A diet rich in colourful fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds- also known as a “Plant-based diet”- has recently become so popular for many beneficial reasons. One such benefit is the amazing healthy changes it brings to your skin to perform its functions effectively with optimal nutrients. Find out why a plant-based diet may just be the upgrade you need for your skincare.
Improves Skin Texture And Tone
A strict plant-based diet uses different alternatives for dairy products. This frees their diet from animal products, such as milk, cheese, yoghurt, cream, and butter. Cutting out dairy products from your diet naturally improves skin texture, tone, and stubborn skin conditions like acne.
A study also showed that consuming a plant-based diet rich in fruits and vegetables helped people with psoriasis improve their symptoms significantly. A professional nutritionist can help you develop a healthy plant-based diet that includes suitable alternatives for dairy products.
Gives A Glowing Skin
Plant-based foods are richer in vitamins and minerals than animal products which help you achieve beautiful glowing skin. This has been found in a study where people who consumed fruit and vegetable smoothies every day for six weeks developed a unique “food tan”, giving the skin an extra glow.
Protects Skin Integrity
The rich profile of vitamins and minerals in a plant-based diet functions as cofactors that aid enzymes and antioxidants in fighting free radical damage. They also help in keeping the immune system strong to enhance skin healing properties. Similarly, the high zinc ratio in a plant-based diet, especially with the addition of legumes, is beneficial for inflammatory acne, related scarring and, most importantly, for maintaining skin integrity.
Better Structural Support To The Skin
Plant-based foods are rich in bioactive compounds, including vitamin C, E, beta-carotene, polyphenols, and phenolic acids, which all function as antioxidants that promote better structural support to the skin. In turn, this prevents saggy skin, tightens loose skin and gives a more toned, fresh, and youthful appearance to the skin, especially the face. In addition, a firm skin structure minimises signs of ageing, like wrinkles, freckles, fine lines, creases, folds, and ridges.
Protects Against Sun Damage and Skin Cancer
Although it may be surprising to know a plant-based diet can provide additional sun protection to diligent sunscreen use and other protective clothing – thanks to the naturally occurring sun protective compounds in plants.
Fruits and vegetables have a lush supply of phytochemicals and other antioxidant compounds that effectively reduce the amount of skin damage caused by the sun. These effects have been beneficial in reducing the risk of skin cancer as well.
For example, grapes and berries are rich in resveratrol, a natural phytochemical that acts as an antioxidant to reduce skin cancer risks. Tomatoes, on the other hand, are rich in an antioxidant called lycopene, which is beneficial in reducing the skin’s sensitivity to sunburns.
If you want to try an authentic plant-based meal, check out the healthy cafe at The hundred wellness Centre. The cafe is a prime example of healthy eating not having to be boring or intimating.
