Top 10 Best Foods To Fight Acne

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when the oil glands come to life. This is normally around puberty and for some people, it persists for longer periods. The pores in the skin are connected to oil glands that are under the skin. The glands produce an oily substance called sebum. Acne develops when the hair, sebum and skin cells clump together and clog the pores. The bacteria in this plug causes a swelling, then when the plug starts to break down, a pimple occurs, hence acne. There are many types of pimples, whiteheads - which are pimples that stay under the skin, blackheads – pimples that rise above the skin and develop black ends, cysts – which are painful pimples that are filled with pus. Anyone can get acne but it is most common in teenagers and young adults.
The cause of acne is unknown but doctors have some theories including hormone increase in teenage years, hormonal changes during pregnancy for a woman while others think it could be inherited. There various ways to treat acne include the use of topical creams. There are foods however that if taken can eliminate acne for good. The different foods are enumerated below:

1. Fatty Fish

Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, trout and sardines contain oils like Omega-3 and Omega-6 which help to reduce inflammation, including skin inflammation. It is worth noting that how this fish is prepared will play a big role on whether it will work for your skin problem or not. Deep frying this fish will not work. The best results will be achieved by grilling, boiling or steaming this fish.

2. Black Rice

Black rice is rice with the bran still on it. When the bran in partially removed it becomes brown rice and when it is removed completely, it becomes white rice. Black rice controls the production of histamines and is effective in helping to cure inflammations of the skin such as allergies and acne. Just one spoonful of acne contains more anti-oxidants than blueberries and blackberries. This is a food that is not well known but the benefits it produces for skin care are immense. (How to cook black rice ? – read this post).

3. Almonds

Nuts like almonds pack the essentials for healthy skin like vitamin E, magnesium, selenium, and iron. The sun damages our skin. Other nuts that are good for the skin include Brazil Nuts and pistachios. Brazil nuts contain a lot of selenium which provides the skin with elasticity, fights infections associated with pimples and relieves inflammation. Pistachios, on the other hand, contain Vitamin A, C, and E and also have zinc and folic acid. Pistachios control insulin in our bodies, which circulates androgen, the hormone that causes acne.

4. Avocado

Contrary to what a lot of people have believed for a long time, avocado contains healthy fats. It also contains Vitamin C which naturally moisturizes our skin and helps reduce inflammation. The fat found in avocados is good for the skin and they lubricate the skin from within. Avocados can be eaten on their own or they can be used to make smoothies, in combination with other fruits. The benefits gained from avocados are numerous, not only for the skin but for the heart also.

5. Alfalfa Sprouts

Alfalfa Sprouts are packed with skin cleansing agents like Vitamin A, D, E and K as well as live enzymes that fight inflammation. Alfalfa Sprouts also prevent any further infection on open wounds, as one may have on the skin when a pimple has burst, eliminating scars on your skin. This vegetable also stimulates the production of collagen, which helps make our skin smooth and reduces aging on our skin. Sprouts also contain calcium which helps to make new skin replacing the old skin.

6. Yogurt

The protein contained in yogurt and dairy products overall helps our skin to firm up. Yogurt contains essential vitamins such as Vitamin B 12, calcium, phosphorus and riboflavin, all which are known to contribute to the skin healing processes and in effect fighting conditions such as acne. Additionally, yogurt contains the bacteria probiotic that neutralizes the alkaline agents in the skin that may lead to the emergence of acne.

7. Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Cantaloupe and Bell Peppers

These foods are rich in beta carotene which is found in foods containing the yellow color. Once in the body this chemical converts to Vitamin A, which helps to produce selenium for the skin. One should eat at least half a cup of these yellow vegetables at least once a day in order to reap maximum benefits and keep out acne.

8. Fruits and Vegetables

A diet rich in fruits and other vegetables like yams and greens is good for the skin and prevents acne. The vitamins contained in the fruits make the skin healthy. One should aim at least one serving of fruit per day. The vegetables can be eaten raw or cooked. The raw vegetables offer more benefits for the skin.

9. Oranges, Tomatoes, and Melons

The juice in these fruits strengthens the walls of the skin, thus helping reduce susceptibility to acne. The vitamins found in these fruits also strengthen the skin which in turn prevents blemishes and scarring. Oranges contain bioflavonoids which act as a natural anti-inflammatory that will enhance the healing properties of Vitamin C. One should aim to eat these fruits at least once a day.

10. Dark Leafy Green Vegetables

These vegetables would include Kale, which is considered nature's best multivitamin. Skin is our largest organ in the body and thus it needs many vitamins to keep it vibrant. Kale is very high in vitamin A and vitamin C which produces collagen which is good for the skin. It is also rich in fiber which promotes digestion of the food we eat and contains chlorophyll, a detoxifying antioxidant. Other dark leafy green vegetables include arugula and spinach. Always ensure they form part of your meal, even if you do not suffer from acne as they protect the skin.

A change in the way we eat will go a long way in ensuring we have healthy skin. We should take care of our skin. After all, it protects all our organs.

Image Source: 1, Bigstockphoto

Contributed By: Paula Ghosh