It takes only common sense to realize that what you put into your body is going to have an impact on how your body looks and feels. This is true on all levels including skin. Paying attention to what types of foods you are putting in your body is essential for healthy, glowing rejuvenated skin. Here are a few of the foods that drastically improve the look of your largest organ, your skin!

Water (yes, we are calling it Food)

It’s the number one thing you can put into your body if you want great looking skin. Water hydrates cells and helps them move toxins out and nutrients in.  Keeping the body hydrated means it sweats more efficiently which in turn keeps the skin clear. You should be consuming at least half your weight in ounces of water per day.

Low-Fat Dairy

Low-Fat Dairy products are really great source of Vitamin A, not to mention the live bacteria in items such as low-fat yogurt is good for intestinal health. Anything that keeps digestion normal will definitely be reflected in the skin.

Omega3 Rich Fish

Yes there is such a thing as good fat, it’s called Omega3. Essential fatty acids act as barriers for the cells, the stronger the barrier the better your cells can hold moisture, leaving you with younger looking skin. You can find Omega3 these in many different fish including tuna, shellfish, sardines and salmon. In addition to fish, flax seed and walnuts also contain essential fatty acids.

Blackberries, Blueberries, Strawberries and Plums

These four fruits weigh in with the highest total antioxidant capacity of any food. The benefits of these are plentiful including protection against free radicals, leaving less chance for damaged skin cells. Protecting against cell damage not only guards again premature aging, but keeps your complexion looking plump and smooth.

Other fruits and vegetables with a high antioxidant capacity include artichokes, beans (black, red and pinto), prunes and pecans.

Almonds, Sunflower Seeds and Hazelnuts

These nuts all contain high levels of Vitamin E, one of the most potent antioxidants. Not only will they protect you against free radicals, but they help to moisturize and protect against premature aging.

Whole Wheat Bread, Muffins and Cereals

These foods contain the mineral selenium which plays a key role in the health of skin cells. In addition, filling up on whole-grain products may stop you from reaching for white flour items such as bread, cake, pasta and white rice. All these items can affect insulin levels possible causing inflammation leading to break outs.

Other foods containing selenium are turkey, tuna and Brazil nuts

Avocados

Avocados are high in fat monounsaturated fat, the healthy fat, and contain both Vitamin C and Vitamin E. This is a powerful anti-aging combination and a must for those with dry skin.

Broccoli

You’ve probably heard this since you were a kid, but it’s true – eat your broccoli!  Broccoli contains a high level of Vitamin A which improves the turnover of cells in the skin. When you skin is renewed more quickly, this leaves the freshest skin on top where everyone can see.

Dark Chocolate

Consuming dark chocolate can protect the skin from sun damage, help increase blood flow to the skin and reduce roughness. Dark chocolate contains flavanols (antioxidants) and is rich in minerals including magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, potassium and zinc.

Healthy Oils

Eating good quality oils helps keep skin lubricated and keeps it looking and feeling healthier.  When looking for the right oil, make sure it’s labeled cold pressed, expeller processed or extra virgin. Keep in mind that even though these are healthy oils, they are still a fat which is high in calories, so limit it to two tablespoons a day.

Adding these foods to your diet will drastically improve the look and texture of your skin. However, it’s just as important to cut out foods from your diet as it is to add foods if you do want healthy skin. Make sure that you reduce your intake of caffeine, bad fats, salt, sugar, etc. to maximize the healthy benefits.

Other healthy skin foods that would have made the list if we could have kept going: mangos, carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, cantaloupe, spinach, Brussels sprouts, oranges and grapefruit.