Every season yields its own array of delicious vegetables, and springtime is no exception. Artichokes, beets, and asparagus are only a handful of spring veggies that have skin-enhancing qualities. From anti-aging to replenishment, springtime super foods are an ideal way to kick start the season with snacks and meals that help achieve beautiful skin. We’ve rounded up five seasonal vegetables that are great for your skin and included a handful of tasty tips for incorporating them into a well balanced diet.
Beets
When it comes to super foods, you can’t beat beets. These vibrant root vegetables can be planted during fall and then harvested in spring, and yield many health and skincare benefits. Beets are high in folate (water soluble B vitamins) and stimulate the production and repair of cells, which helps fight premature aging. Not only are they great for the skin when ingested--try mixing beet juice with a splash of apple juice or a cold beet salad--they’re also great for facials. Whether eating, drinking, or applying beets, they’re a wonderful element for anti-aging.
Artichokes
The incredible edible artichoke is a highly beneficial vegetable for your skin and overall health. They’re high in folic acid and fiber, making them great for digestion. When it comes to skincare, they’re also a source of antioxidants and peptides. The combination of these nutrients and amino acids reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and help prevent blemishes. Easily add them into your diet by purchasing pre-cut artichokes and steam or grill them then serve with a light garlic sauce.
Avocados
The avocado defies our list because it’s actually a fruit, but with all of the wonderful benefits, it’s important to take note of this delectable food. Avocados are yet another type of produce that contains high levels of antioxidants, offering carotenoids like alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and more. These crucial compounds provide protection from free radicals and in turn fight blemishes. Avocados also contain high amounts of vitamin C, which is used in the creation of elastin and collagen, and is wonderful for skin firmness and structure. We’ve all had a bowl of classic guacamole, but also try using avocados in salads or sliced for breakfast.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a versatile veggie packed with water – 93% to be exact. The high water content helps the skin stay hydrated and helps prevent blemishes. Asparagus also contains glutathione, a phytochemical that helps protect skin cells from harmful toxins. Throw in the fact that Asparagus promotes hormone balance (which helps with mood and stress-related acne) and this becomes a must-have item in your refrigerator.
Watercress
Green veggies are a trend when it comes to foods that are great for your skin, further demonstrated by lovely and leafy watercress. This particular green is incredibly mineral and antioxidant rich. Moreover, it offers an array of skin-enhancing vitamins including A, B1, B2, B6, C, and E. All of these elements promote a glowing complexion and boost overall body and skin health. Watercress is a wonderful base for a salad and can be mixed with other skin-enhancing foods like chilled beets or asparagus for the ultimate skin-boosting meal.
