You are what you eat. We’ve all heard it said, and for good reason. A nutritious diet is directly connected to overall good health, including healthy, glowing skin. Avoiding greasy and sugary foods is a great start to a clear complexion, but there are some organic foods that are absolute beauty boosters to the skin.

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What Are Organic Foods?
Organic foods are grown under specifications deemed to be healthier, safer, and better for the environment and animals. An organic food has not been subjected to:
- Hormones
- Chemicals
- Genetically modified organisms
- Antibiotics
- Artificial additives
Meats and dairy products can be organic too.
Organic meats and dairy come from animals farmed without hormones, antibiotics, and inhumane treatment. Organic farming includes the most natural and pure techniques possible.
Benefits of Organic Foods
Organic foods and products are not only good for you, but help the environment as well. Organic farming has a smaller environmental footprint. It doesn’t pollute air or waterways, nor promote soil erosion. Soil quality is actually improved as a result of organic farming.
United States consumers spent $47.86 billion on organic foods in 2018, and sales are increasing each year as more is learned about the benefits of eating organic. While the benefits vary depending on soil, fertilizer, and environmental factors, there are many, including:
• Healthy fat – Organic products have up to 50% more omega-3 fatty acids, a healthy, unsaturated fat everyone needs.
• Plentiful Antioxidants – Many organic foods have higher antioxidant levels than conventionally produced products.
• More Flavorful – Organic veggies just plain taste better. The natural sun, moisture, and fertilizer produce a more robust taste for many.
Which Organic Foods Promote Growing Skin?
Organic foods are nutritious and helpful to our whole body, but there are some that specifically work wonders on the suppleness, elasticity, and healthful glow we see every day. Here are the top six organic foods that can change the look and feel of your skin.
1. Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are full of vitamin E, which works wonders on the skin and hair. It keeps skin looking and feeling fresh. Hair regains its youthful luster and strength. Bell peppers also contain carotenoids, which are antioxidants that reduce wrinkles around the eyes and decrease the skin’s sensitivity to the sun.
Bell peppers can be added to a salad or spaghetti sauce, or dishes like pizza, or sliced and eaten fresh.
2. Oysters
Oysters have massive amounts of zinc. Approximately three oysters provide a full day’s supply of zinc. zinc helps skin cells renew and repair. Oysters also promote good skin metabolism and moisture. They also contribute protein and iron to the body.
Eat oyster fresh, steamed, or even grilled. Top them with peppers and cheese or just a little salt and lemon.
3. Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are insanely high in selenium. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. Selenium delays the effects of aging and improves skin elasticity. It is an antioxidant, so it fights free radicals of the skin. Brazil nuts protect the skin from harmful UV rays as well as aid in cellular growth and repair.
Throw a few brazil nuts into a salad or just pop a few in your mouth as a quick snack.
4. Pumpkin
Pumpkins have all sorts of goodies that skin love–vitamin E, potassium, selenium, and zinc, to name just a few. Pumpkin is so good for your skin; pumpkin facials exist to treat dark spots and uneven skin. Pumpkins are rich in copper, iron, and magnesium, which combat inflammation and smooth and soften skin.
Pumpkins are so versatile that you can find them in both sweet and savory dishes. Make a pie, or roast pumpkin pieces in the oven with squash and onions.
5. Yogurt
Yogurt has lots of calcium, protein, lactic acid, and B vitamins. Lactic acid not only reduces the visibility of wrinkles, but works to prevent new lines from forming. B vitamins in yogurt, such as riboflavin, hydrate skin and protect the cells from free radicals. Used in a facial, organic yogurt is a wonderful exfoliant.
Most people eat yogurt right out of the cup, but it can also be stirred into sauces or mashed potatoes.
6. Kale
Kale is definitely the media’s darling when it comes to antioxidant-rich foods, but the wealth of vitamin A found in kale makes it great organic food for your skin too. It promotes cell growth and repair which keeps skin looking fresh and healthy.
Throw some kale in your salad or pot of boiled greens for a traditional meal, or get creative and blend it with your berries for a nutrient-packed smoothie.
Which Organic Foods are Bad for my Skin?
Not all organic foods are created equally. At least not where skincare is concerned. Some foods, no matter how clean and ethical their production, can wreak havoc on your skin. Here are a few organic foods that can cause problems with your complexion.
Bananas
Bananas are a wonderful healthy food choice in moderation, but they are packed with sugar. One banana has around three teaspoons of sugar. That’s about the same as half a chocolate bar! Less ripe bananas have less sugar. One small consolation for banana lovers.
Corn
Corn is considered an American classic, but it also has a darker side. While many people consider corn a veggie, it’s actually a grain.
Grains have a notoriously high glycemic index, which means they make your blood sugar spike quickly. A large portion of U.S. corn products are associated with genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, as well.
Alcohol
Yes! There is organic alcohol. It is produced with organic grapes and fruits, but alcohol of any kind can be devastating to your skin. While there is evidence that an occasional glass of red wine can have benefits to the skin, overindulging in alcohol on a regular basis is extremely harmful to skin and the body by dehydrating and altering hormone levels.
Eating organic can significantly cut down on the amount of chemical residue your body is holding. Organic foods are also more nutrient-rich and therefore better able to provide the building blocks for good skin.
It’s important to remember that each person’s skin is different, and what affects one person doesn’t cause the same problem for someone else.
Tune into your body and the reactions your skin has to what you eat and use that as your guide to healthy organic eating. Your skin and the rest of your body will thank you.