Salmon may actually do wonders to help you attain or maintain clear and beautiful skin. Find out how.
By Faye Spencer
For years doctors have been telling us that eating junk food doesn’t
cause acne, and you probably know at least one person who eats candy
and chocolate non-stop and still has lovely skin. But recently the
medical establishment has begun to give serious consideration to how
what we eat impacts our health, and our appearance.
One of the most prominent spokespeople for this cause is Dr. Nicholas
Perricone, whose "Wrinkle Cure" system touts salmon as a skin-saving
miracle food. What started as a fringe trend--eating fish to get a
smoother face--has now blossomed into a popular diet plan, and millions
of men and women have given it a go. Even Oprah has sung the praises of
this pink-orange fish on her talk show. What’s the reason for the
popularity of the so-called salmon diet? Simple: it works.
Why Salmon?
Salmon, along with tilapia, trout, herring and sardines, are
rich in a substance called omega-3 fatty acids. Don’t balk at that
term--these fats are terrific for you. In fact, they are crucial to the
growth and functioning of our organs, and they supposedly help to
diminish dangerous inflammation within the body. (It’s that
inflammation that can trigger a host of conditions we’d rather avoid,
like acne, obesity, diabetes and heart disease.) Among the different
types of fish, salmon is one of the richest, chockfull of good-for-you
fats and other healthful substances that keep your body functioning
like a well-oiled machine.
Did you know that humans are not able to produce omega-3s?
That’s why it’s so important that we obtain them from the foods we eat
on a daily basis. When you eat plenty of salmon and stick to a healthy
overall diet and lifestyle, you will begin to see dramatic changes in
your skin’s appearance and texture. Your skin will become smoother,
plumper and more moisture-rich. Blemishes will fade and you’ll regain
the glow you may have had when you were a teenager. Your eyes will
likely become brighter, your hair shinier and stronger, and even your
mood cheerier!
How Much Should You Eat?
Make salmon (or other fatty fish) a regular part of your meal plan. Aim
to have fish about 10 times per week, whether in the form of a morning
omelet, a lunchtime salad, or a dinnertime fish filet. Top your whole
wheat bagel with lox for a delicious and healthy "booster shot" for
your skin. Grill salmon plain and top with a mango relish. There is
virtually no limit to what you can do with this delicious and versatile
ingredient!
Round out your nutritious lifestyle with plenty of leafy greens and
antioxidant-rich fruits, such as berries. A handful of nuts is also a
great addition to your daily diet plan. And don’t forget to keep the
water bottle on hand--drinking plenty of water helps to flush the body
of toxins and get your skin looking gorgeous.
