eating for flawless skin

”let food be thy medicine”
Hippocrates (the father of medicine)

To have wonderful flawless skin, you need to nourish from the inside with nutrient dense, organic ingredients… ‘you are what you eat’, there are countless books written on this topic.

This is a very brief guide to nourishing from the inside. 

Hydrate!

More than 70 percent of our brain, our hearts, our lungs are water. Our bodies overall are about 60% water. Start your day with a cup of warm water, lemon and a dash of cayenne pepper - a detoxifying and metabolism-boosting natural remedy. Drink filtered water throughout your day. 8-10 glasses a day.

If you are lucky enough to live in a place like the Hunza tribe, where they have mineral rich water springs, then you are in heaven - you can bathe in that water too! Drink fresh coconut water if you can.

Eat mindfully!

Fresh, organic plant-based foods contain a significantly greater amount of vitamins and minerals than animal products, and should be eaten in abundance to help achieve glowing beautiful skin. A scientific study found that people who consumed a fruit and vegetable smoothie rich in carotenoids every day for 6 weeks developed a “food tan,” giving the skin an extra glow.

The abundant vitamins and minerals also kick start enzymes and antioxidants to fight free radical damage; which boost your immune system and help with skin healing. (We have a wonderful morning smoothie and will write more on this in a future blog.)

Eat to protect your skin against sun damage.

In addition to diligent sunscreen use* and wearing protective clothing, a rich plant-based diet can offer additional sun protection, thanks to naturally occurring sun protective compounds.

Fruits and vegetables contain a lush supply of phytochemicals and other antioxidant compounds that may decrease the amount of skin damage caused by the sun and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

‘there is nutrition and there is beauty but rarely are the two combined,

yet beauty is only a reflection of what’s on the inside’

Clare

 

Eating for flawless skin: Eat plenty of

tomatoes, watermelon, grapefruit, guavas, papaya, asparagus, red cabbage.

the antioxidant lycopene improves skin’s natural SPF.

All organic Berries

very high in antioxidants and are packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E

Kiwi, and other fruits

stimulates collagen synthesis, which keeps skin taught and smoothes fine lines

Carrots, Sweet potato and pumpkin

beta Carotene, found in carrots, sweet potatoes and pumpkin are potent antioxidants.

Sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach

high in vitamin E, these foods can help keep your skin be pimple-free

Walnuts, flax seeds and oily fish

packed with an omega-3 called alpha-linolenic acid, your body can’t make this so you have to eat it.

Eggs

a hefty dose of protein without tons of fat, and less fat is a good thing for your skin.

Orange and other citrus peels

Limonene, a compound found in the oil in the peels, offers the UV-protective benefits.

Kale and other dark leafy Greens

just one cup of Kale gives you 134% and 133% of your daily value for skin-firming vitamin C and A, respectively.

Avocados

healthy fats, and chlorophyll to reduce inflammation, water to hydrate, Vitamin E to promote softness and prevent wrinkles

Rosemary and other fresh herbs

herbs pack a ton of antioxidants into a tiny skin-protecting package, squelching free radicals from the sun before they can damage skin

Dark Chocolate

rich in cocoa flavanols, plant compounds with antioxidant properties, which help hydrate skin and improve circulation.

Green Tea

green tea polyphenols make your skin more elastic and smooth, and help protect your skin against sun damage.