10 Foods that help decrease acne
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when skin pores become clogged and bacteria settles in, causing the pore to become infected. Several factors can contribute to developing acne such as oily skin, hormones, diet, skin care products and even your skin care routine. The good news is that acne is treatable and often can be controlled or even prevented with the right diet intake and skin care treatment plan. Here are few good food options for acne-prone skin person:
1.Brown Rice: Brown rice is a rich source of vitamin B, protein, magnesium, and several antioxidants. For acne, vitamin B acts as our skin’s stress fighter, which will help regulate hormones levels and prevent the likelihood of breakouts.
2.Garlic: Garlic is another super food that helps fight inflammation.Garlic is full of a naturally occurring chemical called allicin,which kills off many harmful bacteria and viruses your body might be fighting,so its proven to be good for reducing inflammation in acnes.
3.Broccoli: Broccoli is the perfect skin clearing food. It contains health building properties like vitamins A, B complex, C, E, and K. These antioxidants fight radical damage which will assist with the luminosity of your skin.
4.Avocado: This tasty green fruit, rich in vitamin E,called as skin vitamin. Avocado is also a good source of vitamin C, which can reduce skin inflammation and naturally moisturize the skin.
5.Fishes: Known to be a very good source of omega-3 & 6-fatty acids,is excellent for an acne prone skin,these acids reduce inflammation in the skin.Sardine & salmon are very good for skin.
6.Nuts: Deficiencies in minerals such as zinc and selenium have been linked to acne. Most nuts contain selenium, vitamin E, copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, calcium and iron, which are all essential for healthy skin.
7.Fennel: If you’re looking for the perfect natural skin cleanser, eat fennel. This licorice-tasting root vegetable can improve digestion, reduce swelling and help to flush out excess fluids and toxins in your skin.
8.High-fiber foods, including oats, oat bran, fruits, vegetables,and whole wheat bread and pasta are all high in fiber and other skin-loving vitamins and minerals.
9.Green tea: Studies show that green tea helps fight acne. Drink more green tea throughout the day, and try applying cooled tea bags or a cloth dipped in cooled green tea to acne-prone areas of your face for 10-15 minutes.
10.Flax seeds: called as “Alsi” in Hindi is a very good source of omega-3-& 6- fatty acids, known to be excellent for skin & hair. One must include in diet to get good results for acne.
11.Water: it is considered to be the best skin food as it not only hydrates your skin but also provide it with good amount of oxygen.
12.Red Grapes: The fruit and seed contain powerful natural chemicals and antioxidants that have been shown to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.On top of this, grapes can also help to control the side effects of allergic reactions on skin. 13.Alfalfa Sprouts: It looks like grass, but these sprouts are packed with valuable, skin-clearing nutrients. Alfalfa sprouts contain live enzymes which help fight inflammation.
14. Vitamin A-Rich Foods (Carotenoids) Carotenoids are used in anti inflammatory drugs for treatment for acne. Rich sources of carotenoids include carrot juice, carrots, spinach, kale, cantaloupe, vegetable soup, mangos, papaya, instant fortified oatmeal, frozen peas and tomato juice. Fresh and canned peaches and red bell peppers provide modest amounts of carotenoid.
15.Zinc rich foods: Foods rich in zinc are the foods that support immune system function, normal physical development and wound healing.Its sources are oysters, chicken, beef, crab, pork shoulder, lobster, baked beans and fortified breakfast cereals.
By Ms. Preeti Seth, Nutritionist, Pachouli- Spa & Wellness Pvt Ltd. Pusa Road, New Delhi