In Today’s World Nutrition and Beauty are closely inter linked. Nutrition plays an important role in overall health & well-being. What many individuals do not appreciate though, is that the skin can be a barometer, and even a reflection of inner health. So how can Nutrition help achieve magnificent skin & an incredible coat?
The Skin as a Barrier: – Before we can answer that, we must first understand the role of the skin. As the first line of defense, the skin protects from chemical, physical & microbial agents as well as UV exposure. Ultimately, the skin is crucial for keeping the inside organs alive by being an effective barrier. It is metabolically active &in a continual state of renewal. As a result, the skin utilizes a major proportion of nutrients supplied through diet. Nutrients of particular importance include high quality protein & fatty acids, as well as specific vitamins &minerals.
The role of Protein: – The hair & skin is made up of approximately 95% protein & as a result of constant renewal process, consumes approximately 30% of the overall daily protein intake. Therefore, the quality of dietary protein thus plays a significant role in maintaining the health, lusture & quality of the skin.
The role of Fats: – Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are of particular importance in maintaining the skin’s barrier function as well as regulating skin cell proliferation. Both omega 6 & 3 fatty acids are PUFAs and considered essential (so must be obtained through diet).
Omega 3 fatty acids, eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are well for their anti-inflammatory properties as they inhibit the synthesis of certain inflammatory properties as they inhibit the synthesis of certain inflammatory mediators. EPA & DHA (sourced from fish oil), together with GLA (sourced from borage & evening primrose oil) are of particular benefit in various skin problems, specifically those of allergic origin.
Important Vitamins: – A number of different vitamins also play a significant role in helping maintain skin and coat. Vitamin A regulates skin cell growth and sebum production & maintaining the integrity of the Skin as a barrier. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, protecting cells from free-radical damage. Biotin, also referred to as vitamin H, is important for amino acid & fatty acid synthesis which contributes to healthy & a shiny coat.
Important Minerals: – Zinc & copper are important minerals that contribute to overall quality of skin. Zinc plays a significant role in cell multiplication, synthesis of fatty acids and is involved in Vitamin A metabolism & synthesis of collagen & Keratin. Copper is required for the production of melanin pigments & Keratin, and a deficiency will lead to pigmentation and keratinization defects of the skin.
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