Skin and Nutrition
Whatever your age, taking care of your skin from the inside by including natural
foods in your diet can add an extra touch of radiance to your skin. Natural foods such as
nuts, flax seed, aloe vera juice, Goji berry juice and avocado are high in antioxidants that
are age- busting. These foods can be classed as some of the raw materials required by the
body to neutralise air pollutants like cigarette smoke or household chemicals that
rack havoc on the body and cause damage to the skin.
Flax Seed- The high concentration of healthy Omega 3 & 6 oils, as well as vitamin E
found in flax seed helps the skin look youthful. Even though some fats are high in
calories, the oil in flax seed is actually good for you. 2 tablespoons of flax seed contain
only 70 calories and can be incorporated into any recipe. It can work wonders for dry skin
and help reduce inflammation. For those with psoriasis and eczema, adding flax seed -
preferably ground flax seed to the diet - would be ideal. Ground flax seed can be
sprinkled in a smoothie or a bowel of porriage oats for breakfast.
Aloe Vera Juice - Renowned for its healing properties, Aloe Vera contains an enzyme
known to rejuvenate the skin and work wonders for the reduction of acne scares by
generating cell renewal. Of course it´s not a hundred percent fix but it helps improve the
appearance of them. The vitamin C in the Aloe Vera helps keep the blood vessels toned
and promote good circulation to the skin.
Nuts - Adding nuts to the diet can decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The fatty acids - good fats - found in nuts, plump up the skins natural luster. Almond oils
are a favourite for holistic anti-ageing skin care. Brazil nuts are a potent source of selenium, an element that boosts skin elasticity. Nuts like almonds can be added to a
salad. A handful of nuts is enough of a serving for the day.
Goji Berry Juice - The berry from which the juice is extracted is high in beta carotene
which helps improve the complexion of the skin. The carotenoids build up in the skin and
provide protection from the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays absorbed by the skin. The
antioxidant properties found in Goji berries help mope up the free radicals link to
conditions like skin cancer.
Avocado- Delicious in sandwiches and salads, avocado can boost moisture levels in
dehydrated skin and is great for the fight against wrinkles. The antioxidant properties of
vitamin E found in avocado helps in keeping the skin soft and smooth. Avocado also
contains sterolins which plays a role in reducing age spots and heals sun damage. The
emollient properties of avocado make it the perfect ammunition for skin regeneration.
Eaten regularly, these natural foods will help you look and feel radiant and youthful.
Remember, good nutrition and radiant skin go hand in hand.
Tips and Techniques:
1. Whole flax seed can be ground in a coffee grinder and stored in an airtight container
2. Keeping flax seed in the refrigerator can extend its freshness
3. Nuts are a quick and convenient snack for dieters
4. Be on the look out for unblemished avocados with smooth shiny green skin, when
shopping for fruit and vegetables. The fruit can be cut in half longways. Once cut, the
stone can be removed. The cavity can then be filled with a vinaigrette dressing or another
savoury stuffing. If prepared in advance, the cut flesh of avocado must be gently rubbed
with lemon juice to prevent browning. Unripe avocado can be stored at room temperature.
Did You Know That…….
The thick, clear gel inside Aloe Vera leaves contains over 75 different key nutritional
compounds which are beneficial including minerals, vitamins (B12), Amino acids and
enzymes.
Five Fast Facts About Skin
It is the largest organ on the body
Without sufficient oil, skin can become thin, dry and itchy
The skin of an adult when laid out flat can cover a single bed
Our skin accounts for 16% of our body weight
Humans shed at least 40 kilograms of skin in their life time