Obviously, what you put on your skin is essential to keeping your skin healthy. But what you put inside your body can be just as essential. I'm always excited when I hear about a dietary change we can make that will improve skin health. According to a recent study, this change will affect more than just your skin—it has a number of other benefits as well. Plus, you don't necessarily have to take anything out of your diet.
All you have to do is make sure you're including foods like flax seeds, fermented soy, tofu, chia seeds, almonds, cashews, garlic, pomegranate and the list goes on.
What do these foods have in common? They all contain phytoestrogens. According to a study recently published in the
European Journal of Pharmacology, phytoestrogens affect many different systems in your body, from reproduction to bone remodeling to your skin, cardiovascular, nervous, and immune systems. They can even affect your metabolism.
Because they have so many effects, phytoestrogens can help with a number of issues. They can improve menopausal symptoms, skin aging, osteoporosis, cancer, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, immune, and metabolic diseases. This study sought to understand more about how phytoestrogens affect your body systems to better harness their positive effects. It also looked at the results of other studies to try to resolve any discrepancies in previous results.
Further studies need to be done about how to best unlock the potential of phytoestrogens. They might even have topical applications. But while research is being conducted, add some phytoestrogen-rich foods to your diet.
In addition to what I listed above, you can also try hummus, dried apricots, pistachios, and sunflower seeds. Your diet makes a huge difference in your health — and your skin’s health. So make sure you take advantage of the opportunity to include these incredibly beneficial foods.
To your health, naturally,
Janet Zand
Source:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25160742
http://www.dietaryfiberfood.com/phytoestrogen-hormones/phytoestrogen-food-sources.php
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25486512