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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