Top 5 food nutrients for skin and hair: Part 1

Skin is the window to general health and well being of a person. It is the largest organ of our body and consequently undergoes not only the external assaults but also internal ageing. Our shelves are decorated with so many latest cosmetics but little do we realize that as the case with the rest of our body , it can be more helped ’inside out’ rather than ’outside in’. 

While we live a fast paced life in Bangalore let us try to make a few easy and natural changes in our diet to achieve a flawless complexion.

I plan to take you across the healthier food ingredients which can do wonders along with the basic skin care regimens. I will put across this post in two parts 

Vitalife for the skin – Vitamin C

    a)   This cosmenutrient is an important ingredient of the very backbone of our skin known as collagen. It is shrinkage of this collagen which is responsible for the fine lines and wrinkling with ageing.

    b)   This nutrient prevents age spots , tones the skin and is preventive against blemishes and dark patches known as melasma.(Remember grandma’s remedy of lime dash on the face for skin glow)

    c)   Vit C helps in Iron absorption deficiency of which causes hair loss especially in women.

    d)   Consult your Dermatologist to include a suitable preparation of Topcal Vitamin C serum as a part of your anti ageing regimen. As home based preparations are unlikely to be helpful.

   e) Sources:  Include more of lemon , amla , guava , black currant , chilli pepper or parsley in your diet as this is not formed inside . It has to be supplemented always.

Vitamin E  - The policemen of Skin

Also known as tocopherols , these compounds protect our skin against the main culprit for ageing known as free radicals. It is a naturally occurring antioxidant alongwith Vitamin C and both of them synergistically protects against sun induced damage. 
Sources:It is richly available in vegetables, vegetable oils like wheat germ oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil and seeds, corn, soy and some sorts of meat. Various cream formulations are avialable containing Vitamin C and E which can go a log way in sun protection and delay in ageing.

Vitamin A – banes Ageing

Derivatives of this vitamin include Carotene , lycopene , astaxanthin and Retinol all of which are sun protective and also play a role in delaying wrinkles. 
Sources: Carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, mangos and papaya are some examples of β-carotene containing fruits and vegetables which can be served as salads or soups. Lycopene is a bright red carotene and carotenoid pigment and phytochemical found in tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables, such as red carrots, watermelons and papayas (but not strawberries or cherries). While Astaxanthin is being formulated in creams and lotions which claim to delay ageing.Although supplements containing these Vitamins should not be taken without medical advice , these food items can be given a  healthy additive to our diet regimens.

In Part 2 of this post I will talk about the Flavinoids and  Vitamin D . Till then keep glowing and take care of your skin to remain Skin healthy and Skin wiser!!