Nutrition as Essential Tool for Glowing Skin - part 1

Skin is one of the largest organs in our body and it plays couple of roles for us; first, it’s a barrier for our immune system (keeping pathogenic bacteria out of the rest of our tissues). Therefore, we should be supporting the skin barrier integrity by:

• Cell hydration - Drinking adequate water (2 l daily at least) or vegetable juices.

• Essential fatty acids - to help to maintain the water in the skin, preventing dryness - maintaining cell membrane fluidity

- protecting cellular membranes – resistance to too hot/cold temperature changes; damage from the sun - excellent EFA sources are oily fish such as salmon, mackerel,nuts & seeds and avocados. Olives and olive oil can help skin resist UV damage, according to a Lancet Oncologystudy.

Skin also activates our D-vitamin, one of the most important nutrients; involved in bone mineralisation, uptake of calcium and other minerals in the gut and supports our immune system.

Increase your antioxidant stores and lower oxidative load

Free radicals are generated in our bodies during normal metabolism. They can also be created by your body’s immune system in its attempt to fight against viruses and bacteria. Sometimes, environmental factors such as pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke and herbicides can also trigger the formation of free radicals.

Antioxidants are chemicals that protect cells by neutralising the effects of factors such as the sun, pollution, wind, temperature, emotions and metabolism. Common antioxidants are vitamins A, C, E, and beta carotene. The special function of antioxidants is to protect your cells by fighting free radicals and and supporting their elimination from the body.