Harsh cold and hot weather can create dry, cracked and chapped lips. But a vitamin deficiency can also cause unhealthy lips. Lip balm only temporarily protects the outside layer of moisture. The best way to keep healthy lips year round is to protect them from the inside out with a well-rounded diet. Mediterranean Diet foods are best for keeping lips moist and beautiful. Here are some Mediterranean Diet foods to get healthy lips.
Fish – The Mediterranean Diet promotes a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. These are good fats that aid in reducing inflammation throughout the body and lowering cholesterol. They also maintain fluidity of the cell membranes. Your lips are constantly replacing old skin cells with new ones. Omega-3 fats will help control this process. Foods rich in Omega-3 fats are walnuts, salmon or any coldwater fish, and flaxseed. These foods can help skin, hair and nail health as well.
Olive Oil – Olive oil is a staple in the Mediterranean Diet. It is full of monounsaturated fatty acids, another healthy fat that contains healing properties which reduce inflammation and help control blood sugar. Olive oil is also high in vitamins A, D, K, and E helping protect your skin and lips from the inside out. Try extra-virgin olive oil which is less processed than other kinds. Use it for cooking instead of butter or margarine. If your lips are already chapped try a small amount directly on the lips for instant moisture and healing.
Spinach – The Mediterranean Diet promotes more vegetables, less meat. Spinach is just one of the vegetables you can eat for healthy lips. Vitamin E is in so many skin moisturizers and lip balms because it has antioxidant healing properties. The free radicals contained in vitamin E fight against skin cell damage. You can eat vegetables rich in vitamin E, like spinach, in order to improve lip health. Broccoli and other leafy green vegetables are also good sources of vitamin E.
Nuts and Legumes – All of the B vitamins play an important role in a healthy diet. A vitamin B deficiency can cause split and cracked lips. Vitamin B2 or riboflavin helps protect cells from oxygen damage, and vitamin B6 helps with cell regeneration which is important for maintaining healthy lips. Raw nuts contain some of the highest amounts of B vitamins including pecans, almonds, cashews and sunflower seeds. Also try soybeans and chickpeas for a great source of B vitamins.
