Are You Really What You Eat?

We've all heard the saying, "you are what you eat", but who knew how REALLY true the saying actually is? Certainly not me, not until now anyway...

I'm studying to become an esthetician and last week we learned all about nutrition basics and how nutrition effects your skin. To have healthy skin, it all begins with diet and water intake. Poor nutrition can lead to depression, fatigue, stress, and some skin disorders as well.

The one nutrient that no one can live without is water. It composes 50-70% of a person's body weight. Both the skin and body rely heavily on water to function properly.

Protein is used by every cell of the body. It is needed to make keratin, which is present in skin, hair, and nails. Collagen is also made from protein, and who couldn't use a little more collagen these days???

For Vegans, it is especially important to consume enough protein. Some ways to ensure that you are getting enough protein is to consume nuts, grains, legumes, vegetables, and soy products.

Glucose is the most important carbohydrate, and provides most of the body's energy. Carbs can be combined with proteins to produce many important body chemicals, which are important to the skin.

Fats are also used as energy, but not as readily as carbs. They are used to produce the materials in the oil glands, which help keep the skin lubricated.

Vitamins, such as A, C, and E, have all been shown to have positive effects on skin health.

Vitamin A is used in skin care products that are designed for aging skin, as well as proper skin maintenance. This vitamin supports the overall health of the skin. Some natural sources of Vitamin A are:

• carrots
• dairy products
• fish liver oil
• yellow/green fruits and vegetables

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect the body from free radicals. It is needed for repairing the skin and tissues, and aids in fighting the aging process. It also promotes collagen production in the dermal layer (layer below the epidermis) of your skin. Here are some ways to get Vitamin C into your diet naturally:

• tomatoes
• potatoes
• citrus fruits
• vegetables

Vitamin E is an antioxidant. It helps protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun's rays, when used in combination with Vitamin A. Vitamin E also helps heal damage to tissues when used internally as well as externally. Some good natural sources of Vitamin E are:

• avocados
• wheat germ
• green, leafy vegetables
• butter
• egg yolks

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Frannie_Miller

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