Saturday, May 16, 2009

Tips for healthy skin

Skin forms a major part of our body. Beautiful skin is not just an external matter. Our skin reveals how well our bodies are functioning internally. Beautiful skin indicates a healthy body.

Leading a healthy lifestyle leads to better skin. What we eat affects our appearance, so it’s better to monitor our food intake to achieve beautiful skin.

Good nutrition includes a combination of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, in moderation. Protein is indispensable, but will affect our health when combined with saturated fats and trans-fatty acids. Products that include this mix are ground beef, sausage and bacon.

These are not good for the skin as they speed up the aging process and cause wrinkles. Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils and butter have trans-fatty acids. They change the skin and are bad for our health when consumed too frequently.

If these foods form a part of your usual diet, try to refrain from eating them for a few weeks to see the effect it has on your skin.

Carbohydrates are a necessary part of the diet and nutritionists advise that we should include them in our diet. Some products contain a risky mix of carbohydrates that increases the blood’s glucose levels. High glucose levels result in inflammation and adversely affect the skin.

Foods that can increase glucose levels include raisins, pasta and baked beans. Legumes and beans are full of vitamins and minerals, but when they are baked and canned their ingredients negatively impact glucose levels.

Products like sugar, cake, bread, and full fat ice creams are high glycemic foods. High glycemic foods are those which are high in carbohydrates that are quickly digested after consumption.

Such products also lead to acne. Low glycemic foods are good for your health. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are low glycemic foods. Overall health improves when one consumes more fresh vegetables. Potatoes are generally a good food product, but are not healthy when served as French fries or chips.

Alcohol leads to dehydration and negatively affects the skin. Dehydration means that the body lacks fluids. When fluid content is reduced the skin becomes dry and develops wrinkles. Frequent drinking can not only cause severe skin problems but can also result in liver problems.

It is not necessary that one abstain from any of the above listed food products. Instead, consider reducing the amount that you consume. Each person is different, and some products will affect one individual and not affect another. If you are facing skin problems you should monitor your diet.

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