Most of us like to take care of our outward appearance and forget that what we ingest is what makes all the difference. During the Harmattan, it is easy to see a lot of people put layers and layers of Shea butter on their skin and have glossy lips as well but that should not be all.
Your diet should incorporate foods (including fruits) with high amounts of water to keep you hydrated. Here are some examples.
1. Watermelon
This fruit tops the list because it contains 92% water which makes it one of the most hydrating fruits you can eat during this season. The watermelon is also a nutrient dense fruit as it contains magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and has life calorie content. This is great because you can consume a large portion of watermelon and take in only a small quantity of calories.
Fruits like watermelon can also help with weight loss and provide you with antioxidants.
2. Strawberries
With water content of as high as 91%, strawberries are one of the fruits you want to have handy during the harmattan season. 91% of the body weight of this fruit comes from its water content, so if you decide not to drink too much water during the day snacking on a strawberry fruit can help provide you with enough hydration.
In terms of nutrients strawberries are also rich. They contain, vitamins, minerals, disease fighting antioxidants fibres manganese and folate.
Eating a strawberry regularly has been shown to reduce inflammation and also prevent a variety of diseases including various kinds of cancers and Alzheimers.
3. Salmon
Oily fishes like Titus and salmon are not only tasty but are also useful for your skin.
Salmon contains Omega-3 fatty acids that help in locking moisture in your body, maintain a shiny, healthy look and fading out wrinkles on the skin. Other available seafood to grace your belly with would include Tuna and mackerel.
4. Spinach
This natures gift to man should be added to your diet as you can cook it as soup to go with your swallows.
This vegetable has a high level of vitamin A and B which can aid in skin hydration and protect your skin against harsh conditions as it allows it to maintain a perfect and beautiful glow. So what do you say? Want to slice some vegetables and bless it with some seafood
5. Cucumber
If you are not a sweet tooth and would rather chew on something to keep you hydrated than drink water, then cucumbers are the rights food for you. These green foods contain 95% water and also have a few nutrients that are great for your health. You can enjoy the benefits of magnesium, vitamin K, and potassium
6. Carrots
Carrots are 90 percent water and are high in fiber. On top of that, they are good for your eyes. They also help your eyes glisten by supporting the moisture and mucous membranes and they help distinguish between night and day.
7. Pineapple
With water content of 86 percent, no wonder this tropical fruit packs hydration. Pineapple is usually known for its high levels of vitamin C, vitamin B, magnesium, potassium, and manganese, but clearly its benefits do not stop there. It also contains bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties. Blending the pineapple for a quick summer drink with ice is highly recommended, but eating it straight from the cutting board is a good tactic to use its hydration powers, too
8. Eggs
Another way to tackle dry skin is to boil or poach eggs because eggs are rich in protein and lutein. Protein and lutein help to regenerate dry skin and also help to keep it hydrated. Asides eating eggs, the egg whites could also serve as great facials.
It is not fair looking like a ghost when all you need to look healthy is just right around you. So why do not you get some and save your skin the struggle of cracks and marks? You wo not regret it.