Why Sardines Are the New Go-To Beauty Food

Summary: TikTok influencers are going crazy over sardines, calling the tiny fish "nature's Botox" and the secret to glowing "glass skin." It turns out, the hype has some real science behind it. Sardines are packed with omega-3 fatty acids (specifically EPA and DHA) that help keep skin hydrated and protect it from the sun's damaging UV rays.

However, there is a massive catch. To actually get these skin-protecting benefits, you would need to eat about five tins of sardines every single day for months. Doctors warn that eating this much canned fish is actually dangerous. It can overload your body with salt, expose you to heavy metals like arsenic, and even trigger a painful condition called gout. Instead of forcing down five tins a day, doctors suggest eating fatty fish just two or three times a week or taking a fish oil supplement. And remember: no food is a magic cure, so you still need to wear your sunscreen!

For more details, see SELF at self.com/story/why-sardines-are-the-new-go-to-beauty-food (opens in new tab)