9 beauty foods to rectify your skin problems

Number 5 is essential!

In Pakistan, winters are abysmally short-lived and the heat wave isn’t doing your skin any favours either. Overnight creams may provide temporary relief to some but relentless exposure to sunlight daily can wreak havoc on your skin, making it dull and grimy.

But worry not – we have a solution! As compiled from Vogue magazine, here are some food items that can help keep your skin healthy and fresh, even in the blistering heat. And the best part: you’ll get results within a week.



1) Lemons

PHOTO: FILE

When life gives you lemons – make lemonade! Literally! In summers, keep hydrated by preparing chilled limo pani for yourself. Los Angeles–based nutritionist Kimberly Snyder states that it is important to kick start your day with hot water and lemon. “It detoxifies the body by helping your digestive system and liver eliminate waste quickly,” she says.

2) Sweet potatoes

PHOTO: FILE

Commonly known as shakarkandi, these contain a magical combination of vitamin A and vitamin C. Incorporating sweet potatoes into your daily diet can help to fight dull complexions. Sweet potatoes are full of biotin, a supplement that stimulates hair and nail growth as well. Sprinkle a hint of chat masala on boiled sweet potatoes and you’re good to go.


3) Almonds

PHOTO: FILE

Finding it difficult to remember what you studied last night? Have some almonds to boost your memory. The nuts have other purposes too, In fact they are also a beauty food, as they’re rich in vitamin E. Kimberly stated that almonds are also a beauty food and she named it as “the skin beautifying antioxidant.” According to one research, vitamin E may help fight early signs of ageing “by protecting skin against the damage caused by ultraviolet rays.” Furthermore, an almonds and milk mask helps whiten the skin.

4) Chia seeds (Tukhm e Balanga)

PHOTO: FILE

These antioxidant-rich seeds are the perfect combination of minerals and fibre which results in glowing skin. Kimberly stated, “To ensure you’re getting the appropriate amount of Omega-3 fats, which contribute to a balanced mood and healthy heart, add chia seeds in juices, smoothies or fruit salads.” You can also make a chia seed pudding if you are a desert lover.

5) Pineapples

PHOTO: FILE

This tasty fruit helps in the production of collagen (widely used in cosmetic surgical treatments). According to Kimberly “When your skin needs to look incredible, this fruit is a miracle.” Pineapples improve digestion, reduce inflammation and remove toxins from the body. You can also make a yummy two-minute smoothie by adding pineapple, ripe bananas, spinach, and yogurt.


6) Beetroot

PHOTO: FILE

Start your day with a beetroot juice with a hint of ginger and apples to get younger looking skin. “The powerful antioxidants in beetroot help fight signs of ageing and keep the skin firm and youthful,” says Kimberly. Beets contain minerals and vitamins (folate, vitamin A, potassium, and magnesium) which help in the production and repair of cells and also protect skin from wrinkles. If you have acne problems, you can make a healthy drink of beets, spinach, green chilies, carrots and salad leaves which reduce acne and acne marks.
7) Figs

PHOTO: FILE

The fig (injeer) is packed with nutrients that help cleanse the digestive track of toxins, helps in weight loss which, according to Kimberly, may prevent important nutrients from getting to the skin. “This process is vital to enhancing that inner glow,” she notes and recommends taking few seeds a day as they are high in sugar.

8) Spinach

PHOTO: FILE

This green food is responsible for the growth of skin and hair as it is full of vitamin A. “Spinach is also loaded with vitamin C, vital for the construction and maintenance of collagen,” according to Kimberly. Spinach can help you fight iron deficiency too.



9) Medjool dates

PHOTO: FILE

These are the healthiest alternative to sugar and can be used in baking and cooking. Dates are high in fibre and a perfect sweet treat to help cleanse your body. Along with being rich in copper, they are an important source of minerals that help absorb iron and form collagen and red blood cells.

Have something to add in the story? Share it in the comments below.