Many people tout a healthy breakfast as the secret to an energy-filled day. From green tea to antioxidant-rich berries, there is a seemingly endless number of foods that have been elevated as “the best: for boosting your metabolism first thing in the morning”. And while a nutrient-dense breakfast might be the best way to get your system running, today we’re looking at another benefit to eating breakfast.
It’s been said that beauty is more than just skin deep — and when it comes to a healthy, glowing complexion, the old adage rings true. Whether you notice it or not, the foods you put into your body have a direct effect on the quality of your skin. Though not everyone breaks out after eating greasy foods and excess sugar, your skin is constantly reacting to what you eat throughout the day.
Because there is such a strong correlation between skin and food, then, it only follows that we should be focusing on setting up a breakfast that not only benefits our metabolism but our skin as well. Thankfully, there are a plethora of foods proven to benefit our skin — and, lo and behold, many are wonderful breakfast options.
For a list of the foods you should be eating breakfast for glowing skin all day, keep reading. Who knows, you might have a few of them in your fridge already.
Plain Yogurt
Unlike sweetened versions which might lead to flare-ups, plain yogurt can be beneficial to your skin. According to health.com, “dairy products contain vitamin A and protein” which are “vital ingredients for healthy skin cells.”
Sweet Potato
It might sound like a strange breakfast option, but sweet potatoes are jam-packed with vitamins A and C, “both nutrients that have been shown to reduce wrinkles and fine lines.” To make your sweet potato a little more breakfast-y, try making a hash with eggs or other veggies. Alternatively, you can add pureed sweet potato into your porridge with a dash of cinnamon if you prefer something sweet to start the day.
Spinach and Tomatoes
Common side options at cafes, these veggies are worth adding to your plate. While starting your day off with an extra dose of veggies is a great idea to begin with, this combo is perfect for achieving a healthy complexion. According to an Australian health study, more leafy greens was shown to reduce the number of skin tumours developed in skin cancer survivors, health.com reports.
As for tomatoes, the savoury fruit is “high in lycopene, an antioxidant that protects against sun damage.” More of this antioxidant is released when tomatoes are cooked, so give them a quick fry in the skillet before plating up your breakfast.
Green Tea
Though not necessarily a food, we would be remiss not to mention green tea here. Among its other purported health benefits, green tea works wonders on the skin. Research from Texas Women’s University has shown that this coffee alternative can “help improve both the elasticity and density of the skin”.
Are any of these already in your breakfast rotation? How will you add them to your morning meal?