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Imagine waking up one morning only to find out the horror of a blemish on your forehead or chin! You may be concerned about your daily skincare regimen and make-up routine. Our skin is readily exposed to pollutants such as dust and dirt, free radicals, and poisonous gases on a daily basis. Not to mention the excessive exposure to UV radiation that is exposing our skin to infections, breakouts leading to acne, pimples, and spots with scarring.

Take a look at the 10 best food items that can regularly cleanse your skin of free radicals and toxins:

Tomatoes –

Tomatoes constitute of antioxidants such as the carotenoid, lycopene, which combat against toxic radicals and prevent them from building up. Since these radicals promote premature ageing and the occurrence of rashes/red spots on your skin, preventing them from building up in your body will actually result in healthier and smooth skin.

Pro-tip – Tomatoes help to combat photo-damage caused by excessive exposure to UV radiation on skin. If you make a tomato paste and apply on your skin for two weeks, you’ll find out that it not only helps to remove your tan, but also tones your skin properly. Since tomatoes are a pivotal part of our diets, you can have them in salads, pasta, or curries to increase your daily intake.

Green Tea –

Green tea constitutes of a host of antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties as well. The most important antioxidant found in green tea is the polyphenol, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which helps to prevent free radicals from accumulating in the skin.

This allows your skin to heal quickly and at the same time, protect itself from harsh UV rays that could lead to sunburn or rashes. EGCG is also known for its anti-tumor properties, which means a cup of green tea a day prevent premature ageing and skin cancer!

Yogurt –

Another important source of water-soluble whey proteins, yogurt, is present as a prebiotic in the market for motivating people to consume the fermented food. If you aren’t a big fan of including yogurt or eggs in your diet, try going for Opportuniteas Whey Protein to make up for lack of protein in your food.

Since yogurt comprises of bacteria that are a part of the gut’s healthy flora, it not only increases bowel motility, but also helps to boost immunity. With increased immunity, your body fights against toxic free radicals and prevents them from building up in the skin. The gut bacteria keeps breakouts from popping on your skin, and therefore, restore its freshness and glow as well.

Carrot –

Carrots are enriched in another important carotenoid, beta-carotene, which prevents the breakdown of cells and consequently, DNA damage. One thing though, as beta-carotene is also the pigment that is responsible for giving carrots their characteristic color (red or orange); you might need to stop yourself from consuming them excessively.

Get your carrots from a local farm produce and consume them either in stew or salad. You can also stir-fry different veggies together or if you’ve a sweet tooth, go for a carrot cake! If you ask us, the best way to consume carrots is simply chopping them up and eating them raw!

Papaya –

Most people know this fruit for primary fiber constituent. However, papayas are also enriched in Vitamins A, B complex, and C as well as enzymes that aid in digestion and restore the freshness of skin. Since fiber helps to improve bowel motility, your body will actually be getting rid of toxins and free radicals that are harmful for your skin as well.

Owing to their anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, papaya helps to boost cell proliferation and collagen restoration, hence, enhancing skin elasticity, and promoting an acne-free and glowing skin.

Eggs –

Enriched with protein and fat-soluble vitamins inclusive of A, D, E and K, eggs are perhaps the power meals of athletes and bodybuilders. Apart from providing you with instant nutrition, the vitamins in eggs help to restore balance in your skin. For instance, vitamin D is essential for boosting melanin production in skin, the pigment that gives us our color and helps to fight against cancer-causing free radicals.

Olive Oil –

If you’re seeking weight loss, then olive oil is your ultimate source of cooking food. In addition to its weight loss properties, olive oil consists of Vitamin E that helps to boost radiance of skin by fighting against free radicals. According to a study, it has been concluded that olive oil not only helps to prevent skin cancer, but also protects the skin from the side effects of radiotherapy.

Milk –

We all know that milk comprises of calcium and minerals that are highly necessary for our bones. Milk, however, also consists of alphahydroxy acids (AHA) that promote the growth of collagen and elastin in skin. Since collagen and elastin help to restore the elasticity in your skin, your skin will become tauter, smoother, and more radiant than ever before.

For best results, consider drinking a glass of milk for breakfast or before hitting the sack at night. You can even do what Cleopatra, the Queen of the Nile used to do – take a bath in it! However, if you’re lactose intolerant, you might want to consider avoiding milk or dairy products as a whole.

Almond –

Enriched with alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E) and flavonoids, almonds help to combat significant exposure to UV radiations and oxidative stress radicals, respectively. Almonds can be consumed either with milk or in salads and cereals. Include 4 – 6 almonds in your daily dietary regimen and experience fresher, healthier and more radiant skin.

Spinach –

From the family of dark green leafy vegetables, comes the mighty spinach enriched with anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-tumor properties. Spinach prevents the toxic build-up of free radicals from leading to excessive sebum production and eventually, breakouts. It also constitutes of vitamins and essential minerals that deeply nourish the skin and keep it radiant at all times.

Coming to its anti-tumor properties, it is reported that spinach helps to prevent the growth of cells that might cause a host of skin diseases or cancer later on. If you are not a big fan of greens in your salad (who isn’t, though?) make yourself a thick spinach smoothie or add it to your steak as an essential herb or sauce.

Even if you apply the Clay of the Nile after purchasing a jar as costly as a king’s ransom on your skin, it wouldn’t be as enough as compared to what you’re putting ‘inside’ your body. There are plenty of healthy foods in the market that are packed with essential nutrients with incredible healing properties for your skin. Instead of garnering a visit to the cosmetics section at the supermarket, we advise you to take a quick trip to the grocery aisles and swift through the food items as mentioned above.