We have often heard this line: “You are what you eat.” And, indeed the diet plays a vital role in keeping our skin healthy. If you want nice glowing skin like the famous Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, then read on to know which foods you should eat and avoid.

What to Eat?

 1. Turmeric

This bright yellow-orange spice which can protect you from various types of diseases, is also considered very beneficial for the skin. Packed with active antioxidants, it can effectively fight against inflammation in the body, reduce dark spots and give you a healthy and glowing skin. And, turmeric can either be added to your diet or you can also apply it directly to your skin.

2. Papaya

Also known as pawpaw, papaya is a sweet fruit that originated in Central America and Southern Mexico. Filled with active enzymes, this fruit is not only healthy for you but can also reduce skin inflammation.

Moreover, the protein-dissolving papain is found in several exfoliating products as this enzyme can cleanse the skin by unclogging the pores. And, remember, if you apply papaya on the skin, it can also remove blemishes.

Here are some options on how to include papaya in your diet:

• Eat a bowl of papaya in the morning as part of your breakfast.
• Papaya smoothies are also a good option. You can blend the fruit with some lemon juice to make a tasty drink.

3. Avocado

“Avocados are wonderful for adding hydration to the skin and reducing inflammation.”

– Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist

Instead of wasting your money on several skin products, we recommend you to head to asupermarket and buy some avocados for yourself.

This fruit rich in healthy fats has been proved to hydrate and protect the skin by reducing the risk of premature aging. It can also lower oxidative stress due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Besides, as avocadoes consist of lutein and zeaxanthin, they can protect the skin against UV-induced damage. And, wait, there’s more: as per studies conducted, avocadoes can improve the skin’s firmness and speed up its wound-healing process. 

How to add avocado to your diet:

• You can add this fruit to your salads or smoothies.
• You can also use it in a variety of recipes, from sushis to dim sums.

4. Oranges

“The powerful antioxidant in oranges has been shown to protect the skin from oxidative stress including UV damage to the skin, stimulates the formation of the skin barrier, improves skin hydration, and improves wound healing.”

– Brenda Braslow, a registered dietitian

A daily intake of vitamin C is required for a radiant skin and oranges are known as one of the best food sources of vitamin C.

The vitamin C present in oranges is known to boost collagen production which will keep your skin young and supple and lower the appearance of aging signs. The high content of citric acid can also help in skin exfoliation and in the treatment of acne.  

How to include oranges in your diet:

• Eat at least one orange every day.
• You can even drink freshly squeezed orange juice. But, avoid the pulp if you have ulcers in your stomach, irritable bowel syndrome, or inflammatory bowel disease.
• You can also make a tasty orange smoothie or add it to your salads.

What to Avoid?

1. Alcohol

Come on, everyone already knows that alcohol is bad for health. But, for those who were not aware of the negative impacts it can have on your skin, let me tell you that alcohol is known as a diuretic, which means that it can cause skin dehydration and make the skin dry and rough. Some research also indicated that alcohol could cause premature aging of the skin.

2. Street Foods

Surely, these deep-fried foods sold on the streets can look very tempting sometimes, but you must stay away from them as they can be very harmful to your skin. These types of food do not only slow down the blood circulation but can also clog pores and damage the overall skin health.

3. Coffee

Nowadays, most of us are huge fans of coffee but to all the coffee drinkers out there, drinking more than two cups of coffee per day can make your skin look dull. Furthermore, caffeine can also contribute to premature skin aging.

From now on, will you bring some changes to your diet? Please share your comments!