1. Prunes – Best for hydrating dry skin
You probably already know prunes are full of fibre to keep you regular, but they’re great for your skin too. Packed with potassium, they can raise the water content in your skin cells so you’ll, ahem, look less like a dried-up old prune when you eat them! Eat three prunes a day and be sure to drink lots of water.
2. Cucumbers – Best for smoother skin and speedy healing
Cucumber skin is rich in silica, one of the building blocks of healthy skin. Studies show that eating more silica can make your skin smoother, while simultaneously making your nails and hair stronger too. Look for firm, dark green cucumbers and make sure to eat them within a couple of days – and remember to always eat them with the skin on!
3. Papaya – Best for brightening pigmentation spots
Any time you want your skin to look extra glowy, snack on some papaya. This tangy tropical fruit is rich in beta-carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A – an active ingredient in pricey skin serums that treats age spots and pigmentation. US studies show beta-carotene in papaya is absorbed more easily by your body than equivalent doses in carrot and tomato, so you’ll get more skin brightening benefits in every bite!
4. Kidney beans –Best for plumping up sagging and wrinkled skin
Kidney beans are a great source of flavonoid antioxidants. Renowned for fighting inflammation throughout your body, flavanoids are also especially good at reducing the effects of sugar on your skin, which leads to a breakdown of collagen. Use kidney beans to bulk up mince in your Bolognese sauce, curries and shepherd’s pies.
5. Avocado – Best for flaky, dry and dull skin
Because of its good fats, which help stop your skin from drying out, and a powerful dose of antioxidant vitamins C and E, it’s no wonder that mashed avocado can double as a natural face mask. In fact, the nutrients in avocado are so effective at preventing free-radical damage and boosting collagen production that oil from the seed is an ingredient in many skincare lines. Try eating some avocado each day for a week and see how soft your skin feels.
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