What to add to your diet to achieve glowing skin

If you want healthy glowing skin, there are a number of foods that you can incorporate into your diet to help you achieve this.

"What we eat can directly affect the appearance, texture, and overall health of our skin in a variety of ways," explains Kerry Beeson, Nutritional Therapist (BSc) at meal prep service Prep Kitchen.

"Starting with nutrition, our skin needs certain nutrients to maintain and repair itself. If these are deficient, it can impact skin health. Some foods can also stimulate inflammatory responses, so tend to aggravate inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis and rosacea."

So what foods should you be eating for glowing skin?

Protein

Protein is essential for the growth of skin cells.

"Eating high-protein foods - lean meats, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, tofu, beans, pulses - is a key factor in maintaining healthy, glowing skin," Kerry says. "Collagen is the most common protein in the body. It is vital for hair, skin, and nail health - it helps to repair and replace dead and damaged cells and helps new skin cells grow. We can make our own collagen but synthesis slows down as we age."

The expert adds, "Dietary protein aids collagen production in the body, as they contain the amino acids needed to make collagen."

Water

Eating foods with a high water content will help keep your skin hydrated.

"Water and water-filled foods such as fruit and veg keep skin hydrated and plump, so this is a key starting point for achieving a clear complexion," the expert explains.

Fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins that can protect your skin and make it glow.

"If you want to brighten your skin, eat bright colours! Pigment antioxidants, found in coloured fruit and vegetables like peppers and berries, offer your skin protection from harmful UV rays, and also have anti-inflammatory benefits," she advises. "Vitamin C found in foods like citrus fruit, berries, and broccoli is also essential for collagen production."

Green tea

The antioxidants in green tea benefit your skin in several ways.

Kerry states, "Green tea is another great addition to your diet if you're looking for radiant skin. Green tea is full of antioxidants which help to protect your skin."