Do Good Looks Equal Good Health?

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As children, many were taught to never judge a book by its cover. Research, however, suggests otherwise.

A number of studies have shown that the foods and other things people consume will eventually begin to show up on the outside, and it’s not just about obesity and lack of exercise.

Many studies suggest that what a person eats has a great impact on their overall health. Balanced diets rich in protein, fruits, vegetables, fatty acids, nuts and other natural foods typically project positive signs in a person’s health. These foods have been linked to healthier skin, slimmer figures and even the treatment of diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

On the other hand, diets containing high amounts of processed foods, could naturally have a negative impact on a person’s health and appearance, and ultimately lead to obesity. They affect a person’s weight, can make their skin wrinkled and can also increase the risk of serious disease. In fact, a brand new study released by doctors from the University of California, San Francisco, suggests that sugar is so toxic it should be regulated like alcohol and tobacco.

Doctors drew the conclusion based on evidence linking high sugar intake to major global killers like heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Diets high in sugar have also been linked to increasing obesity rates. Lack of exercise only makes the problem worse.

According to the Mayo Clinic, foods that improve physical appearance are also beneficial to their overall health. They also point out that there are no special foods that will offer instant changes to improve one area, however the components of balanced diets work together in order to provide noticeable effects.

Foods and diets that can impact your appearance and have the potential to provide skin with a youthful glow are carrots and other orange fruits and vegetables. These foods contain beta-carotene, which helps to provide color to the skin.

Foods like blueberries are also good for the skin’s appearance because they contain anti-oxidants, which work to protect your body’s cells from damage. Antioxidants are found in green vegetables and a number of fruits. Examples of antioxidants are vitamin A, C and E.

Water is also an essential part of maintaining a healthy body and appearance, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Staying hydrated flushes waste from your system and acts to keep the skin moist instead of dry.

Natural, nutrient-dense foods provide the best source of calories for your body. The Harvard School of Public Health recommends a person consume four grams of protein for every 10 pounds of body weight. Proteins play an important role in maintaining and building muscle, while helping with the absorption of various nutrients that are important to ones’ health.

Diets high in sugar, conversely, have been linked to the appearance of dull and wrinkled skin. Dermatologists suggest that sugar’s impact on the skin comes through a process called glycation, in which the sugar in the bloodstream attaches itself to proteins to form molecules called Advanced Glycation End Products (AGE’s). These AGE’s molecules are harmful to the elastin and collagen, which impact the skin’s elasticity. The more sugar consumed, the more AGE’s are produced.

Research suggests that how a person looks on the inside has a great impact on what’s reflected on their outer layer, as well as leading to a lower incidence of obesity. Eating balanced diets and receiving the proper nutrients through food can aid in the improvement of one’s appearance and overall health.

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