A recent scientific study revealed that the secret to healthy and youthful skin lies in proper nutrition from within, especially through the consumption of natural C Vitamin found in fruits.
Researchers from Otago University in New Zealand found a direct and strong relationship between the level of this vitamin in the blood and improved essential skin functions.
The study, conducted on volunteers in New Zealand and Germany and published in a journal specializing in skin research, showed that consuming just two kiwi fruits daily for eight weeks, which provides about 250 micrograms of vitamin C, led to tangible results. This increased skin thickness significantly due to stimulated collagen production, and accelerated the process of skin cell renewal and improved its elasticity and its ability to protect against ultraviolet rays.
Professor Margaret Visser, the team leader, commented that the results were surprisingly exciting, as they found that the skin absorbs C vitamin from the bloodstream with high efficiency, even prioritizing its delivery to the outer layers. She added that this explains why dietary intake of the vitamin is more effective in improving skin health than simply applying it topically through products, which struggle to penetrate the skin barrier due to the vitamin's high water solubility.
Visser emphasized that the key is maintaining an optimal level of vitamin C in the blood, which can be easily achieved through the daily diet. Since the body cannot store this vitamin, she recommended eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, making sure to include a rich source of vitamin C such as citrus or berries or sweet peppers.
The benefits of kiwi, which was used as a model in the study, are not limited to just the skin. Research also indicates its role in improving digestion and enhancing mood within a few days, and improving sleep quality if consumed before bedtime, in addition to its benefits for heart and eye health and weight management. This confirms that this small green fruit truly is a treasure trove of multiple health benefits.
The study was published in the journal Investigative Dermatology.
