Carbs are my guilty pleasure. But over the years they’ve got a bad rep for being associated with weight gain, diabetes, and other underlying health conditions. As a beauty enthusiast, they’ve been my worst enemy. Anytime I open a bag of chips, I know I should expect a pimple the next day.
Turns out, carbs can be incredibly healthy for both, the skin and the gut. You just gotta choose the right ones.
The Best Carbs For Better Skin & Gut Health
Oats
A rich source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, oats are high in fiber content. One of the key benefits of this carb is its ability to hydrate the skin and manage issues such as flaking and dryness. Oat face masks were a huge deal a couple of years ago for this very reason – the food not only helps exfoliate but also cleanses and moisturises the skin leaving it smooth and supple to the touch.
Bananas
A popular fruit, bananas are great for sorting out stomach issues and indigestion. But they’re also excellent for the hair. Again, remember when banana hair packs were a thing? A great source of Vitamins A and C, they help reduce tan marks and help achieve an even skin tone. Over time, they even diminish the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots.
Beetroots
Beets are one of the coolest things to happen to skincare. No, seriously. Not only do they deliver such a healthy flush of colour to the skin, but they also have a high amount of Vitamin A, and antioxidants and fight off damage caused by free radicals. From beetroot face packs to just dabbing the juice on the cheeks, this carb is a true blessing for your skin.
Yogurt
Bet you didn’t expect this on the list! Yogurt is also considered a carb thanks to the presence of lactose, a type of sugar found in milk products. But thanks to the presence of lactic acid, it is an excellent ingredient for the skin and works when applied topically and consumed. Lactic acid is known to not only reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines but also delivers a glow and even complexion to the skin.
Chickpeas
A great source of protein, carbs, and fibre, chickpeas contain everything essential for the skin including iron, vitamin B, and magnesium. They also help increase the skin’s elasticity and act as excellent exfoliators to get rid of dirt and grime from the skin.
The idea that carbs are unhealthy, is a myth that’s been busted time and again. But now that I know they’re not entirely bad when consumed in moderation, you best believe I’ll be restocking my fridge with them sooner rather than later!
Featured Images: Instagram, Pexels
