Thanks to the fad diets of the 1980s and 90s, some of us have had a hard time shaking the notion that fats are universally ‘bad for you.’ The good news is that certain fats are not only great for your health, they’ll also help your skin look even more beautiful.*
Fats are also known as ‘lipids,’ which just sound so much better, don't they?
Omega-3s, in particular, are the building blocks of healthy cell membranes. These essential polyunsaturated fatty acids are required by the body but cannot be produced by the body; it is essential to consume Omega-3s through food.
(Read: 5 foods to add to your diet today)
Polyunsaturated fats play an important role in keeping the skin hydrated and plump. They help produce the skin’s natural oil barrier and some studies suggest that these types of fats may also work to help reduce inflammation associated with acne. Without essential fatty acids, the skin can become inflamed, dry, and more prone to acne.
Good sources of Omega-3s include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Salmon
- Walnuts
- Grass-fed
- Beef
- Flaxseed Oil
- Mackerel
- Tofu
- Sardines
(Read: Juicing for more beautiful skin)
I’m pescetarian, so eating more fish comes naturally to me. Tonight for dinner, I’m making walnut-crusted salmon, something I’d eat even if I didn’t think it would help my skin!
*Discuss all dietary choices with your doctor or licensed nutritionist.
