & vegetables

Nature provides us with fruits and vegetables according to seasonal requirements. When the loss of fluids from our bodies is greater, we need to have foods that are high in water content, like watermelon and cucumber. As we know, the major constituent of blood is water. It is the fluidity of blood that helps in transporting nutrients, oxygen and even wastes in the body. For instance, hair is fed by the nutrients in the bloodstream and the proper circulation of blood to the skin surface is important for skin health. Water stimulates the circulation of blood. It not only oxygenates the skin but keeps it hydrated and also regulates the skin's natural balance.

Vitamin C

Lemon, mango, broccoli, oranges, guava, raw strawberries are key to immune system helping prevent infection and protect the body from diseases. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps in the production of collagen and protects skin from free radical damages. The human body does not store vitamin C, so people need to get this nutrient from their diet every day. It dissolves in water, and any excess leaves the body in urine.

Silica foods

These are must for daily consumption. Silica plays a key role in connective tissue formation and synthesis of collagen. It is also needed for skin and bone health; vegetables are the richest source of Silica foods in the human body. Banana, oats, soya tofu, rice, onion, cucumber, cabbage, raisins, wheat, leeks, green beans, brown rice, aloo palak, baingan bhartha are the richest source of silica foods. Silica food help to regenerate tissues and skin, delay the ageing process and supports the binding of water molecules to cells. Water is a traditional source of silicon and all-natural water contains dissolved silica.

Improper elimination of wastes

It leads to clogged pores and reflects on the skin, in terms of dullness, blackheads, spots, pimples and acne. Fluids and foods with higher water content help blood circulation too. Keep to a low salt diet, because excess salt leads to retention of fluid in the body and slows down both blood and lymph circulation. Sometimes, this can make the face and area around eyes look puffy and dull. It can mean a congested skin that is not clear and lacks radiance. For congested skin, a low salt diet is advocated.

So, drink plenty of water and take the juice of one lemon with one spoon honey in a glass of water, first thing in the morning. Avoid aerated drinks and take fresh fruit juices, freshly extracted and diluted with water. Fruit and vegetable juices not only ensure a supply of valuable nutrients but are assimilated and absorbed by the body very easily. They also help to cleanse and purify the system, keeping the skin clear and bright. Instead of a hot cup of tea, take iced tea (without milk), adding one teaspoon honey, a little lemon juice and ice. Jal Jeera, taken with ice, can also be a suitable drink to hydrate the system. Taking enough water and fluids cleanses the body of toxins and wastes. This is bound to reflect in terms of clear, fresh and glowing skin.

Avoid heavy, spicy, fried foods: Include clear soups, lassi, yoghurt, fresh fruits, salads and sprouts in your daily diet. Fresh fruits and salads also contribute to the body's requirement of water. Vegetables should be lightly cooked. Take enough green leafy vegetables. Instead of having rich desserts, take yoghurt with honey, or fresh fruits. These make delicious desserts too. You can end your meal with lassi. This fulfils your fluid requirement and helps digestion too.