Home » Beauty » Cool Tips » What to Eat.... What all health pundits recommend is for you to eat a balanced diet if you want to retain good health and good looks throughout your life. Here is a basic guide on what is good for you and what is not.

• Vegetables, fruits, grains, seeds and nuts should all be part of a balanced diet
• See that you include quality protein from vegetable sources, especially if you are vegetarian.
• Raw foods should be part of your daily diet as they are completely nutritious in the uncooked state.
• Foodstuffs that are high in sulphur, like garlic, onions, eggs and asparagus will help to keep the skin smooth and youthful.
• Yellow and orange vegetables (especially carrots) are high in beta carotene, an anti oxidant.
• Use of cold-pressed flax seed oil ( which contains essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega –6 linoleic acids which get converted into prostaglandins) on salads and dishes like baked potatoes, or even if used with other dishes that do not require intense heating, is beneficial for the skin as it keeps it moist and supple.

• Should you suffer from excessive dry skin, consume plenty of carrots, cantaloupes and apricots as these are rich in vitamins A and C which contribute to a glowing skin. Whether taken whole or in juice form, they have the same beneficial effects.
• Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is found in foods like milk cheese, natural yogurt, green leafy veggies, yeast and wheat germ. Vitamin B5 is essential for the synthesis of fats and oils used by the skin.
• Eight glasses of water is a must to keep your skin hydrated and fresh-looking.
• See that you get your quota of eight hours of beauty sleep as the skin cells undergo repair activity during your period of rest.
• Exercise regularly. It will boost circulation and encourage free flow of blood.

And What to Avoid....

• It goes without saying that fried foods are bad for the skin as are animal fats and heat-processed vegetable oils. Cold-pressed oils are always preferable as heating oils have a destructive effect on the skin.
• Avoid all soft drinks, sugar, chocolate, finger chips and other such deadly junk foods.
• Alcohol and caffeine are better avoided or had in moderation as they have a diuretic effect and cause the boy to lose fluids and minerals.