Foods to Avoid to Maintain Skin

A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics finds out exactly which foods cause acne and other skin problems. The study involved two groups consisting of 32 participants. One group has clear skin, others have moderate to severe acne. Each group was asked to complete a five-day diary and then do blood work.

As quoted from the page, Reader's Digest, of all participants, about 61 percent believe their food affects their skin, and that's true. But it's not the greasy foods that cause problems. Participants who have the worst acne have a high carbohydrate and high food diet with high glycemic load.

The food glycemic load is determined by how sharply a person's blood sugar rises after consumption. The glycemic load index is measured from one to 100, and food above 20 on a scale is considered to have a high glycemic load. Foods with a score of 10 or less are considered to have low glycemic loads.

Some important foods with high glycemic content and high carbohydrate content include white rice, roasted grilled potatoes, spaghetti, white bagels, and instant oatmeal. Some foods with low glycemic load and low carbohydrate content include apples, grapefruits, red beans, cashews, and carrots.

The researchers theorize that these factors play such a big role because they stimulate excessive insulin production. This increases the concentration of hormones known as insulin-1-like growth factor, which causes the hormone androgen released, which then pushes your skin to produce more oil.

After countless processes, the human body finally gives you acne. That does not mean that you will never be able to eat another bagel. You just need to cut your weekly bagel budget.