3. Cod
Another important nutrient for optimizing skin health are essential fatty acids including omega-3s. These polyunsaturated fats play an important role in skin function and appearance. In fact, a deficiency in essential fatty acids can result in scaling and dryness of the skin.
One simple way to incorporate more omega-3 fatty acids into your diet is by eating more seafood. Since most Americans eat less than the recommended amount of seafood (about 8-12 ounces per week), many are missing out on the beneficial nutrients that fish has to offer. Salmon is known for its high omega-3 content, but cod is another omega-3 all-star. Other great sources include anchovies, herring, sardines and tuna.
Cod is a simple but versatile fish that pairs well with all different types of marinades and sides.
4. Kefir
You may have heard of kefir, a fermented milk drink that closely resembles a thin yogurt. This fermented beverage is a potent source of diverse probiotics that can help balance the gut microbiome.
You may be wondering what probiotics have to do with skin health. It turns out that a healthy gut is crucial to overall health since food is ultimately broken down there so that nutrients can be delivered throughout the body. Incorporating probiotic food sources, along with prebiotic sources which feed probiotics, can help positively impact the gut microbiota and skin health.
Kefir is extremely versatile and can be used in everything from smoothies to dressings. You can enjoy it on its own, but if purchasing a flavored variety look for options with minimal to no added sugar.
