There are a lot of things affecting your skin and body health, but the foods you eat are arguably the most important of them all. Foods high in sugar and fast foods have all been linked to increased inflammation and acne breakouts.
On the flip, eating nutritious and healthy foods can minimise acne appearance, help with ageing and benefit your body and mind. Luckily for you, you can control your skin and body health with the foods you consume.
The ONE diet that can improve skin and body health?
It’s the Mediterranean diet. It varies by country, but in short, it’s a diet that’s high in vegetables, fruits, nuts, herbs, beans and multigrains.
In fact, Dr. Natalie Yin (a leading dermatologist at Columbia University) said “The Mediterranean diet is rich in low-glycemic index foods; as such, the diet may offer protection against the development of acne”
The Mediterranean diet has been linked to glowing skin, a healthy gut and much more.
Some foods in the diet: Olive Oil, Olives, Tomatoes, Nuts, Fish, Legumes, Herbs, Breads and more…
That’s the diet in a nutshell. Here are the 8 reasons why you should include Mediterranean foods in your diet:
1. May Help With Weight Loss & Maintenance
Mediterranean foods limit processed ingredients and sugars (high in calories). Instead, you’ll be eating healthy fats, vegetables and multi-grains.
According to studies, the diet produces better fat loss than low-fat and other diets and keeps you satiated longer.
2. It Can Reduce Risks of Heart Attacks
As you age, your risk of developing heart disease or experience a stroke increases. This is because your heart becomes more prone to clots, leaks and bursts of blood vessels.
Mediterranean foods can reduce the risks of heart attacks and heart diseases with foods such as olive oil.
In fact, a study showed that those who consumed olive oil and nuts presented a 30% reduced risk of heart attacks.
3. Foods Helping with Acne Prevention?
Foods included in the Mediterranean diet tend to be low in sugar. As you may already know, sugary foods can cause inflammation and breakouts.
I already mentioned this, but your diet affects skin health. Eat fast, sugary and unhealthy foods and your skin can experience the worst. Eat the opposite, and you could be seeing the complexion of your dreams.
Mediterranean foods, help stabilize blood sugar levels, helping with acne prevention and improved elasticity. They are also packed with antioxidants, that repair your skin much quicker.
4. Feel & Look Younger
There’s a cliche, “You are what you eat”, and this ties into how you feel and look. If you consume nutritious foods, you could feel and look younger than you’ve ever been.
Foods in the Mediterranean diet such as salmon, avocado and nuts can support your immune system, aid with your good cholesterol levels and give you nutrients your body needs. This is because these foods are anti-inflammatory and are rich in vitamins. Vitamins that support your organs, bring out your youthful complexion and more.
Foods in the Mediterranean diet are packed with:
And… more. All the vitamins and minerals your body needs to support you as you age.
5. Can Reduce Appearance of Wrinkles
Linking with the above point, but more specific. According to dermatologists, eating Mediterranean foods can help minimise the appearance of wrinkles.
So, substitute your vegetable oils for olive oils. Add more greens to your plate. Switch unhealthy snacks for nuts. You’ll be doing your skin a favour. And! These foods keep you full longer.
6. Can Help Boost Your Gut Health
Another reason to boost your gut health… A healthy gut maintains general health and well-being. That means you’ll feel better as well.
7. Can Help Prevent or Manage Type 2 Diabetes
A wholesome diet for the diabetic, but according to studies, it can also help prevent developing type 2 diabetes.
8. Boost Your Body and Mind
But, the typical Western diet is high in sugar and preservatives. Which can affect your mental health. In fact, studies have shown that these foods cause imbalances in your brain chemicals. Long-term, resulting in depression and other severe mental health issues.
Take a different lane from the ‘mainstream diets’ and feed your body with wholesome foods. You’ll be benefiting your body, but your mind will feel good as well. Resulting in better energy, happiness and productivity.
The Bottom Line
The Mediterranean diet is rich in vegetables, healthy oils and nuts. Foods that have been linked (on numerous occasions) to better health and skin. Helping with weight loss, clearer skin and even a healthier mind.
If you’re interested in the benefits of the foods, I found a highly informative guide for you. Here’s the link.