Essential nutrients for healthy skin

Happy Tuesday! Today we are all about nutrients that keep your skin healthy and nourished. It is very important to eat well so that the skin can fully perform its functions.

1, Protein: Beef, fish, poultry, beans and dairy products are great sources of protein. Proteins are normally converted into amino acids and the body uses that to make collagen and keratin which form the skin structure. Amino acids protect the skin against UV rays as well helping get rid of old skin.

2. Vitamin C: This helps the body produce collagen and is a great antioxidant, protecting the cells from damage. Vitamin C also helps in the healing of wounds and is necessary for the growth, development and repair of all body tissues. Great sources of Vitamin C include; citrus fruits, potatoes and kale.

3. Vitamin A: Liver, kales, cheese and fruits are great sources of Vitamin A. This essential vitamin helps give the skin protection against sunburns and heals cuts as well. Lack of enough Vitamin A causes the skin to get dry and itchy.

4. Healthy fats: Nuts, seeds, fish and avocado are rich in fats that give the skin its glow. The skin remains moist, firm and flexible. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the building of cell walls.

5. Zinc: This helps the skin heal after an injury. Zinc helps keep the cell walls stable and protects the skin against UV damage. It is also a great antioxidant. When there is little zinc in the body, the skin has an itchy rash. Whole grain, milk products, beans, poultry and nuts are excellent sources of zinc.

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