Many people choose to go vegan for animal welfare and environmental reasons, but a survey from Vomad shows that 17% of people are vegan for their health. Research shows that vegan diets extend your lifespan and protect you against some cancers, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and type-2 diabetes. When you look after your health on the inside, the outside shows it, particularly when it comes to your skin. There are certain vegan foods that are packed full of goodness to give you healthy-looking, glowing skin.

Pick foods high in hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid (HA) has a good reputation for improving your skin, particularly when it comes to wound healing and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s naturally produced by skin cells, but aging and environmental factors can lower levels, so eating it offers a good boost. A lot of foods don’t contain much HA themselves, but they encourage the body to produce it, helping to increase levels. Magnesium and vitamin C are both good examples of this, so eating plenty of potatoes, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, and citrus fruits is a good way to up your body’s HA level. Soy-based products, which a lot of vegans tend to eat, trigger HA production too, thanks to the isoflavones they contain that stimulate estrogen.

No dairy = less acne

Going vegan means ditching dairy and there’s a big link between dairy and acne. In particular, cow’s milk is believed to be the main culprit due to the hormones it contains. Therefore, going vegan can help to clear up adult acne, particularly for mild to moderate cases. Of course, everyone’s skin differs so not everyone will get the same result from giving up dairy, but the evidence suggests you should notice some change within a matter of weeks. There’s also a chance that you’re lactose intolerant as many people don’t realize they are and this can cause skin problems. In fact, one study from the University of Chicago found that where your ancestors were from was linked to how likely you were to being lactose intolerant with some countries having a 100% intolerance rate.

More nutrients overall

Going vegan means you’re more likely to consume more vitamins and minerals as you pack your plate up with fruits and veggies to replace meat and dairy. Plant-based foods are generally much more nutrient-dense than other foods. These nutrients are great for your skin, including vitamins E, A, and C, niacin, biotin, riboflavin, and iodine, as well as antioxidants. These all contribute to good skin by improving its elasticity, protecting against premature aging, and improving the appearance of scars and imperfections. Balance is still essential to good health, which is why a meal delivery service can help you to get all the nutrients you need, particularly if you’re new to the vegan lifestyle, as they will ensure meals offer everything you need. 

A vegan diet comes with plenty of benefits, many of which will be seen in your skin as your overall health improves and you consume more nutrients. Meal delivery services are ideal for ensuring you’re consuming a well-balanced diet that provides everything you need to see healthier, glowing skin.