It is rather ironic that we humans go after artificial beauty enhancement products and procedures that might become harmful in the long run, when everything our body requires for beauty is readily available to us in our ‘daily breads’ and right there in our kitchens.
Beauty is a byproduct of the overall health of your body. To get that attractive and glowing skin you so much desire, healthy lifestyle choices are a no-brainer, and a great place to start is with the foods you eat.
The most natural way to get a firmer skin and fill all those lines with some youthful touches is right in the foods you eat. Luckily, a lot of these needed nutrients can be found in foods are locally available in Nigeria.
Here are some foods to get started with!
Wheat
A lot of Nigerians now consume wheat because of its overall benefit to the human health. It is generally more favoured by the older generation, though; as many young people now have a wheat-free diet. SECRET; whole wheat flour when mixed with water and made into thin paste is a great secret to fair soft skin.
Fruit
A cup of fruit juice widely believed to contribute to a clear complexion. Fruits like orange, avocado, banana, papaya (pawpaw), apple and mango are rich in vitamins A, B, C, E and rich antioxidants, and consequently work as anti-ageing agents. Apples, avocados and oranges contain collagen that helps plump the skin and reduce the appearance of ageing.
Avocado Pear contains foliate which helps blood formation. It is also essential for oil generation and contains rich fatty acid which is high in all the fats your body needs.
Papaya contains a special enzyme called papain that can kill dead cells and cure skin impurities.
Vegetables
Green veg like spinach are great sources of vitamins, iron, calcium, magnesium, fibre and omega-3 fatty acids; they are also low in calories. They are loaded with many beauty-enhancing ingredients.
Red vegetables, such as tomatoes, have a rich store of anti-ageing antioxidant called lycopene which is also very important for the body as it helps the body in several ways. Lycopene improves the quality of your skin and helps it to look younger. According to experts, in the process, it helps your body to fight against diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disorders and macular degeneration.
Garlic should not be forgotten, as garlic cloves contain the chemical allicin, which is known to be protect against harmful bacteria and viruses.
Dairy
Cheese, yoghurt, milk, etc. are found all around with local names like Wara (Yoruba), Nunu or fura de nunu (Hausa). Cheese is high in calcium and helps to keep your teeth white and cavity-free. The protein you get from eating dairy foods helps the skin become firmer, so it’s more resistant to lines. Eat a single serving daily to make your complexion smoother.
Sweet Potato
These root vegetables are a rich source of beta-carotene which is considered as one of the most important antioxidants that enrich your skin and keep your skin and body smooth and supple.
This cheap and widely available tuber is a must-have in every kitchen.
Fish
Fish is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, especially Salmon and Tuna. Fatty acids can reduce the development of free radicals and inflammatory agents that can harm the skin. The oils in fish help moisturise the body, and can be very beneficial to your complexion. Fish are also rich in Vitamin D which is great for the skin because it helps keep it fresh and promote an overall healthy appearance.
Mushrooms
These fungi are rich in vitamin D, selenium and antioxidants that protect your skin against wrinkles and discoloration caused by environmental damage. With anti-inflammatory properties, mushrooms can help improve acne, rosacea and eczema.
Nuts
Almonds, groundnuts, cashew nuts, etc. Nuts in general are high in vitamin B complex, which help with not only skin cell restoration but also hair growth and dry skin. It gives your skin a more youthful appearance and will in turn help fight the early signs of ageing.
Snacking on almonds will give your skin some of the good fats it needs to remain clear and radiant.
Animal Organs
They are popularly called 'assorted' in many parts of Nigeria - Yorubas call them 'tinu eran' (that inner part of animals). These are the kidneys, hearts, livers, etc. They are rich in Vitamin A, which helps to rejuvenate skin cells and helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. They also contain good amount of iron which helps the body deliver oxygen to tissues throughout the body. Nigerians are lucky as they are always readily available in our markets and local restaurants.
Water
Talk about saving the best for the last! Drinking water regularly can provide the skin with the nourishment it needs to maintain a healthy complexion and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Water hydrates the cells of the skin, eliminating waste products, which in turn prevents constipation.
Water helps your body detoxify by flushing away toxins and other unwanted chemicals within the body. It is the best and cheapest way to achieve great clear skin.
In Conclusion:
If you are looking to get or to maintain great skin, and you'd love to keep to the safe and cheap side of beauty enhancement, knowledge about your daily nutrients and a balanced diet is enough for you. You will be saving money and staying away from untested beauty products, or those tested on animals.
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