The importance we give to image in our current society is unprecedented. The appearance of our skin is, in recent times, a focus of attention in a multitude of articles and on networks. Can food help us look shiny and lustrous?
The skin is, from an aesthetic point of view, the part of our body that we worry regarding the most.
Beyond aesthetic considerations, the skin is the largest organ in our body. It occupies an area of more than 1.5 square meters and constitutes 15% of body weight in adults. Although our view of the skin is rather superficial, the truth is that it performs fundamental functions for us.
The skin protects us once morest external agents, including pathogens, chemical compounds and ultraviolet radiation from the sun. It also cushions the impact of mechanical, thermal and physical injuries. In addition, it is the first defense barrier of our beloved immune system once morest infections.
The skin is important for regulating body temperature, acts as a water reservoir and is the place where vitamin D is manufactured. In addition, it has an extensive network of nerve cells that detect and transmit changes in the environment through the body. touch, pain or temperature. No less important, our skin is essential for personal expression and communication.
Water, whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits for the skin
That a poor diet negatively affects our health is nothing new. But perhaps we are less aware of the effects it has on our skin. Eating habits and nutrient levels can not only damage it, but are also essential to repair it.
Skin aging has been linked to sugar and high-fat diets. Furthermore, it has been seen that there is greater facial aging the greater the amount of alcohol and tobacco consumed and for a longer period of time.
A fundamental nutrient to keep skin healthy is water. It is estimated that 18-20% of body water is stored in the skin. Therefore, not maintaining a good state of hydration can significantly affect it.
In fact, the appearance of our lips and extremities is a direct reflection of our hydration status. Additionally, studies indicate that drinking more than 2 liters of water per day promotes both superficial and deep hydration of the skin.
It can be said that vitamins A, B2, B3 and B8 contribute to maintaining normal skin conditions. The same happens with zinc and iodine. Vitamin C, for its part, does so through the formation of collagen, a protein found between skin cells.
Skin alterations have been described due to deficiencies in practically all vitamins, iron and zinc. All of these nutrients can be found mainly in natural foods. Whole grains, legumes, eggs, vegetables and fruits are good examples.
Beyond aesthetics
If our skin has any damage, we must go to a dermatologist to diagnose and advise the treatment to follow. In case of nutritional deficiencies, we must do the same by visiting a nutritionist. The use of vitamin and mineral supplements without supervision can cause negative effects on our health.
If, on the other hand, what we want is to reproduce the shine that we see in photographs of models, actresses and singers, no food is going to achieve it. We must keep in mind that they are prepared specifically for those moments and that, in addition, the photos are usually retouched.
Taking care of our skin for its mere aesthetic “price” is nothing short of unfair for this great organ of ours. However, taking care of our diet is a good strategy so that not only our skin is healthy, but also the rest of our body.
Ana Belén Ropero Lara, Professor of Nutrition and Bromatology – Director of the BADALI project, Nutrition website. Bioengineering Institute, Miguel Hernandez University
This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original.
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