When it comes to beauty and skincare; what goes in your body is just as important as what you put on it. And, the beauty of many edible vitamins and antioxidants, is that they not only help in the skincare department but also offer other health benefits. Knowing this, we want to clue you in on three ‘L’ words that you should be seeking out in your diet. Lycopene, L-Glutathione, and Lutein can be found in many delicious (and crazy healthy!) foods. They are nearly magical in their capabilities when it comes to skin and overall health care.
Lycopene:
Lycopene is an amazingly powerful antioxidant that is responsible for the bright red color of most fruits and veggies. One of its most useful superpowers is its ability to fight free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that can cause damage to your skin and are the culprit behind many of the signs of early aging. In addition to being a high-powered antioxidant, Lycopene has also shown promise of being able to reduce the risk of certain types of cancers, improve heart health, lower cholesterol, and possibly even prevent an ischemic stroke.
Where to find it:
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Papaya
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Watermelon
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Dried Apricots
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Pink Guava
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Pink Grapefruit
- Tomatoes
L-Glutathione:
Another with intensive anti-oxidative properties, as well as the ability to combat free radicals, is L-Glutathione. This substance actually occurs naturally within our bodies, although a little bit more wouldn’t hurt. We say this because the levels of this amino acid decrease as you get older, even as young as 12 years old. Adding Glutathione-rich foods to your diet can help improve energy production (who couldn’t use that?), promote immune system function, and has also been known to delay or prevent the signs of premature aging. If you really want to boost your Glutathione levels, a pro-youth capsule such as CHEERS LUV is the perfect option. Just good stuff!
Where to find it:
- Okra
- Avocados
- Brussel Sprouts (sorry, lol)
- Spinach
- Asparagus
- Cabbage
Lutein:
Last but certainly not least, Lutein is different from the other ‘L’s in that it is a carotenoid with anti-inflammatory properties. Much like the other two, Lutein defends against free radicals, which is super great for your skin. Specifically, it is known to improve skin tone and protect your skin from sun damage. In fact, it's closely related to vitamin A. That is not all it brings to the proverbial table, however! Lutein happens to be incredibly beneficial to eye health. It can improve or even prevent macular disease which often comes with aging. Macular Disease is the leading cause of vision impairment and/or blindness - so, not fun times.
Where to find it:
- Peas
- Summer Squash
- Brussel Sprouts
- Broccoli
- Asparagus
- Lettuce
- Dark, Leafy Greens
Beauty may be only skin deep but the health of your skin relies heavily on what goes into your body. If you're not already getting the recommended amount of these powerhouse ingredients in your diet it's time to make some changes. For some people, the most convenient way to ensure this is by taking a dietary supplement.
The best, most expensive creams and serums in the world can’t compete with a skin-healthy diet. To look and feel your best, you really should factor your diet into your overall beauty routine. After all, being healthy IS truly beautiful.
