Can you get glowing skin from the foods you eat on Thanksgiving?
The result will not be instantaneous – eat turkey and see glowing skin in the mirror. But many common Thanksgiving foods contribute to skin health.
Here are the ones to look out for this year. You might even want to go for seconds!
Does diet have an effect on glowing skin?
For many years, scientists were skeptical about the diet-skin relationship. But with new elementsthat skepticism is now giving way to acceptance of the idea that what you eat can affect the way your skin looks and feels.
We now know, for example, that for some people, dairy products can make acne worse, as can a high-glycemic diet. We also know that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables can reduce the risk of skin cancer.
In a study 2020, the researchers noted: “Nutrition is closely related to skin health and is required for all skin biological processes from youth to aging or disease.” They go on to state that diet levels and eating habits “can repair damaged skin and can also cause skin damage.”
Scientists have discovered that diet can even affect skin aging. We have some evidence that eating too much sugar, for example, can accelerate the signs of aging because it promotes the cross-linking of collagen fibers, helping to loosen the skin.
We will learn more about this connection in the future, but for now, it seems pretty clear that choosing a healthy diet can not only help prevent disease but also delay the onset of aging.
7 Thanksgiving Foods That Help Glow Skin
1. Sweet potatoes
These delicious oranges grace many a table during the Thanksgiving holiday. And good, because they’re packed with vitamin A, beta-carotene (the precursor to vitamin A), and vitamin C. All three of these nutrients help the skin’s collagen and elastin production, helping skin stay firm. ages.
2. Cranberries
These sweet red fruits are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants that help fight dangerous free radicals that can damage your skin. They also contain natural anti-inflammatories that can reduce redness and irritation.
Keep in mind, however, that many cans of cranberries are packed full of sugar. Cranberry juice is too, because otherwise it would be too sour to drink. You can still get your nutrients from these sources, but if you’d rather avoid the high dose of sugar, try making homemade cranberry sauce using fresh or frozen cranberries (there are tons of recipes online), or head to your local Whole Foods store to buy a low sugar option.
3. Turkey
This main event in many Thanksgiving meals (except those enjoyed by vegans or vegetarians) is also good for your skin. Turkey is rich in zinc, which helps maintain collagen and elastin fibers, keeping your skin firm. Zinc is also critical for healthy hair and nails.
Turkey is also rich in niacin, which is a form of B vitamin that can help your skin cells retain moisture. Niacin also improves your skin’s elasticity to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
4. Spinach
You might not think of spinach around Thanksgiving, but many families enjoy this dark green vegetable on its own or in various salads or roasts. This is great because spinach is great for your skin and overall health. It’s rich in vitamin A and vitamin C—two antioxidants that protect the skin from harmful pollution while boosting collagen production.
Spinach also contains vitamin K, which helps strengthen blood vessel walls and can reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. Finally, spinach is a vegetable rich in water and will help keep your skin hydrated.
5. Nuts
Walnuts are full of essential fatty acids that can help nourish the skin while reducing inflammation. If they’re not on your shopping list, add them! You can sprinkle them over your candied sweet potatoes, add them to salads, or use them to top your pumpkin pie.
Walnuts also contain zinc, vitamin E, and selenium—all powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals and ensure skin stays firm and protected.
6. Pumpkin
Go ahead and indulge in this pumpkin pie. It’s great for your skin! It is so rich in natural enzymes and hydroxy acids that when applied topically it creates a gentle exfoliating treatment. (We wouldn’t recommend doing this at the table.)
Pumpkin is a wonderful source of vitamin A and vitamin C, which will help keep the skin firm and youthful. Like walnuts, pumpkin is packed with essential fatty acids and vitamin E to nourish the deeper layers of the skin and keep it hydrated and firm. Pumpkin also contains zinc, which in addition to tightening the skin helps protect it from the sun’s harmful rays.
7. Green beans
Some families love a good green bean casserole at Thanksgiving. If your family is one of them, you’re in luck, because green beans are an excellent source of vitamin C, A, K and manganese. These help stimulate collagen production and protect against free radical damage.
Green beans also contain the skin’s natural moisturizer – hyaluronic acid. They will help your skin retain water, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Thanksgiving Foods to Avoid for Glowing Skin
Enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner knowing it’s good for your skin and overall health!
Just be careful not to overdo it on those items that aren’t so great. The following are high in sugar, sodium and dairy, which can increase the risk of inflammation, puffy skin, rashes and a generally dull appearance.
- Stuffing: If it’s one of your favorites, feel free to enjoy some. Just keep your portion size small as this is often extremely high in sodium.
- Chips and other salty snacks: These are often served before dinner. Try to avoid them as they are also high in sodium and can make you look bloated.
- Dips and Cream Cheese Dishes: Cheese-heavy items may be tasty in the moment, but they can lead to an overproduction of oily skin (sebum), making acne worse. Go easy on the serve.
- Cornbread: It’s super tasty, usually because it has a lot of sugar. Just take a small piece.
- Baked goods: Instead of cookies and cake, opt for a slice of pumpkin pie. It’s healthier than those other high-sugar, high-glycemic types.
What skin-friendly foods do you enjoy at Thanksgiving?
Featured image courtesy of Karolina Grabowska via Pexels.
