How Does Diet Affect Complexion?
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Acne and Diet
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For many years people believed that acne was a cosmetic disease, or that it was caused by poor hygiene or stress. Some felt there was no cure, and it simply had to run its course. For many years adolescents were told that eating chocolate and fried foods would cause acne. But recent studies show that eating specific foods does not cause acne. While it is possible that a person could have an allergic reaction to a specific food, resulting in a rash, it is believed that there is no such thing as an acne-causing food. Diet in general doesn't bring about an outbreak of acne. But there are some ongoing studies investigating the link between dairy products and acne.
Fatty Foods
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While fatty foods might not cause acne, the amount of fats--and the types--you consume can have both adverse and positive consequences for the health of your complexion. Studies show that reducing the daily intake of fat to 20 percent of your daily diet can reduce the possibilities of developing actinic keratosis, a skin aging disorder that can lead to skin cancer. Some types of monounsaturated fats can help to protect the skin from diseases related to sun damage. These "good" fats include olive oil, canola oil and fish oil.
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Improving Complexion
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While foods may not cause acne, that doesn't mean certain foods can't improve complexion. Foods that are high in antioxidants are believed to help improve complexion by fighting off the ravages of free radicals, atoms or molecules that cause damage to the structure of cells, which can result in the aging of skin. Berries are high in antioxidants, along with vitamins C and E.
Other Foods and Beverages
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Many experts believe that improving your diet can improve the overall health and appearance of your complexion. This includes eating orange foods such as carrots, squash and sweet potatoes, along with dark green vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli. Snacks high in vitamin E, such as nuts, are also valuable. It is also essential to make a minimum of 8 glasses of water a part of your regular daily diet. Skin needs sufficient water to hydrate.
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