What we eat has a far greater impact on our complexion than what we put on our skin. Paying attention to meal planning is akin to choosing the best beauty products. This is not to say that some of these foods cannot also do double duty and work from the inside out as well as from the outside in. Giving the body the best quality materials is the first step for encouraging the beautiful work of art your genes painted to blossom forth.
In sweetly surprising news, cocoa powder is great for skin health both topically and internally. There are several beauty products that take advantage of cocoa powder or cocoa butter as an ingredient to support skin health by toning and moisturizing skin. Enjoying treats high in cocoa content or relishing a warm cup of cocoa likewise sends antioxidants to defend the skin against free radicals.
Fresh brightly colored fruits and vegetables practically shout their healing properties in reds, oranges, yellows, and even pinks and greens. Their brightness is indicative of how alive they are with vitamins A and C—nutrients the skin craves for glowing health. Carrots, peppers, chard, grapefruits and clementines—the list of appropriate candidates is long enough to have something everyone will want to indulge in, but keeping a varied diet is better than relying solely on the presence of a single fruit of vegetable for key nutrients. Supported by sufficient amounts of these vitamins, skin will heal more rapidly and deeply.
Berries are undeniably and famously rich with antioxidants, containing the highest concentration of any foods anywhere. Concentrations vary according to each type of berry: acai berry has been the latest famed for having the very highest concentration of all. No berry is short on antioxidants, despite compartively lower concentrations. Once consumed, these antioxidants join the battle against free radicals, which damage cell membranes, making DNA vulnerable and increasing the opportunity for cancer to develop. Free radicals are also thought to quicken the aging process, so antioxidant-rich foods are seen as delicious preventative measures to be taken on a daily basis.
Low fat dairy keeps digestive processes normal within the body, which in turn keeps a healthy clear complexion on the outside. When digestive processes are not running smoothly, the skin will often reflect that. Experimenting with dietary elements, which may mean adding some low-fat dairy to promote regularity, will often clear this up in time. Unfortunately, most favorite cheeses do not fall into this category. Luckily, there are bountiful flavors of yogurt and kefir, which both can be enjoyed as delicious treats that feed the face from the inside out. They also can be used as hydrating face masks.
Essential fatty acids are surprisingly easy to sneak into a daily diet and well worth the effort. They improve skin structure on the most basic molecular level. Essential fatty acids strengthen cell membranes, allowing cells to retain moisture for plumper, younger looking skin. These membranes are also the means by which toxins exit the skin cells and nutrients enter, so to have them strongly intact creates good health deep within the skin.
Nuts, fish and oils, well known for their omega-3 contents often accompanied by vitamin E, are easily enjoyable sources of essential fatty acids that can be added to meals throughout the day. Though their benefits are greater when taken into the body, oils in particular also can be topically applied to greatly benefit skin that needs extra moisture.
Water is above and beyond all the most crucial ingredient for keeping a clear, radiant complexion. A consistent availability of water allows all of the body’s processes to function at ideal capacity, enabling the body to sweat regularly and encourage the removal of toxins. No other liquid can replenish the body with the same benefits—pure water has no equal.
By Alicia Cianciola
Crazy Over Cocoa
& Blueberries!
The temperatures are still frigid. Why not enjoy a hot cup of cocoa? It’s a decadent pick me up that’s got plenty of health benefits.
Hot Cocoa
2-3 tbsp of unsweetened cocoa powder
a dash of cinnamon or cayenne
2 tbsp honey, or more to taste
Add the cocoa powder and spice to a mug. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add sufficient water to fill the mug. Stir well.
Stir in honey – add to taste.
Blueberry Smoothie
1 cup yogurt or kefir
1 banana
1 cup blueberries
1 cup ice cubes
2 tbsp honey
Peel and chop banana.
Add all ingredients to blender – blend well.
