Vitamins for Vital Skin

You are what you eat, and the condition of your skin is a good indicator of your inner health.  If your skin is dull, lifeless and blemished, chances are you’re not giving it the essential nutrients it needs; and what you are giving it are pollutants and toxins from eating unhealthy foods.

In contrast, the consumption of certain vitamins and nutrient-rich foods can lead to a glowing, healthy complexion, reflecting a healthful inside.

So what vitamins should you consume to make your skin (and other bits) smile?  Let’s take a look:

• Vitamin A-vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin needed for the healing and maintenance of the epithelial tissue. This tissue protects exposed body surfaces from bacteria, and also forms a lining around internal organs.  Foods rich in sources of vitamin A are egg yolks, green leafy vegetables and milk, liver and citrus fruits.
• Vitamin E-is very important to skin health.  It is an antioxidant, preventing free radical cellular damage, which speeds up the aging process. It also protects the skin cells from sun damage.  Good sources of vitamin E are whole grains, vegetable oils, nuts and seeds.
• Vitamin C-another vitamin high in antioxidants that helps prevent and repair UV damage to the skin.  It also plays a crucial role in forming collagen, the substance that plumps the skin, giving it strength and bulk.  Without collagen the skin sags and loses its elasticity.  Vitamin C rich foods are citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries and dark, leafy vegetables.
• B-Vitamins-work great together to produce a healthy complexion.  A deficiency of one of the B vitamins can cause skin conditions such as scaly patches, itching, burning or numbness.  B vitamins are water-soluble, and are stored in the body in small amounts that need to be replenished daily.  You’ll find them in whole grains, brown rice, red meat, brewer’s yeast, eggs, beans and dark leafy vegetables.

It’s always best to get your vitamins from the foods you eat, and eating healthily can add years to your life expectancy, and gives you a quality of life that is healthful and strong; which is particularly important as you age.  Supplement your healthy diet with quality vitamins from your local health food store.