Diet for healthy skin

Norway is adorned with high mountains, beautiful fjords, pristine waters and an abundance of healthy food. What foods help promote healthy skin?

Salmon is part of our diet

Salmon fishing made Norway famous. Of course, salmon is a staple in the Norwegian diet. Salmon is a powerhouse of omega-3, which is beneficial for fighting inflammation in the skin. If left unchecked, inflammation can lead to not only redness in the skin, but also loss of moisture. A 84-gram serving of salmon contains 1.7 grams of omega-3. In addition, salmon is a healthy source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radicals. 

Other fish high in omega-3 include mackerel and herring. 3 ounces of mackerel contains 1.6 grams of omega-3, and 3 ounces of herring contains 1.4 grams of omega-3. If you prefer a lighter white fish, you can enjoy halibut, haddock, cod, or trout, which also contain omega-3, but in smaller amounts.

When buying fish, look for fresh fish locally. Find out when it was caught or shipped from the slaughterhouse, and it's a good idea to check that it has a nice color and a good smell before you buy.

Collagen is the skin's best friend

The benefits of collagen for skin health are many. Common sources of collagen include fish, chicken, beef, eggs, and dairy products. In Norway, this also includes reindeer meat, a tradition that began with the Sami people. The meat is incorporated into many dishes, such as stews. The Sami honor the life of the reindeer by using all parts of it. Reindeer bones and bone marrow are the starting point for making a healthy, collagen-rich reindeer bone broth. 

Collagen works best with vitamin C , which also has its benefits for skin health. Reducing inflammation and protecting the skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun. We all love to pick wild strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, elderberries and blackberries in the forest, and these berries are full of vitamin C. Due to the cold climate, it takes longer for the berries to grow and ripen, and they are not ready for picking until the summer. 

Omega 3

No matter how well we eat, we can always use the nutritional boost that supplements give our bodies. Aarja Health's Omega3 Boost Krill Oil contains healthy EPA and DHA found in fish and seafood. The red color of the krill comes from the powerful antioxidant astaxanthin that occurs naturally in krill. For vegans, we have Vegan Omega3 , which is a plant-based alternative. 

For easier absorption, look for a decent hydrolyzed type II collagen, such as Aarja Health's Kollagen with Firubark . The natural antioxidants in pine bark are one reason why Norwegians have been brewing pine needle tea for centuries. And don't forget to add vitamin C to support collagen production. We love Aarja Health's Vitamin C 500 , which also contains zinc, which helps maintain healthy hair and nails. 

Add some of these ingredients to your daily diet and your skin will thank you! 

Recipe: Pine nut tea, 2 cups

4 tablespoons chopped pine needles, from a reliable source

2 cups boiling water

1. Put the pine needles in a teapot

2. Top with boiling water

3. Let steep for 15 minutes

4. Strain. Serve. Enjoy!