1 Oct 2015

SUPERFOODS FOR HEALTHY SKIN

Struggling Skin Health? Maybe I can help and not with some expensive creams or face wash but with food. Yes you read that right, food.
First of all you'll have to know what might cause your skin to have poor health, often the symptoms of poor skin health can indicate a lack of nutrients or a struggling digestive system, such as absorption problems or an imbalance of beneficial 'good' bacteria in the digestive system. More directly, it can also be linked to a diet that is high in acidic-forming inflammatory foods such as meat, dairy, alcohol and caffeine, which alter the body's natural slightly alkaline environment and allow those lesser-friendly bacteria to thrive- Skin membranes also need to be hydrated to remain strong and supple. Not drinking enough water can leave skin thirsty. If the detoxification pathways in the body are overloaded, this can also result in unpleasant skin symptoms.

Now you know what could cause it, let's get it sorted!
Drinking fresh juices for clear, healthy skin can act as a simple and effective way to hydrate, at the same time as stimulating and supporting the detoxification process. So drink that juice, further down I'll give you tips on what kinds of foods are best to juice to help your skin to improve.
You can look to achieve a radiant complexion by taking in nutrients that promote good skin health. Yes, you can eat (or drink!) your way to a more glowing visage. This includes packing in lots of vitamin C-rich foods such as peppers, chilies, broccoli, kale and spinach, as well as vitamin A-rich foods including sweet potatoes, carrots, butternut squash, dandelion greens and Swiss chard. Zinc is another key player, as it helps to regulate sebum production and assist in the structure of skin cell membranes, and you can find this in pumpkin seeds (perfect for autumn which is now), cashew nuts and raw cacao. You'll need 'good' oil as well for supporting anti-inflammatory processes in the body, you can find those in fish, chia seeds and flax seeds (lin seeds).



The FARMacy,
Broccoli and spinach are great sources of folic acid and vitamin C, which are both essential for cell regeneration and repair. Vitamin C also supports the process of collagen formation and works to reduce oxidative damage. Furthermore, these greens contain the antioxidant beta-carotene, which can assist detoxification processes and minimize toxin build-up in the body. They are also rich in vitamin A, important for healthy cell replication and differentiation.

Fennel is also an excellent source of vitamin C, but probably the most unique component of this root veg is the phytonutrient anethole. This compound has been shown to reduce inflammation and contains natural anti-microbial properties, which help balance bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and in turn promote detoxification.

Apples are packed with phytonutrients, which means that they have antioxidant properties that help to scavenge free radicals. They also contain the flavonoid quercetin, which can inhibit enzymes that convert complex carbohydrates into simple sugars, so in this sense they help to regulate blood sugar levels. This is important in skin health, as spikes in blood sugar can damage collagen.

Coriander is a remarkable heavy metal detoxifier (or chelator), helping to bind and remove heavy metals from the body and so act as a detoxing support. It also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, which help to balance gut microflora. After all, healthy digestion = a happy complexion.

Cucumber, often underrated as a superfood, is one of the most hydrating of veggies. It contains almost 95 per cent water and important electrolytes. It also provides B vitamins and a wealth of minerals, as well as potent antioxidant properties.

Superfood Booster
Aloe vera juice helps soothe and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system, while reducing general acidity in the body. It is also an adaptogen, which means that it boosts the body's natural ability to cope with external changes and outside stresses.


A Juice recipe: Green Glow-getter

You will need:

1 cup broccoli pieces                         Just blend all the ingredients in
1 cup fennel                                       a juicer and enjoy the taste and effects!
2 cups spinach
2 apples (stalks removed)
1/2 cup coriander
1 cup cucumber (chopped)

The coriander, fennel and apples are an amazing base for this sweet and easy green juice. This juice is created with skin health in mind - and after a few days of drinking this regularly, I have no doubt you will also be noticing your glow!
 

Let me know in the comments below if this was helpful to you and if you feel different and if your skin looks and feels different. Excited for the results from you guys !!



*credits go to the author Kara M. L. Rosen

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