It’s the season of warming foods. From root vegetables to hot beverages and everything in between, there’s a plethora of foods to keep us warm even if it’s cold outside. And some of these tasty treats are also good for your skin. Here are a few of our favorites:
Green Tea- A study published in the Archives of Dermatology found that green tea has a positive impact on your skin. Green tea’s antioxidant properties have skin protective qualities. In fact, researchers in the study contended that of all the antioxidants known to man, green tea was the most potent.
Carrots- It’s a root vegetable that makes us feel at home. Can you imagine a hearty beef stew or vegetable soup without carrot? And carrot is also great for your skin. Carrots contain carotenoids and lycopene which shield your skin from UV protection. In one study, participants exposed to UV light had 50 percent less skin reddening when they drank 1 and 2⁄3 cups of carrot juice first.
Pumpkin- Pumpkin pie, pumpkin risotto, and even pumpkin spice latte (homemade of course)--it’s the season of pumpkin. Pumpkins are loaded with antoxidants like Vitamins A,C, and E which protect your skin from sun damage.
Hot Cocoa- Buy the real stuff (100 percent real cocoa) and this winter treat is beneficial to your skin. Cocoa contains the flavonoids epicatechin, which research has shown improves the texture of skin.
Sara Novak, Writer for Zax Health