Being the largest organ in the body, it’s quite ironic that most of us don’t exert much effort into taking care of our skin. We tend to expose it to harmful UV rays from the sun, harsh environmental elements, and we don’t really consider that the food we eat plays a big role in keeping our skin clear and healthy.
Here are three of the best superfoods you can take to get your skin back in top shape.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Don’t laugh at its name; this fungus has been in frequent use by the Chinese and Japanese people for many years. Generations of Chinese and Japanese people have used lion’s mane because they were aware of its medicinal properties. You can tell the mushroom apart from other fungi because of the way it looks: it is white and has a shaggy look to it that resembles a lion’s mane. Korea, China, Japan, and India all enjoy the benefits of lion’s mane. People from these countries add the mushroom to their cooking, or they enjoy it raw or dried. Sometimes it is also used as a tea. There are already lion’s mane in tablet or capsule forms in many health stores worldwide.
Nutritional Profile
Lion’s mane is loaded with many nutrients, including potassium, zinc, magnesium, selenium, iron, phosphorus, beta-glucan polysaccharides, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid, hericerins, erinacines, sterols, glycoproteins, and some phenolic compounds.
How it Affects the Skin
The process of aging is inevitable but we hasten this process by making poor lifestyle choices (such as smoking and excessive drinking), bad skin care habits, and eating unhealthily. Genetics also plays a role when we see that our skin begins to look dull and unattractive, or when we begin to breakout. Polysaccharides in Lion’s Mane mushroom can improve collagen production in the body. Because collagen helps repair and renew skin cells, you’re sure to look youthful in no time. Polysaccharides also help flush out metabolic toxins in the body. These toxins affect the quality of our skin.
Pine Pollen
Pine pollen is from the male spores of pine trees and is farmed during the spring season. This herb has been stapled in ancient Chinese civilization because it helps in the healing process and they knew (even before we did) that it is rich in antioxidants and nutrients.
Nutritional Profile
Pine pollen is such a powerful herb. It is very rich in nutrient like vitamins (A, Vitamin B complex, C, D2, D3, and E), minerals (zinc, selenium, iron, copper, and magnesium), amino acids (glycine, valine, glutamic acid, and arginine) phytochemicals, polysaccharides, omega 3 fatty acids, fibre, live enzymes, nucleic acid, flavonoids, and methylsulfonylmethane. Though the way it looks can be misleading or unappealing to many as it looks like dust, you have to give this superfood a try first.
How it Affects the Skin
Pine pollen has androgen, which means it helps slow down the aging process by affecting the degeneration of collagen and elastin in the skin. Collagen is responsible for keeping our skin smooth and smooth, while elastin keeps our skin from sagging. Phytochemicals, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals in pine pollen affect cells in a cellular level. It helps the cell’s processes of rejuvenation, protection and repair. If skin conditions like acne, eczema, impetigo, and rosacea bother you, a daily dose of pine pollen just might do the trick. Pine also contains methylsulfonylmethane, a beautifying component that claims to give you a glow from within.
Chaga
The scientific name of inonotus obliquus and is also known as the birch mushroom, but this fungus is one you shouldn’t ignore. It has been called “The Mushroom of Immortality” and even “A Gift from God”, it makes one wonder why. Chaga mushrooms have been enjoyed by many for hundreds of years and mostly grows on all Birch trees. It favours the cold harsh weather of Siberia and looks like coal. The chaga mushroom is said to be rich in nutrients that have medicinal properties. .
Nutritional Profile
Chaga mushrooms are known to be full of amino acids, as well as vitamin B-complex and vitamin D. MInerals like superoxide dismutase, triterpenoids, beta-glucan, plant-based polyphenols, iron, potassium, cesium, rubidium, copper, zinc, selenium, magnesium, manganese, and fibre are also present.
How it Affects the Skin
The chaga mushroom keeps the skin strong and healthy, which is good news to all of us; after all, it is what protects our vital organs. Because of its high levels of antioxidants, the chaga mushrooms surpass acai berries, blueberries, and pomegranates. For those who fear going under the knife, chaga mushrooms also help get rid of wrinkles and age spots. It also prevents future acne breakouts from happening. Betulonic acid helps the body flush out free radicals. It is also an anti-inflammatory because of riboflavanoids. Tyrosinase enzyme helps make your skin radiant.
A Final Word
Superfoods are easily one of the best things you can add to your diet to make your skin look youthful. Making changes to your lifestyle and what you eat can help make a huge difference. Being mindful of what we do and eat on a daily basis are great ways to staying young and healthy.