<p>FOR YOUR SKIN Believe it or not, there is a strong link between what you eat and how you look. Dr Kiran Lohia urges you to include some super foods into your diet for a healthier, more beautiful you. </p>.<p>It is normal for you to be worried about that lone pimple on your forehead or that dry patch on your cheek. It is also common for you to blame the inefficiency of your face cream or zit remover, causing you to change them frequently. But it is not often that you would have thought of amending your food habits. So, how about adding some proven goodies to your diet? Foods that will cleanse your skin from the inside, making it naturally radiant. <br /><br />Chocolates<br /><br />Who’d have thought that chocolate could be considered part of a nutritious diet? Well, you are in luck, because dark chocolate contains lots of flavonoids. These are a super active type of antioxidants, which means that they help prevent free radical damage from the environment and pollution. Not only will flavonoids prevent your skin from ageing, they can also be effective in counteracting some of the negative oxidative effects of the sun’s UV rays. (Don’t get too excited though; you still have to wear your sunscreen, no matter how much chocolate you eat). However, remember, chocolate should be pure for the best results, so dark chocolate is the best kind to eat. One square is more than enough to get some antioxidant action, without packing on the pounds.<br /><br />Walnuts<br /><br />This super food has ultra vital omega-3 fatty acids, an extremely important lipid that is necessary to maintain the skin barrier, hydrate it and make it more supple and pliant. And, as an added benefit, omega-3 fatty acids are fantastic for cardiovascular health and have recently been shown to reduce one’s risk of cancer. Have about eight to ten walnuts a day to get the benefits of this active nut, without having to worry about the extra calories.</p>.<p><br />Kiwis<br /><br />The unsung heroes of vitamin sources, kiwis pack a powerful punch of Vitamin C more than any other fruit. Vitamin C is a vital ingredient that is important in two functions. Firstly, it is needed for the production of collagen, which is a protein that keeps the skin tight and firm. Second, it is a potent antioxidant, helping to counteract all the damage that your skin suffers from, courtesy the pollution, the sun and the environment.<br /><br />Sweet potatoes<br /><br />Not only does this miracle vegetable taste good, it is also a good source of Vitamin A, which helps your healthier skin resurface by making old skin cells self-exfoliate. It also enhances the skin’s colour and appearance, giving you a healthy glow.<br /><br />Sunflower seeds<br /><br />These little guys look innocuous, but they are super strong providers of Vitamin E, which is a fat-soluble activator that your body cannot produce on its own. It is essential to eat sunflower seeds to get the added benefit of a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin E can help prevent premature ageing and reduce DNA damage. And, in the long term, it can reduce your risk of sunburns.<br /><br />Oats<br /><br />This food item works in two surprising ways. First of all, it is low-glycemic, meaning that it does not spike your blood sugar very much. High-glycemic foods can worsen the risk of wrinkles and acne. Second, it has a natural plant chemical that prevents damage to your skin, while also soothing irritations. So, don’t forget your bowl of oatmeal for that flawless skin.<br /><br />Avocados<br /><br />A favourite in Mexico, avocados are full of healthy fats known as monounsaturated fat. These lipids help keep your skin hydrated so that you maintain your healthy glow. Avocados can also reduce the damage that UVA and UVB rays cause to the skin. Also, the healthy monounsaturated fats maintain vital hydration for your epidermis. Containing omega-9 fats like oleic acid, these actives also help regenerate damaged skin cells while reducing facial redness and irritation. Add it into your salads or sandwiches to enjoy this skin-healthy treat!<br /><br />Watching what you drink<br /><br />Water is necessary for life, as we all know. But when you drink less than eight glasses of water in a day, your body can get dehydrated, resulting in drier and duller skin. For proper hydration, drink 10-12 glasses a day, so that you can get your body’s water balance in check. </p>.<p><br />And, if you add lemon, you will get an extra Vitamin C boost, thereby fulfilling your nutrition needs. Vitamin C is vital for collagen synthesis and also to protect your skin from the sun. Its antioxidant effects are well-known in dermatology. They protect you from free radical damage.<br /><br />Also, remember that green tea contains ideal antioxidants, which can provide a healthy boost for your skin. With natural catechins and free radical counteracting actives, this magical Chinese drink is probably the reason why Asians have naturally beautiful skin and hair. Drink green tea throughout the day to cleanse your system. And see the glow.<br /><br />As much as you like drinking milk and think it is nutritious, remember that cow’s milk is detrimental to the skin. Essentially, every dermatologist agrees that dairy is the worst for skin. Why is this? <br /><br />Cow’s milk, just like human milk, is chock-full of hormones. Those hormones cause acne, pigmentation and can even worsen ageing. Instead, use almond milk. Almond milk is full of natural proteins and Vitamin E, ultimately giving you nutrition without the hormonal imbalance.<br /><br />So, stop being misled by food fads and diet myths. Instead, eat these healthy, yummy foods, which give you better health and natural beauty!<br />(The author is medical director & MD, Lumiere Dermatology, New Delhi)</p>
<p>FOR YOUR SKIN Believe it or not, there is a strong link between what you eat and how you look. Dr Kiran Lohia urges you to include some super foods into your diet for a healthier, more beautiful you. </p>.<p>It is normal for you to be worried about that lone pimple on your forehead or that dry patch on your cheek. It is also common for you to blame the inefficiency of your face cream or zit remover, causing you to change them frequently. But it is not often that you would have thought of amending your food habits. So, how about adding some proven goodies to your diet? Foods that will cleanse your skin from the inside, making it naturally radiant. <br /><br />Chocolates<br /><br />Who’d have thought that chocolate could be considered part of a nutritious diet? Well, you are in luck, because dark chocolate contains lots of flavonoids. These are a super active type of antioxidants, which means that they help prevent free radical damage from the environment and pollution. Not only will flavonoids prevent your skin from ageing, they can also be effective in counteracting some of the negative oxidative effects of the sun’s UV rays. (Don’t get too excited though; you still have to wear your sunscreen, no matter how much chocolate you eat). However, remember, chocolate should be pure for the best results, so dark chocolate is the best kind to eat. One square is more than enough to get some antioxidant action, without packing on the pounds.<br /><br />Walnuts<br /><br />This super food has ultra vital omega-3 fatty acids, an extremely important lipid that is necessary to maintain the skin barrier, hydrate it and make it more supple and pliant. And, as an added benefit, omega-3 fatty acids are fantastic for cardiovascular health and have recently been shown to reduce one’s risk of cancer. Have about eight to ten walnuts a day to get the benefits of this active nut, without having to worry about the extra calories.</p>.<p><br />Kiwis<br /><br />The unsung heroes of vitamin sources, kiwis pack a powerful punch of Vitamin C more than any other fruit. Vitamin C is a vital ingredient that is important in two functions. Firstly, it is needed for the production of collagen, which is a protein that keeps the skin tight and firm. Second, it is a potent antioxidant, helping to counteract all the damage that your skin suffers from, courtesy the pollution, the sun and the environment.<br /><br />Sweet potatoes<br /><br />Not only does this miracle vegetable taste good, it is also a good source of Vitamin A, which helps your healthier skin resurface by making old skin cells self-exfoliate. It also enhances the skin’s colour and appearance, giving you a healthy glow.<br /><br />Sunflower seeds<br /><br />These little guys look innocuous, but they are super strong providers of Vitamin E, which is a fat-soluble activator that your body cannot produce on its own. It is essential to eat sunflower seeds to get the added benefit of a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin E can help prevent premature ageing and reduce DNA damage. And, in the long term, it can reduce your risk of sunburns.<br /><br />Oats<br /><br />This food item works in two surprising ways. First of all, it is low-glycemic, meaning that it does not spike your blood sugar very much. High-glycemic foods can worsen the risk of wrinkles and acne. Second, it has a natural plant chemical that prevents damage to your skin, while also soothing irritations. So, don’t forget your bowl of oatmeal for that flawless skin.<br /><br />Avocados<br /><br />A favourite in Mexico, avocados are full of healthy fats known as monounsaturated fat. These lipids help keep your skin hydrated so that you maintain your healthy glow. Avocados can also reduce the damage that UVA and UVB rays cause to the skin. Also, the healthy monounsaturated fats maintain vital hydration for your epidermis. Containing omega-9 fats like oleic acid, these actives also help regenerate damaged skin cells while reducing facial redness and irritation. Add it into your salads or sandwiches to enjoy this skin-healthy treat!<br /><br />Watching what you drink<br /><br />Water is necessary for life, as we all know. But when you drink less than eight glasses of water in a day, your body can get dehydrated, resulting in drier and duller skin. For proper hydration, drink 10-12 glasses a day, so that you can get your body’s water balance in check. </p>.<p><br />And, if you add lemon, you will get an extra Vitamin C boost, thereby fulfilling your nutrition needs. Vitamin C is vital for collagen synthesis and also to protect your skin from the sun. Its antioxidant effects are well-known in dermatology. They protect you from free radical damage.<br /><br />Also, remember that green tea contains ideal antioxidants, which can provide a healthy boost for your skin. With natural catechins and free radical counteracting actives, this magical Chinese drink is probably the reason why Asians have naturally beautiful skin and hair. Drink green tea throughout the day to cleanse your system. And see the glow.<br /><br />As much as you like drinking milk and think it is nutritious, remember that cow’s milk is detrimental to the skin. Essentially, every dermatologist agrees that dairy is the worst for skin. Why is this? <br /><br />Cow’s milk, just like human milk, is chock-full of hormones. Those hormones cause acne, pigmentation and can even worsen ageing. Instead, use almond milk. Almond milk is full of natural proteins and Vitamin E, ultimately giving you nutrition without the hormonal imbalance.<br /><br />So, stop being misled by food fads and diet myths. Instead, eat these healthy, yummy foods, which give you better health and natural beauty!<br />(The author is medical director & MD, Lumiere Dermatology, New Delhi)</p>
