How To Use Good Nutrition To Age-Proof Your Skin
Saturday, October 19 2019 Sharon Gnattepel
Research shows that proper nutrition can remedy a myriad of wellness issues and help keep us healthy longer. But did you know that supplying your body with the proper nutrients can also have an anti-aging effect on your skin? Supplying your body with the right nutrients can enhance the body's natural ability to re-generate skin cells and increase the cellular turnover rate. Working from the inside out can help maximize cellular energy levels, reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen production. Here are some easy and delicious ways to beautify your skin through good nutrition.
Juicing
Fresh juicing is a yummy way to detox the body, lose weight and beautify the skin. Try sipping a green juice smoothie instead of coffee to help reduce dark circles and acne as well as provide a quick afternoon pick-me-up. Drinking it on an empty stomach facilitates quick absorption by the body and can result in the skin being better hydrated and looking refreshed, healthy and clear. Some of the best fruits and vegetables to include in your fresh juice include carrots, kale, watercress, beets, avocado and papaya.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Did you know that aging and inflammation go hand in hand? Inflammation not only affects the development of diseases like arthritis, but clearly affects the aging process and shows up on our complexion. Nature has provided us with many foods and spices that can slow down and/or greatly reduce the inflammatory process.
We already know that kale contains an impressive array of vitamins but it also contains omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation. Turmeric is a golden spice with anti-inflammatory properties that have been widely recognized in the medical community for their ability to calm inflammation. It can be added to food, or even used to create “Golden Milk” – a soothing, dairy-free bedtime drink that boasts many anti-inflammatory benefits, especially for autoimmune conditions. It is available commercially (one option is through Gaia at https://www.gaiaherbs.com/products/golden-milk) or you can make your own delicious version. ( https://minimalistbaker.com/5-minute-vegan-golden-milk/)
Ginger, another anti-inflammatory spice, can be combined with turmeric for an even greater boost in calming inflammation. Next time you go to your favorite juice bar you will notice that both turmeric and ginger are often added to raw fruit and veggie beverages. Now you know the reason.
Pineapple is a fruit that can be very beneficial to the skin and overall health. In addition to its high vitamin C content, its core contains high concentrations of bromelain – an enzyme that breaks down undigested proteins. Poor digestion has been implicated in a variety of skin problems, so be sure to juice your pineapples with the core for maximum benefits.
Food as Medicine
Hippocrates is credited for having said: “Let thy food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”. This simple statement still holds true today. Eating nutritious food is an easy way to create good health, beautiful skin and strong bodies. It breaks down into the vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and proteins that we require.
Please note: In addition to eating more nutritious foods, it is important to stay away from processed foods and sugar because they can aggravate acne, cause wrinkles, rashes and lead to diabetes by causing insulin levels to spike. Next time you crave a snack, instead of reaching for a piece of candy or a protein bar (check the sugar levels – you may be shocked!) grab a piece of fresh fruit, or a vegetable. Brightly colored peppers, carrots and celery sticks can satisfy your need to chew while they help fight free radicals (these have been implicated in breaking down collagen and contributing to the formation of wrinkles). Feed your body and help fight off the ravages of time!
Copyright May 2019 by Sharon Gnatt Epel for La Ishá Inc.