Source: Spinach, cheese, milk, yogurt, orange, red and yellow vegetables like carrots, pink grapefruits and dark green leafy vegetables.
• Omega-3 fatty acids – helps with passage of nutrients into cells, and have anti-inflammatory properties. These help to reduce the cell-damaging inflammation produced by the body in response to UV-induced tissue damage. Fatty acids are also nature’s sunblock as they act as a natural shield against the sun.
Source: Salmon, fresh tuna, mackerel, sardines, flaxseed and walnuts.
• Selenium – maintains the health of skin cells. The skin-benefiting antioxidant helps your body to remove free radicals that damage healthy skin cells, making skin cells less likely to suffer from oxidative damage that can increase the risk of cancer. Selenium also works with vitamin E to aid cell growth and boost immune system.
Source: Half-boiled eggs.
• Zinc – promotes cell reproduction and tissue growth and repair. This function is important in keeping skin healthy as skin cells are constantly regenerating. It also works to clear skin by taming oil production, and may be effective in controlling the formation of acne lesions or help those already on your skin to clear.
Source: Oyster shooters, lean meat, shellfish, milk and other dairy products.
• Vitamin C – fights infections and helps wounds heal. I is also responsible to produce collagen and elastin for firm skin. Collagen is the connective tissue that holds skin together, giving you a smooth and plump complexion. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which helps to protect the skin from toxins and help cells that are damaged to regenerate. This means that your skin recovers from the bombardment of the free radicals faster to regain its glow.
Source: Blueberry pie
• Vitamin E – an antioxidant that reduces the damage done to your skin by free radicals, which is a by-product of sunlight, smoke, and pollution. Free radicals eat up collagen and elastin, the fibers that support skin structure, causing wrinkles and other signs of ageing. Vitamin E protects the lipid (fat) membrane of cells against the oxidative damages caused by free radicals.
Source: Almond jelly, plant oils from soya, corn and olive.
• Lycopene – neutralize harmful molecules in the body. It is found in higher concentration in cooked or processed tomatoes, rather than raw ones.
Source: Tomatoes
