Nuts - Are They Healthy Snacks for Acne Sufferers?

For decades, the link between acne and nutrition has been ignored. Fortunately, growing research has thrown light on the indirect effects of food on acne. You've probably heard of avoiding or including certain food groups to address your skin problems. One of the common advices is to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and snack on healthy foods like nuts. Nuts are a favorite for many, be it almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts, peanuts and macadamia, just to name a few. At the same time, many a people may advice you that nuts are bad for acne. That's surely confusing! So, just read on to know how nuts affect acne treatment- whether they are good or bad for acne prone skin.

In general, a low-glycemic diet with vegetables, fruits and lean protein will give you natural clear skin. Nuts are excellent sources of plant protein, a vital nutrient for production of collagen and elastin, which are the key components of your skin. They are rich in antioxidant vitamins, such as Vitamin A, E and C and minerals like zinc and folic acid. Studies show that antioxidants combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. They help regulate the insulin levels, which in turn control the acne-causing hormone called androgen. So, how can nuts be bad for acne? Though nuts have many skin healthy properties, their inclusion in your diet depends on many factors.

First, let's recall how acne occurs, i.e. excessive sebum in your skin mixes with dead skin cells and clogs your skin pores. Bacterial growth in these clogged pores results in inflammation and skin eruption. In view of this, the possible downside of eating nuts is that they are hard to digest because of their rich protein and fat content; this may trigger your immune system to discharge antibodies that result in inflammation of your sebaceous glands. Is there a way to address this problem? Yes, you can eat roasted nuts because roasting allows for decomposition of the protein. Or, you may eat nuts that have been soaked for a few hours as they aid in digestion. Nuts have been prevalent in traditional foods, but most of us fail to notice that they were seldom consumed raw - soaked nuts were the norm in those days. In case, you are allergic to certain nuts, you may have to monitor your skin over a course of time and get your doctor's opinion.

Apart from protein, nuts contain healthful vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids (EFAs). They contain both Omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs. Omega-3 EFAs are anti-inflammatory and contribute to hormonal balance. Omega-6 EFAs, however, are considered bad fats, implying that the ratio of Omega-3 and Omega-6 plays a vital role in determining the health benefits of nuts. You must choose nuts that are high in Omega-3 and low in Omega-6. Or, restore the EFA balance by consuming Omega-3 supplements to counter any excessive Omega-6 intake. Flaxseed and fish oil are some of the Omega-3 foods that can help you with this.

If you're serious about conquering your acne problem, the most logical step would be to understand how your body functions. Clearade reviews teach you how acne vitamins can solve the problem from the inside out. Remember that external treatments are only short term. Of course, a good cleansing routine must be a part of your skin care regime, but monitoring your diet, nutrient deficiencies and hydration is even more important.

MIJ Sadique is specializing in skin issues and has made several studies about acne and acne remedies. He has more resources about scientifically proven acne home remedies, including Clearade acne treatment.
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