Zinc Gives You 6 Reasons To Eat Dark Chocolate For Better Skin
Having beautiful, radiant skin may be merely a vanity goal but most of us have an innate understanding that our skin is a reflection of our inner physical bodies. And that the quality of our skin can determine how healthy we are, how we're feeling emotionally, and if we have any nutrient deficiencies.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the skin is referred to as the “outer liver”. They see the skin as our primary detoxification organ linked directly to the liver. They've known for centuries that the skin is a reflection of our internal health. Most TCM practitioners use Face Mapping to help them figure out what's going on with their patient’s health.
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Table of Contents
Minerals & Skin Health
6 Anti-Aging Benefits of Zinc For Your Skin
Can Zinc Help Acne & Other Skin Conditions
MINERALS & SKIN HEALTH
So, it goes without saying that no matter how committed you are to your skincare regime, your inner health actually plays a more important role in how your skin looks. As being deficient in certain nutrients will always show up in your face.
Out of all the beauty nutrients, there are several very important elements that often get forgotten —minerals. When it comes to skin health, vitamins A, C, all of the B's, Omega's and Amino Acids tend to get all of the glory. However, minerals are highly beneficial for your skin too.
How Minerals Promote Healthy Skin
Protect against environmental stressors
Anti-inflammatory & antibacterial properties
Vital for healthy cell division
Help maintain moisture levels
Facilitate enzyme function
Promote proper nerve and muscle function
Responsible for immune activity
Aid cell renewal
Regulate tissue growth
Encourage wound healing
Balance hormones
One mineral that plays a major role in your health and especially your skin, is Zinc. And the good news is that it can be found in high amounts in dark chocolate! not only benefits your skin but can also help to detoxify your liver:
Solgar - Chelated Zinc
One of my favorite zinc supplements to support cell growth and DNA formation has antioxidant activity, supports the immune system, and promotes healthy skin - non-GMO and vegan.
Choc Zero - Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Almonds
Get your daily dose of 'Beauty Nutrients' with these yummy, super healthy dark chocolate-covered almonds. My guilt-less treats, perfect for healthy snacking! Almonds are also great for your skin thanks to the high content of fiber, protein, vitamin E, copper, and magnesium.
6 ANTI-AGING BENEFITS OF ZINC FOR YOUR SKIN
Primarily zinc protects your immune system by encouraging the growth of white blood cells that fight off bacteria, infections, and viruses.
But, it is also one of the most important minerals for the skin and should not be overlooked when it comes to your anti-aging skin goals for these reasons;
Antioxidant effects that protect the skin from UV rays and other free radical damage that leads to premature aging (this is why you find it in mineral sunscreens)
A necessary factor in collagen production that keeps your skin youthful, plump, and supple
Zinc is vital for healthy cell division (the reproduction of healthy new cells)
Aids in rapid cell production needed by your hair and nails ( a zinc deficiency results in slow-growing hair and weak, splitting nails)
Helps to detoxify the liver, which we know from TCM, and Face Mapping is a major factor in healthy skin.
Zinc boosts the effectiveness of topical retinol (vitamin A) treatments
Terra Nova - Zinc Complex
Terra Nova is one of the most natural supplements brands you can get. All of the products are formulated 100% naturally, with no chemical additives and preservatives.
Lily's salted Almond Extra Dark Chocolate
More guilt-less 'healthy' chocolate that is also ethically produced. Sweetened with stevia this chocolate bar has far less sugar than typical chocolate. Also, Lily's use of Fair Trade, gluten-free, and non-GMO ingredients.
CAN ZINC HELP ACNE AND OTHER SKIN CONDITIONS
Zinc has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can gradually kill off acne-causing bacteria with fewer potential side effects than other acne treatments. It can also help to balance excessive oil production in the skin
A 2012 study in the Journal of Clinical Aesthetic Dermatology found that oral zinc supplements were effective for inflammatory and bacterial forms of acne
Dermatologists may combine treatments of zinc, vitamin E, and selenium to treat acne vulgaris —the most common form of acne
The first manifestations that appear under zinc deficiency are skin defects such as dermatitis, alopecia, acne, eczema, dry, and scaling skin
Foods high in zinc: Brazil nuts, pine nuts, peanuts, almonds, cashews. Sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds & sesame seeds. Red meat, liver, shellfish. Legumes like chickpeas, lentils & beans. Milk, cheese, eggs & soy foods. Whole grains like wheat, quinoa, rice & oats.
*Plant sources of zinc like legumes & whole grains contain high amounts of zinc, however, they also contain phytic acid, which reduces its absorption. Processing methods like heating, soaking or sprouting can enhance bioavailability.
References
1. Cervantes J, Eber AE, Perper M, Nascimento VM, Nouri K, Keri JE. The role of zinc in the treatment of acne: A review of the literature. Dermatol Ther. 2018;31(1):10.1111/dth.12576. doi:10.1111/dth.12576
2. Bin BH, Hojyo S, Seo J, et al. The Role of the Slc39a Family of Zinc Transporters in Zinc Homeostasis in Skin. Nutrients. 2018;10(2):219. Published 2018 Feb 16. doi:10.3390/nu10020219
3. Ogawa Y, Kinoshita M, Shimada S, Kawamura T. Zinc and Skin Disorders. Nutrients. 2018;10(2):199. Published 2018 Feb 11. doi:10.3390/nu10020199
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