Has your skin lost its sheen? Rather than lathering too many creams and cosmetics on it which by the may often does more harm than good depending on its makeup, why not add a natural glow to it? Here are 8 fruits and vegetables you need to eat to get back the radiance in your skin.
1) Apple
Why you need it: An apple a day would not just keep a doctor at bay, it also can certainly keep ageing skin at bay! This fruit has vitamin C in abundance which keeps your skin firm and gives it an inner radiance. Apple also prevents free-radical damage which causes premature skin ageing.
How to use it: To ensure glowing skin, you can eat one apple every day. You can also apply the juice of an apple on your face and wash it off with water after 10 minutes. Apart from this, apple imparts other health benefits as well.
2) Carrot
Why you need it: Carrot is high in beta carotene which is converted by the body to vitamin A. This makes it a must-eat vegetable in your daily diet. Not only will it give your skin a glow, it will also fight wrinkles and improve your skin, making it healthy.
How to use it: You can add carrots to your salad or cook it to make a dish. Drinking carrot juice with its fibre intact is also a great way to boost your beauty.
3) Lemon
Why you need it: Your skin tends to look dull when it has scars, acne and blackheads. But lemons can keep these at bay. This fruit has high content of vitamin C which is needed for the synthesis of collagen.
How to use it: Squeeze a lemon in a glass of warm water and have it first thing in the morning. You can add a spoonful of honey also in the mixture. Or, simple add a dash of lemon juice on your salad.
4) Pumpkin seeds
Why you need it: One sure-fire way to brighten your complexion is to eat a handful of pumpkin seeds. These little bits are packed with zinc which is vital in the creation of new skin cells. They also improve skin tone and control oil production in your skin. 4)
How to use it: Consume a handful of pumpkin seeds as an evening snack. You can also garnish curries with these seeds or add them to your sandwiches for an extra crunch.
5) Spinach
Why you need it: Loaded with antioxidants, spinach can help reduce the onset of wrinkles. It also helps strengthen skin tissue and possesses anti-inflammatory properties which flush out toxins, giving clear, glowing skin.
How to use it: Usually spinach has to be boiled and then added to salads or you can make a curry out of it such as palak paneer. Spinach juice too is effective in keeping your skin healthy.
6) Strawberry
Why you need it: The presence of malic acid in strawberry makes it a natural whitening agent. It also has loads of antioxidants which lend your skin a healthy radiance from within.
How to use it: Eat a handful of strawberries or simple mash it to make a paste and add yoghurt and honey. Apply it on your face and in 15 minutes get glowing skin. Strawberry can also be added to your smoothie.
7) Sweet potato
Why you need it: Anti-inflammatory in nature, sweet potato has high vitamin A content which helps fight acne-causing bacteria. The presence of vitamin C further improves skin tone and heals pimple scars.
How to use it: Eat it as an evening snack. Boil sweet potato and add salt, pepper and lemon juice to it. Eat it with the skin intact for maximum benefits. If it is treated with wax or is too shiny in appearance then it is a good idea to peel off the skin.
8) Tomato
Why you need it: Your skin needs a boost from within to look fresh and glowing. Tomato is rich in an antioxidant called lycopene which has anti-ageing properties and also acts a sunscreen from within. Since tomato is acidic in nature, its pulp helps tighten pores and prevent pimples.
How to use it: Tomatoes are usually a staple of Indian diet and added to several dishes in a puree form. But you can eat them raw as well or apply its pulp and juice on your skin.
