“You are what you eat!” If you believe in this saying, read what Rinki Kumari, Chief Dietician, Fortis Hospitals, Bangalore, has to say about eating right this winter to help your skin get ready to fight dryness and stay soft and radiant. 

In the winter, the brisk, windy air outside and the warm heated air inside can dry out skin. Good topical products and plenty of sleep are always a helpful remedy for winter dryness. What many may not realize is that what we eat can also help skin stay comfortable, healthy and beautiful.

Here is a list of five foods to enjoy that can hydrate skin throughout the dry winter season:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil is filled with vitamin E and healthy fats. These fats moisturize the skin from the inside-out.

Orange Veggies

Orange and yellow vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins, contain beta-carotene which is an antioxidant that protects skin from harmful sun exposure and damage. Most of these vegetables also contain vitamin A and C, vitamins that help the body to repair tissues and which are necessary for the body to produce collagen.

Nuts & Seeds

Nuts and seeds are embryonic foods – containing the nutrients required for healing and growth. They contain omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, B and E, monosaturated fats, and minerals. Nuts and seeds also promote skin elasticity and help the body to build new cells. Some great options include almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, and pistachios.

Spinach

Spinach is packed with iron and vitamins A, B and E. These vitamins protect the skin and improve the immune system. Steaming spinach as a side dish or enjoying it in a salad with an olive oil dressing are both healthy, tasty choices that also benefit the skin.

Winter Fruits

Water-dense fruits such as Dragon fruit and peaches are good options when trying to hydrate and protect your skin from the environment. Eating fruit keeps the skin firm due to high concentrations of vitamins A and C.Dragon fruit is also loaded with antioxidants which fight the free radicals in our body and help slow down the effects of aging.