Last week we talked about those vegetables that make your skin happier when you consume them raw. But what about those veggies that increase their nutritional value and offer benefits for your skin when they are heated? In this blog post, we will explore some of the vegetables that have more benefits for the skin when cooked.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, a carotenoid that has been shown to have antioxidant properties. Cooking tomatoes increases the bioavailability of lycopene, making it easier for the body to absorb. Lycopene can help protect the skin from damage caused by UV radiation, which can lead to premature ageing and skin cancer.
Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. Cooking sweet potatoes can increase their amount of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and UV radiation, leading to healthier, more youthful-looking skin. Another veggie that works similarly is pumpkin.
Spinach
Spinach is a rich source of lutein, a carotenoid that has been shown to have antioxidant properties. Cooking spinach increases the amount of lutein that the body gets, making it a great source of this nutrient. Lutein can help protect the skin from damage caused by UV radiation and improve skin hydration, leading to a more youthful, radiant complexion.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a rich source of folate, a Vitamin B that is essential for healthy skin cell growth and repair. When cooked, asparagus produces more folate. Folate can help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a great source of vitamin D, a nutrient that is essential for healthy skin. Cooking mushrooms can increase the amount of vitamin D that the body can absorb, making it a more potent source of this important nutrient. Vitamin D can help improve skin hydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And there's nothing tastier than boiled or roasted mushrooms.
In conclusion, while raw vegetables are certainly healthy, cooking certain vegetables can increase their nutritional value and offer specific benefits for the skin. Incorporating these vegetables into your diet can help improve the appearance and health of your skin, leading to a more youthful, radiant complexion. So the next time you’re looking for a healthy meal, try cooking up some of these skin-healthy veggies and enjoy the benefits for your skin! And don't forget to follow us at @nutribeauties on our socials for more!