By Michelle Gelok, RD • August 16th, 2010

If you rely on a concoction of expensive creams, lotions and serums to keep your skin looking radiant, you may also want to take a look at what’s on your dinner plate.  Not surprisingly, research continues to show that the foods you eat can play a vital role in keeping skin looking its best.

Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds, also known as linseeds, may be small in size, but pack a powerful punch when it comes to keeping skin looking healthy.  A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that after just twelve weeks of receiving a daily dose of flax seed oil, women not only experienced better skin hydration, they also had significantly less red, rough and scaly skin. Often touted for their link to heart health, flaxseeds are loaded with alpha linolenic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acid that keeps skin hydrated and healthy looking.   

Green tea

Green tea continues to make its mark as a superfood thanks to study findings suggesting it may contain potent skin healing properties.  This of course is in addition to the long list of other health benefits that green tea has to offer, including boosting heart health by protecting against heart attack, and protecting against arthritis.  As for healthy looking skin, green tea can’t be beat.  It’s easy to prepare, inexpensive and loaded with powerful disease fighting antioxidants called polyphenols.   Studies have shown that green tea has strong anti-inflammatory properties, and may even play a role in the prevention of skin cancer caused by ultraviolet rays from the sun.  Enjoy it hot, or make a pitcher of green tea iced tea with a squeeze of fresh lemon for an ultimate hot weather pleaser.

Papaya

This tropical fruit gets two thumbs up when it comes to younger looking skin thanks to its exceptional vitamin C content.  In 2007 researchers studying the association between nutrient intakes and skin aging appearance found that women between the ages of 40 and 74 years who consumed the most vitamin C had the least wrinkles.  The findings aren’t entirely surprising seeing as vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that plays a role in the synthesis of collagen, a protein responsible for skin elasticity, often used in cosmetic surgery.  Researchers found that women with the highest vitamin C intake also experienced less visible dryness of the skin.  Aside from papaya, other excellent sources of vitamin C include kiwi, strawberries, tomatoes, red bell...

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Location:  Abu Dhabi, AE

Michelle Gelok is a Canadian Registered Dietitian currently based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Prior to her relocation to Abu Dhabi, Michelle graduated as a Registered Dietitian upon completing the Dietetic Internship Program at University Health...