How often have you looked at someone’s flawless skin and wondered how they achieved it? Ask them, and chances are that they dedicate it to a few things – genetics, specific skincare products, lots of water and fruits.There is a lot of truth to it. We can’t do much about our genes. And skin care products are mostly chemicals. The next best thing to bank on is nutritious fruits that are excellent for your skin. Instead of slathering the skin with store-bought serums and creams, why not turn the focus inwards and get glowing from within? Most fruits are loaded with fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. Not only are they great for overall health, they also contribute to the healthy, glowing and youthful skin in many ways, whether eaten or applied topically. Some fruits even protect us from sun damage! In today’s times of high UV exposure, environmental pollutants, and toxins, the skin suffers easily and shows signs of stress. So here we are with a list of the best fruits for a healthy and glowing skin.
#1 Pomegranate
Do you feel you are overexposed to pollution and the sun? Then, you must read how this delicious and gorgeous fruit can benefit your skin. Pomegranates are rich in vitamins C, K, and folate, and minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. In fact, the peel, the membrane, and the edible seeds are loaded with antioxidants (ellagic acid) that help protect the skin from UV-A and UV-B damage and skin pigmentation. Scientists were also successful in regenerating human dermis and epidermis in the laboratory using pomegranate. So, clearly, you cannot avoid this fruit.
#2 Mango
Rightly called the king of fruits for not just its taste but also for health benefits. The soft pulpy fruit has an amazing effect on skin too. Rich in vitamin-A and rich antioxidants, it fights against skin aging, regenerates skin cells and restores the elasticity of skin.
#3 Oranges
The peel of the orange, actually contains more vitamin C than the orange itself. The peel contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties so using it regularly in face packs will give you clear and brighter skin in no time. What's in season will make your skin glow. An orange peel and yoghurt face pack to instantly rejuvenate your skin; all you need is 1 tablespoon of orange peel powder and 2 tablespoon of yoghurt to do the trick. You can also add 1 tablespoon of sandalwood powder and 1 tablespoon of walnut powder to 1 tablespoon of orange peel powder with a few drops of lemon juice and rose water to get bright skin.
#4 Papaya
This tropical fruit contains a plethora of active enzymes which pass on their healthy benefits. One enzyme, chymopapain, has been used to relieve inflammation—a common source of skin conditions. And another enzyme, papain, can help remove blemishes and even treat acne when applied topically as the enzyme dissolves pore-clogging fats and cleanses the skin. Not to mention, just a single cup of fresh, ripe papaya packs a whopping 144 percent of your DV of collagen-strengthening vitamin C.
#5 Apples
Apples are the richest source of malic acid. This type of fruit acids is also known in the health world as alpha hydroxyl acid. Malic acid is gentler than other acids used in beauty treatments, such as glycolic and salicylic acid. Malic acid promotes healthier, firmer and youthful looking skin by renewing skin cells without damaging the skin layer. If that’s not enough to convince you that an apple a day leads to glowing skin from within, consider the high fibre content in apples. Fibre helps to clean out the colon and promotes regular bowel movements, hence promoting clear pimple-free skin.
#6 Berries
Deeply coloured berries such as blueberries and cherries are loaded with antioxidants, which help your body fight off blemishes. One thing we found out very recently about acne is that there’s a great local oxidative stress going on, so much so that it actually depletes the antioxidants in people with acne. So the more severe your acne, the lower your levels of blood antioxidants.
#7 Pineapple
This sweet treat is high in vitamin C and the enzyme bromelain, which is known to be an effective skin softener. Drinking pineapple juice and munching on the fruit help the body synthesize collagen, which supports skin structure, while vitamin C and amino acids aid in cell and tissue repair, giving you a youthful appearance. Add it to your morning smoothie for a refreshing treat.
#8 Watermelon
Watermelon is an extremely watery, juicy and delicious fruit. It is well known cool fruit of summer and also called thirst quencher. Lycopene is the main content of this fruit which help to dissolve certain fats into the blood for better absorption. Watermelon consists of 92% water and 8% sugar. Daily intake of watermelon fights against skin damage through sun and reduces its chances by 40%. It is enriched with antioxidant that works against UV-induced free radicals which are responsible for sun burn and freckles. Risks of cancer also get reduced with the inclusion of watermelons in the diet as it contains high amount oflycopene. Watermelons being a good source of antioxidants act as natural toner and excellent for exfoliating the skin. Daily intake of Watermelon hydrates the dull and dry skin making it look glowing and shiny.
#9 Avocados
Avocados are the ultimate “get gorgeous” food. Ever seen shampoos or facial masks using avocados? There’s a reason for that.
Key for hair, skin, and nails, the monounsaturated fatty acids packed into these creamy treats not only help lower bad cholesterol levels, but also reduce the appearance of aging in skin. Avocados also contain antioxidants, fiber, potassium, magnesium, and folate, and one avocado is packed with more potassium than a medium banana — nearly 700 milligrams! Eat avocado in guacamole, sliced on top of a salad or sandwich, or even with a spoon — we won’t judge.
#10 Peach
Peaches are loaded with antioxidants. They contain alpha-hydroxy acid along with elevated levels of potassium, magnesium, vitamin C and A. Owing to these substances,peaches removes dark spots, cleanse and tone skin, besides tightening and minimizing the pores and protecting skin from sagging.
#11 Bananas
Bananas are undoubtedly great for the skin owing to their skin-protecting compounds. Banana contain antioxidant substances that assuage cell destruction and early ageing triggered by free radicals. Deficiencies in biotin results in flaky dehydrated skin and banana possessing good quantities of biotin keeps the skin hydrated. As a good source of potassium bananas helps effective functioning of tissues and cells in the body.
