We all ‘kind of’ know that good fats are good for us. But there’s more to an occasional olive oil drizzle – here is why they are the ultimate game changers in your skin care… Let’s talk omegas for a second (sounds so much healthier than FAT, right?) They are the essential collagen re-modellists (think: skin plumpers!) and vitamin-uptake facilitators – without them, your body simply cannot absorb all the goodness of your morning green smoothie or that colourful Mediterranean salad. And wait, there’s more: good fats also suppress a liver hormone, called insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which in turn can reduce spots and blemishes. Now we’re talking!
So for a bit of that EEG (enviable effortless glow) pay attention to this laundry list:
Load up on avos! This creamy green fruit will leave your skin hydrated, nourished and renewed – all from the inside. Aaaand it also makes for a great butter substitute in baking! Who knew?
Stock up on olives! Seriously. They are a rich source of vitamins A and E, both of which protect the oils on the surface of your skin from free-radical damage. This curious little bitter fruit also help strengthen connective tissues, improving skin tone and protecting against UV radiation.
Need a Netflix snack? Go nuts! Almonds and Brazil nuts in particular, are chock-packed with selenium and a serious dose of Vitamin E which prevents ageing by unleashing its antioxidant super-powers. E-nough said!
Don’t forget to add a little sprinkle of wonder seeds to your fruits salads, eggs, dips, green salads, and curries! Pumpkin and chia seeds are rich in zinc, which will brighten and plump up your skin, while the fibre will keep your insulin levels low and cravings at bay (and we know cravings equals sugar equals bad skin and energy slumps equals bad news all around). Don’t go there. Just sprinkle.
And to all the carnivores out there: try swapping your red meat for oily fish. Sometimes, pleeease. They contain important nutrients including selenium, magnesium, vitamins B12, B6 and B3 and omega 3. Your skin (and brain!) will thank you for it.
Finally, don’t forget to drizzle your salads and veggies! But not just any oil will do. Look out for olive (extra virgin = less processed) or nut oils (hello macadamia!) as they contain essential fatty acids which will support your cell membranes, and keep your heart young. Yes please!
Facial on a plate anyone? Easily said AND done!