Healthy skin: What role does diet play?

A healthy diet can help promote healthy skin. In particular, antioxidant-rich foods seem to have a protective effect for the skin.

Good-for-skin foods include:

• Fruits, especially cherries, berries, melons, apples and pears
• Vegetables, especially spinach and other green leafy vegetables, eggplant, asparagus, celery and onions
• Legumes, especially broad and lima beans
• Fish
• Nuts
• Olive oil

On the flip side, some foods seem to be associated with skin damage. For example, a higher intake of meat and full-fat milk can increase the risk of skin wrinkling.

Thankfully, many of the foods that promote healthy skin also promote good health overall. If you're interested in healthy skin, you might simply focus on a balanced diet. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Trade red meat for fish. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Include nuts, seeds and beans in your favorite meals. Opt for whole-grain breads and pasta. Limit sweets. Strive for variety as you're making healthy choices.