Bridal Buffet: Grub For Glowing Skin

As a bride-to-be you’ve probably done the rounds of dermatologists, stylists and makeup experts for your big day. Now you ought to dig deeper. We’ve discovered nine ingredients that work better than pricey skincare potions sitting on your dressing table. Frankly, it’s the simple pleasures found in your kitchen that keep your skin softer, smoother and enhance radiance. According to nutritionist Naini Setalvad,
“Good nutrition is the building block of gorgeous skin.” Touché! So blush away your D-day by rejigging your daily bride diet with these nine ingredients.

STRAWBERRIES

Did you know that just one cup of strawberries has 130% of your daily requirement of Vitamin C? ICYMI, it’s the important vitamin that keeps colds at bay and boosts the production of collagen that keeps skin tight. Berries are also a rich source of ellagic acid that keeps skin from sagging. Can it get any better?

LETTUCE

It’s your one-stop solution that helps you lose weight and get glowing skin. Just six leaves of Romaine lettuce provide you with more than 100% of your daily requirement of Vitamin A that plays an important role in boosting cell turnover. According to Lisa Dryer, author of The Beauty Diet, even its potassium content provides a boost of refreshing nutrients and oxygen by improving circulation. Although Iceberg lettuce has almost negligible nutrient value, so stick to darker greens like rocket, arugula and baby spinach leaves.

TOMATOES

Lycopene, the antioxidant compound that gives tomatoes their brilliant red color are linked to countless health benefits. “Eating tomatoes (cooked and raw) protects against skin darkening, boosts collagen production, radiance and keeps skin tight,” says Setalvad. German scientists have also reported that higher skin levels of lycopene in skin is directly linked to fewer fine lines and wrinkles. Tomato salad,
anyone?

APPLES

Apple peels contain Quercetin, an antioxidant that protects against sun burn and skin cancer. All you need is two apples a day to keep you going. And be sure to eat the peel, which is the source of nearly all the antioxidants. Apparently post-menopausal women who ate two or more apples a week for a year, showed reduced risk of dying from heart disease by 15 percent. Impressive much?

CAULIFLOWER

If you’ve been plagued by patchy complexion, stuff your face with broccoli and cauliflower. They contain sulfur, a proven ingredient that evens out skin tone and enhances radiance. Bursting with antioxidants like Vitamin C, they also stimulate collagen production. Another bonus is that they’re low in calories and kind to your figure as well.

FISH

Fish is a godsend for non-vegetarians. As one of the richest sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, it’s vital for skin hydration, radiance and several cardiac health benefits. Furthermore, it is rich in anti-inflammatory fats and selenium, a mineral responsible for tissue elasticity.

CHOCOLATE

Wedding prep stressing you out? Eat chocolate. You heard us. Dark chocolate is choc-a-bloc with antioxidants like Flavonols and low in sugar. Flavonols protect skin from UV damage, fight free radicals and boost circulation. Apparently, drinking an 8-ounce cup of cocoa improves blood flow to the brain for two hours.

OLIVE OIL

It’s the holy grail of every ancient Greeks and Romans beauty routine. “Olive Oil is a great source of healthy unsaturated fats and antioxidant-rich vitamins. It moisturizes skin from within, regenerates skin cells and protects against free radicals,” says Setalvad. Even a Lancet Oncology study reports that it protects skin against sun damage and keeps it supple.

EGGS

It’s probably one of the easiest, quickest and cheapest ingredients to get alabaster- like complexion. Eggs contains lutein and zeaxanthin, that’s two antioxidants that provide four times the protection against UV damage that causes wrinkles, brown spots and skin cancer. Eat eggs regularly for softer, firmer skin. Just one egg daily is enough to ward off macular degeneration, according to a study in the Journal of Nutrition. 

 Authored by Beauty Book By Nykaa, your one stop shop for all things beauty, covering everything from trends, tutorials, reviews  and expert advice to wellness, personal care and nutrition. For more beauty advice visit Beauty Book By Nykaa.