The Glowing Skin Diet: 9 Fruits & Veggies to Munch on Now

We’ve all heard the saying “you are what you eat.” Is it completely true? Well, depends on who you ask. Still, there’s no harm in enjoying a healthy diet filled with nutrient-packed fruits and veggies, especially if they have potential to benefit our skin. Below, we chatted with registered dietitian Lisa Mikus of Laura Cipullo Whole Nutrition Services for the scoop on foods that may nourish our complexions from the inside, out.

1. PINK GRAPEFRUIT 

“The tangy and delicious pink grapefruit is not only packed with vitamin C but also contains a phytonutrient called lycopene. 

2. CANTALOUPE

“Cantaloupe is a super hydrating food as it is made up of nearly 90 percent water. Remember, skin is the body’s largest organ. The building blocks of organs are cells that are dependent on water to complete the body’s processes. Additionally, cantaloupe is rich in the electrolyte potassium. Potassium is essential to the overall health of surface cells.”

3. PAPAYA

“Want your skin to have that fresh-out-of-the-sauna glow? Then try papaya, a food source high in vitamin C.”

4. ONIONS  

“You may be surprised to see onions on this list, but they contain allium and flavonoids, which are important components of a healthy diet and lifestyle.” 

5. ASPARAGUS

“Asparagus has tons of health benefits, but one you may not be aware of is that it is an excellent source of copper. Although a copper deficiency is rare, it doesn’t hurt to eat a few spears of asparagus at dinnertime.” 

6. MUSTARD GREENS

“Mustard greens are concentrated with vitamin A, C, and K, along with folate and iron. The vitamin C helps in the absorption of iron, which is beneficial to your skin’s overall appearance.”

7. AVOCADO

“From smashed on toast to guacamole, you can enjoy avocado and all of its health benefits in multiple ways. Avocado is a rich source of alpha-tocopherol, one form of the fat-soluble vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that has incredible immune-boosting properties. Furthermore, avocado provides omega-3 fatty acid, which is crucial for the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin E) that avocados contain. Just like cantaloupe, avocados are also high in potassium.”

8. CARROTS

“Carrots are popularly known for keeping eyes healthy but beta-carotene found in carrots can also be beneficial for your skin.”

9. RED BELL PEPPER

“Red bell pepper is rich in carotenoids and lycopene. Also, as a source of Vitamin C, red bell pepper consumption can aid in the absorption of folate and iron. Beta-carotene is considered an antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals.”