Which Nuts Are Good to Get Rid of Acne?
The Acne Resource Center states that acne results from a genetic predisposition influenced by the hormones testosterone and androgen. Diet does not create this common skin condition; it can, however influence the severity of acne and trigger breakouts. By eating nuts, you can help to eliminate the appearance of blemishes such as whiteheads, blackheads or lesions, and you can effectively quell inflammation and redness of the skin. Always consult your physician before changing your diet.
Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts contain an abundance of selenium, which helps to improve the skin’s elasticity, battle infections associated with pimples and relieve redness due to acne. Selenium also aids in the creation of glutathione, which acts as a neutralizer of free radicals that deteriorate healthy skin cells and lower the immune system instrumental in the development of acne, states the Healthy Skin Care website 1. The natural fatty acids and vitamin E present in Brazil nuts helps to hydrate the skin while allowing sebum, or oil, to have a better consistency, which in turns reduces acne.
Pistachios
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Pistachios naturally contain vitamins A, C and E as well as zinc and folic acid, reports the American Chronicle. A 2002 University of Toronto Department of Nutritional Sciences found that pistachios' influence on insulin levels actually decreases the appearance of acne by controlling blood sugar that circulates the acne-causing hormone androgen. Blood sugar shifts, states the report, can produce excess oil and pimples. Adding pistachios to your diet, however, can help to regulate insulin levels to encourage healthy skin free of unsightly blemishes 1. The presence of the powerful antioxidants vitamins A, C and E as well as the antioxidant minerals of zinc and folic acid enhances the nut’s natural proclivity to prevent acne by safeguarding the skin against free radical damage.
- Pistachios naturally contain vitamins A, C and E as well as zinc and folic acid, reports the American Chronicle.
- Adding pistachios to your diet, however, can help to regulate insulin levels to encourage healthy skin free of unsightly blemishes 1.
Cashews
Cashews contain the minerals selenium and zinc helpful in eliminating acne, according to the Health Alternatives website 2. Selenium works as an antioxidant in conjunction with vitamin E, helping to reduce skin inflammation, hydrate the skin and reduce the appearance of scars. Zinc promotes the immune system, wound healing and cell growth helpful in renewing skin damaged by acne and associated infection.
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References
- Healthy Skin Care: Food for Skin
- Health Alternatives: Minerals Nutrition Chart
- Gollnick HP, Zouboulis CC. Not all acne is acne vulgaris. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2014;111(17):301-12. https://doi.org/10.3238/arztebl.2014.0301
- Elsaie ML. Hormonal treatment of acne vulgaris: an update. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2016;9:241-8. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S114830
- Zeichner JA, Baldwin HE, Cook-bolden FE, Eichenfield LF, Fallon-friedlander S, Rodriguez DA. Emerging Issues in Adult Female Acne. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017;10(1):37-46. PMID:28210380
- Gollnick HP, Zouboulis CC. Not all acne is acne vulgaris. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2014;111(17):301-12.
- Tanghetti EA. The role of inflammation in the pathology of acne. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2013;6(9):27-35. PMID:24062871
- Elsaie ML. Hormonal treatment of acne vulgaris: an update. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2016;9:241-8.
- Questions and Answers About Acne. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Jan 2016. National Institutes of Health.
- Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, Alikhan A, Baldwin HE, et. al. Guidelines of Care for the Management of Acne Vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 74.5 (2016): 945-73. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.12.037
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Skyler White is an avid writer and anthropologist who has written for numerous publications. As a writing professional since 2005, White's areas of interests include lifestyle, business, medicine, forensics, animals and green living. She has a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology from San Francisco State University and a Master of Science in forensic science from Pace University.