The skin is one of the most important organs of the body. It serves as a protection and a barrier from harmful pathogens with the help of the body’s immune system. The skin is also responsible for regulating body heat by reducing blood flow to conserve heat and increasing perfusion to encourage heat loss.

The semi-permeable property of the skin controls evaporation and avoids excessive fluid loss, and its resistance to water is essential for preventing nutrients from being washed out of the body. It also acts as a storage mechanism for water and lipids and is a place for the synthesis of important enzymes.

Fruits and Vegetables for Glowing Skin

Maintaining a healthy skin is important not only for aesthetic purposes but also for better overall health. But in terms of looking good, different skin products are being manufactured to improve the appearance of the skin. Most people also expose their skin to the sun in order to give it a vibrant summer glow. But this can be dangerous due the harmful UV rays that emanates from the sun. A study conducted by researchers from The University of Nottingham suggests that eating fruits and vegetables containing carotenoids can be a better and healthier way of getting a healthy golden glow.

The study, led by Dr Lan Stephen, was published in the Journal of Evolution and Human Behavior. The researchers suggested that eating carrots, tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables rich in carotenoids can be a better way of getting a glowing skin than exposing one’s self to the sun. Dr. Stephen conducted the study along with his other colleagues from the Perception Lab. They found that people who eat more fruits and vegetables in a day have a healthier, better-looking, and more glowing skin than people who expose themselves to the sun. This effect was brought about by the carotenoid content of most fruits and vegetables.

Dr. Stephen said that they had found that people prefer the glow achieved by eating fruits and vegetables over that which is caused by exposure to sunlight. He recommended that eating more fruits and vegetables is a more efficient and healthier way of getting a more appealing skin color. In their study, the researchers emphasized the importance of the results by saying that many individuals prefer to partner with other individuals who have better, healthier looking skin.

The study was part of Dr Stephen’s PhD study at the Bristol University and University of St Andrews. It was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and the Unilever Research and was published with the help of the Wolfson Foundation and the British Academy.

Carotenoids

The carotenoid present in fruits and vegetables is responsible for the reddish coloring in tomatoes, carrots and many others. Numerous studies have found that carotenoid is important to the immune system and in promoting better reproductive health. Carotenoid is also a strong antioxidant and different studies have found that the nutrient significantly reduces the risk of certain diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease. It protects the body from cellular damage caused by free radicals and it enhances the body’s vitamin A absorption. People who smoke and those who are exposed to elements that are harmful to the health are advised to eat carotenoid-rich foods in order to protect their body from diseases.

In general, carotenoids are plant pigments that give fruits and vegetables their distinctive orange, yellow and red color. The nutrient can also be found in dark green vegetables like collard greens and spinach. The most common types of carotenoids are beta-carotene, astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene, gamma-carotene and alpha carotene. In history, carotenoids were only referred to as vitamin A precursors; these are the nutrients responsible for converting vitamin A into its active form known as retinol. Carotenoids back then were promoted to prevent vitamin A deficiency. But further studies have shown that carotenoids can improve health in more ways than one.

Carotenoids are strong antioxidants and they also a have strong influence in enhancing the immune system’s ability to ward of diseases. It has been the topic of numerous studies that aimed to find a suitable natural substance that can help in reducing the risk of cancer and other types of diseases. They have been found to protect the cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals which leads to an increased risk of developing cancer. Beta-carotene, the strongest type of carotenoid, has also been found to improve the immune system.

The plant nutrient is also responsible for promoting the communication between cells. Researchers have found that the poor communication in cells can lead to excessive cellular growth, an abnormality thought to be one of the most significant causes of cancer. The benefit of carotenoid in improving reproductive health is yet to be determined but medical experts are saying that reproductive organs have the highest concentrations of beta-carotene.

Natural Ways to Get a Glowing Skin

Sun exposure is the most popular way of getting rid of that dull complexion and achieving a glowing tan. But this method can be harmful due to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. This can lead to different skin conditions like sunburns and even skin cancer. The use of sunscreens may block UV rays from reaching the skin but this does not guarantee full protection. Using self-tanners can also have harmful effects to the skin.

There are several natural ways of getting a natural glow without exposing the body to the sun. The first is to drink plenty of juices that are rich in nutrients that are known to promote healthier skin from within. Drinking fruit and vegetable shakes or juices as frequent as possible will supply the skin with sufficient amounts of carotenoids that will give it that healthy and natural glow.

Getting enough sleep will also let the skin recover from the damages caused by a day’s work. And the best way to get a vibrant glow from the outside is by always cleansing, toning and moisturizing the skin at the start and end of each day.

Sources
sciencedaily.com
whfoods.com
goherbalremedies.com
crowndiamond.net