7 Fall Foods to Promote Skin Health
The harvest season, autumn, brings with it various root vegetables and crisp fruits that are not only timely but also healthy. The produce available during this season is packed with nutritious perks to promote hand and overall skin health.
As the weather gets colder, and outdoor activities are reduced, it’s easy to allow your skin health regime to fall off. Before this happens, take advantage of the healthy foods in season and make delicious recipes out of them for you and the family.
1. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are versatile root vegetables containing various nutrients for good health. They are richly packed with vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene. They also have vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Vitamin C is a crucial component that boosts your immune health, and the effects show through your skin.
They are also an excellent source of calcium and iron, which play a role in preventing anemia. Sweet potatoes also provide a healthy dose of antioxidants that fight the free radicals responsible for some diseases and illnesses in the body.
2. Apples
Regardless of how you slice them, apples are an excellent food option if you want to maintain healthy skin. They contain a good amount of vitamin B and C, which are essential in strengthening your nails and hair while speeding up your skin cell production. Apples also contain beneficial B vitamins and antioxidants like procyanidin that help fight skin irritation and acne. The components are also helpful in lowering bad cholesterol in the body.
Eating raw apples provides your body with antioxidants to prevent tissue and cell damage, especially in the skin. Red Delicious and Granny Smith apple varieties are particularly protective of the skin because of the high elastin and collagen levels.
You can also have a lot of fun using apples to make various homemade treatments to treat sunburns, acne or even use them as a skin toner. You can use the treatment with other products for the best results on your skin. After you finish eating your apple in whichever way you choose, don’t forget a hand sanitizer that also works to keep your skin supple.
3. Pears
Pears are closely similar to apples in nutritional value. A medium-sized pear contains approximately 5.5 grams of fiber and 101 calories. It's also an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C and K, and dietary fibers, which can prevent skin damage. The potassium component in pears plays a crucial function in helping your cells function at their best. It also regulates the heart and maintains the muscles and nerves at their optimum working levels.
These fall beauties are also a rich source of potassium, copper, and folate. In addition, the lactic acid present in the fruits' skin keeps your lip cells healthy by nourishing the cells around the lips for a great pout.
4. Acorn and Butternut Squash
In its acorn and butternut varieties, squash has a lot to offer for healthy skin and hands. They are great to eat alongside grains and veggies or as a side dish for dinner. Squash contains high amounts of fiber and few calories. In addition, squash has vitamins A and C, which boost the immune system and overall skin health.
Other nutrients present are magnesium, calcium, vitamin B6, and manganese. Potassium is also present, essential for fluid balance, blood clotting, muscle, and heart health. Moreover, the skin of the squash is an excellent source of antioxidants that prevents damage to the skin cells. Combine this with a sanitizer that contains vitamin E and glycerin, and your skin will be soft and moisturized.
5. Cranberries and Other Berries
Cranberries have an eye-catching red hue and are a quintessential holiday fruit that you can consume in various ways. They contain high antioxidant levels, essential in protecting your skin against environmental elements. The high vitamin C and E levels and polyphenols fight free radicals, protecting your skin from the visible signs of aging, fine lines, loss of elasticity, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles.
Besides cranberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries, are packed with vitamins E and C. These play a significant role in boosting your immune response and sex drive. Given the boost that cranberries provide, you and your partner will be out for an adventure in no time. While you’re out and about, bring some hand sanitizer for staying germ-free on-the-go.
6. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a dark green leafy vegetable with low calories and sodium levels. It is also fat-free and healthy for your body. It’s an excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants that support the immune system and body cells. The plant is also a storehouse of numerous phytonutrients with health promotional and disease-fighting nutrients.
The high amounts of magnesium promote muscle function and energy production, keeping you fuller for longer to reduce your craving for sugary snacks. Regularly incorporating Swiss chard into your diet will also keep anemia at bay, as it contains sufficient amounts of iron.
7. Pumpkin
Pumpkins are a staple during Halloween, and they are suitable for more than just decor and carving. Like squash, pumpkins contain beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A for multiple health benefits.
They are also an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. However, keep in mind that the bigger pumpkins have less flavor and more strings. This tells you that you should go for the smaller ones, which are excellent for making burgers, pancakes, or even pizza. You can also use pumpkin puree in dips, oatmeal, and muffins.
Fall Time Flavor
Whether you want to try a new dish or add variety to your diet, the aforementioned foods will provide you with numerous health benefits to keep you going. They are tasty and essential in boosting your overall skin health. As you shop for fall foods that enhance your skin health, don't forget to get yourself cleansers that work alongside your diet and promote beautiful, healthy skin.