We know that foods for beautiful skin are often those that contain omega-3s, vitamin E and antioxidants. But we should not neglect proteins, made up of chains of amino acids, because they are involved in the structure and health of the skin.
You wish keep pretty skin despite the predictable attacks of the summer sun? How we understand you! You surely could not escape the tips (sometimes a little edge-frame) to keep a pretty complexion: drink lemon water in the morning, consume green tea or almonds, limit gluten or avoid dairy products … .
Protein, food for beautiful skin
But if we told you that the high protein foods are undoubtedly the most suitable for taking care of your skin. Meat, eggs, poultry, fish, but also soybeans, seeds and legumes: all these foods make you beautiful skin … These animal and vegetable proteins contain amino acids directly involved in the health of your skin.
The amino acids are substances which play an essential role in the structure, metabolism and physiology of the cells of living beings, as constituents of proteins.
They make up the bulk of the human body after water. There are 9 essential amino acids which cannot be produced by human metabolism: tryptophan, lysine, histidine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, valine, leucine, isoleucine. A deficiency of any of these elements can lead to fatigue or even illness.
5 amino acids that contribute to beautiful skin
1. L-lysine
Lysine is essential for the production of collagen which ensures elasticity and suppleness of the skin. Good sources of lysine are eggs, meat (especially red meat, lamb, pork and poultry), cheese (especially Parmesan) and certain fish (such as cod and sardines) but also from vegetable proteins like soybeans, beans and peas. A nice series of foods for beautiful skin …
2. L-phenylalanine
Phenylalanine is also one of the 9 essential amino acids for humans. Like lysine, it participates in the production and quality of collagen. Phenylalanine is found in most common foods, but those that contain the most are seeds, nuts and vegetables, closely followed by certain cheeses (especially dry cheeses).
3. L-arginine
Arginine has a stimulating effect and strengthens connective tissues that support the deep structure of the skin. It accelerates healing in the event of a sore. L-arginine is found in many foods for beautiful skin. Among them are legumes, brown rice, oats and buckwheat, as well as red meat, poultry, fish, dairy products and nuts.
4. L-carnitine
Carnitine helps protect against free radicals. The best sources of carnitine are red meat, and to a lesser extent dairy products, avocado, and tempeh (a fermented soy product). Carnitine from food is much better absorbed (75%) than that taken in supplement form (5% to 18%).
5. L-cysteine
Cysteine improves the production of collagen and keratin. It is found in animal protein sources (fish, cheese, meat and egg yolk) and to a lesser extent in vegetable proteins such as oilseeds (almonds, pistachios, etc.), lentils, beans or soya.
Do not hesitate any longer and add protein foods to your summer menus once a day. And if you don’t like meat or fish, opt for vegetable proteins by combining cereals and legumes (rice and lentils, couscous and chickpeas, etc.).
Beyond food for beautiful skin …
Finally, here are some tips to have beautiful skin and enjoy the sun:
- Never expose yourself in the sun at the hottest hours of the day, especially in summer. If you want to sunbathe, do so before 11 a.m. and after 3 p.m.
- Never forget tospread over your body and your face a protective cream, milk or oil. Don’t skimp on the protection factor, especially at the start of the season. Choose it according to your skin.
- Repeat the application after each swim (at sea or in the pool).
- Be particularly vigilant with children. In the event of exposure, coat them with special children’s total screen cream, and do not forget to have them wear a T-shirt, glasses and hat.
- If you have fragile skin, apply the total screen on your face, in any season (as soon as the sun darts its rays).
