Cauliflower Could Be The Key To A Clearer Complexion

Although there are many topical treatments on the market today to achieve clear skin, one of the best ways to make your skin as glowing as possible is to attack it from the inside.

"Everything you eat becomes a part of not only your inner being, but the outer fabric of your body as well," explained clinical nutritionist Samantha Heller to WebMD. "The healthier the foods are that you consume, the better your skin will look."

Drinking plenty of water to keep your body and skin hydrated is imperative, and so is avoiding foods that can have a negative effect on your skin. "Eating too many processed or refined sugars and foods with a high glycemic index (dairy, carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats) can actually cause skin inflammation, irritation and breakouts," registered dietitian Nicole Hopsecger, told Cleveland Clinic.

Once you're hydrated well and staying away from troublesome foods, it's time to add foods that boost skin naturally. One of the very best foods to do this is cauliflower.

"Nutrition plays a role in multiple ways, but primarily through the path of inflammation," dermatologist Dr.Sarah Sawyer told Eating Well. "We know now that many skin diseases, including aging, are a result of inflammation in the body. There is great data that shows the skin negatively responds to systemic inflammation the same way that other vital organs do."

When it comes to vegetables, cauliflower has an impressive amount of nutrients. According to Healthline, cauliflower has fiber, vitamins B6, C, and K, folate, phosphorus, and magnesium.

It also contains the amino acid histidine, which is not made by the body naturally so must be consumed. Histidine is an anti-inflammatory that promotes clear and smooth skin. It also helps keep skin hydrated which also helps curb breakouts. Dry skin encourages the skin to produce more oil which leads to breakouts.

Histidine also helps skin conditions like eczema, as per Skinterrupt, and can mimic the effects of a topical corticosteroid.

Though cauliflower can help keep skin glowing, not everyone likes eating it. It can have a bitter taste if not properly cooked or seasoned. If you really have an aversion to the healthy veggie, start slowly. Add some small florets to a soup or blend them up before you drop them in to get all the health benefits and less of the taste.

Yet, don't give up on thinking you won't enjoy cauliflower because it can be an acquired taste that you'll grow to love. One of the ways to make cauliflower tasty is to add some oil to a pan and cook some florets sprinkled with garlic powder, as per Inspired Taste. For an extra boost, you can add parmesan or any cheese of your choice to it. Roasted cauliflower gives off a delicious flavor and is simple. Just throw the cauliflower in a roasting pan, season it with your favorite spices, and put it in a 400-degree oven for half an hour. 

Cauliflower can also be riced and then turned into tots, or for non-cookers, you can buy already-made cauliflower tots (via Food Network). Then dip them in your favorite sauce for a snack.