Skin is the most visible part of our body and can be a reflection of our health. Apart from intrinsic factors and lifestyle habits, what we eat can also influence our skin. Here are some foods to avoid for healthy and glowing skin:
1. Alcohol
Alcohol is a diuretic that dehydrates the skin, causing the skin to lose elasticity and speeds up pre-mature aging.
Alcohol can also cause inflammation to the tissue, which leads to flushing and may exacerbate existing skin conditions such as acne.
2. Foods with high Glycemic Index
Glycemic Index (GI) is a measure of how quickly a food can raise our blood sugar level. Research shows that people who consume foods with high GI on a regular basis have a greater chance of developing acne.
High GI foods can also cause premature skin aging due to a process called glycation, where sugar molecules attach to proteins. These end products harm the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, leading to wrinkles and fine lines.
Some examples of food with high GI include:
- Sodas
- Boxed cereals
- White bread
- White rice
3. Fatty food
Research shows that a high-fat diet causes oxidative stress on the skin, leading to inflammation. This gives rise to damage and pre-mature aging of the skin.
4. Processed foods
Processed foods contain high levels of sodium and nitrates. This can cause inflammation in the skin. High levels of sodium can also cause skin dryness slow down collagen production, speeding up pre-mature aging.