Left: Sheetal Rawal, scientist (human genetics) & founder of Apsara Skin Care
By: Marty S.
When the health of our skin or the health of our body takes a turn for the worse, we can usually trace it back to the food we eat. If you’re eating poorly, i.e. processed foods, your body may not be absorbing enough nutrients every day and your skin might become malnourished as a result. This translates into dull, lifeless skin that is more prone to skin issues like acne and dryness.
However, if the opposite is true and you are eating well, your body will be absolutely overflowing with nutrients and your skin will start to radiate with a healthy, youthful glow. Thus, it is important that you should eat foods that can heal you from within. At the top of this list is all natural foods because they are free of any chemicals that might make you sick and your skin look pale. Need a hand deciding which foods to start with? We’ve compiled a list of 8 healing foods below that you can eat for glowing, youthful skin. There are so many superfoods on this list that you simply can’t ignore any of them! Even if you do not eat all of the superfoods on this list, eating at least half can be very beneficial to your health and your skin
1. Cacao to Eliminate Free Radicals & Increase Skin Glow
Cacao is a superfood that is used to make our favorite chocolate products. When this natural ingredient isn’t processed and it is consumed in its raw form, it contains an amazing source of antioxidants (flavonoids, in particular) that can neutralize free radicals in your body. Free radicals are one of the biggest causes of premature aging; these compounds can harm our healthy cells, for instance, our skin cells, cause them to deteriorate. However, when we use more antioxidants, we are protecting our body from the harmful effects of free radicals. Ideally, you should obtain and consume raw cacao to get the most benefit out of cacao. However, if it is not available to you, dark chocolate is an excellent alternative because it contains more cacao than other forms of chocolate.
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2. Dandelion to Detoxify Your Liver & Skin
This plant isn’t just a weed that grows in your backyard. In fact, people commonly forage dandelions in the wild, and they can become a part of your everyday diet. Dandelions are known for their bitterness but that is just a sign of how nutritious they are for you. In addition to antioxidants and vitamins A, B, C, and K, dandelions possess detoxifying properties. Eating dandelions regularly can bolster the health of your liver and ensure that your body is naturally flushing out toxins. Although you can find dandelions in the wild or in your garden, it is best to obtain them from your local natural foods store.
3. Berries to Rejuvenate Your Skin & Your Mind
If you’ve been neglecting your daily intake of fruits, a perfect way of getting more fruit is to eat berries. Berries come in all different shapes and sizes: blackberries, blueberries, strawberries,
cranberries, just to name a few. However, a common factor among all berries is antioxidants. Berries are anti-aging superfoods that are well known for being rich in antioxidants, such as flavonoids, polyphenols, and anthocyanins. These antioxidants have been studied to help promote the wellbeing of your brain (including improving your memory and reducing your risk of Alzheimer's) and your heart (including decreasing your risk of heart disease).
4. Nuts to Boost Heart & Skin Health
Nuts are well regarded for their ability to improve cardiovascular health and reduce bad cholesterol. One of the reasons for this is the omega-3 fatty acids found in many nuts. These healthy fats, along with antioxidants also found in this anti-aging superfood, help reduce inflammation in your body. Similar to berries, there are many different kinds of nuts and each one has a unique property. For instance, walnuts have been linked to being better for the health of your brain than other nuts. However, as long as you are eating nuts, you should be promoting youthfulness in your body both inside and out.
If you need a face mask that uses some of the ingredients on this list, watch this video to learn a peanut, turmeric, and lemon remedy. Enjoy and don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel!
5. Beans to Reduce Skin & Hair Issues with Protein & Fiber
Beans can provide amazing anti-aging benefits to your internal health because of its fiber content. First of all, thanks to fiber as well as nutrients such as potassium and magnesium, beans can help reduce bad cholesterol and boost your heart health. Second, the fiber in beans can also improve digestion, reduce hunger, and help you lose weight. Other known anti-aging benefits related to beans? They’re low in fat, high in antioxidants (anthocyanins), and high in protein. The high protein content in this superfood, in particular, helps your body grow thick, long hair and glowing, youthful skin. Just like nuts and berries, there are several different varieties of beans (red beans, black beans, garbanzo, pinto beans, et cetera) so don’t be afraid to try them all!
6. Aloe Vera Juice for More Youthfulness, Inside & Out
Many people use aloe vera topically to reduce the appearance of skin issues like acne, fine lines, and wrinkles, but you can also drink aloe vera juice so that the rest of your body absorbs it too. Aloe vera juice is very nutritious; it contains a lot of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, C, and E, calcium, and magnesium. Because aloe vera juice has antibacterial properties, you can drink it to detoxify your body and maintain good health. Drinking aloe vera juice and using it on your skin can help keep your skin look glowing and youthful.
7. Quinoa to Promote Beautiful Skin & Stunning Hair
2013 was the “International Year of Quinoa,” but it is still an amazing superfood today. Quinoa can answer several of your dietary needs. For example, it’s abundant in antioxidants, such as
quercetin and kaempferol, to reduce oxidative stress in your body. It’s also protein-rich, which can extremely beneficial to you if the quality of your hair or skin is worsening. Other nutrients in quinoa include iron, fiber, and magnesium. On top of all that, it’s incredibly versatile and gluten-free. Regardless of whether or not you are sensitive to gluten, if you give it a chance, quinoa may become a staple in your diet.
8. Turmeric to Reduce Inflammation in Your Body & Beautify Your Skin
Yes, of course, we would not forget about one of our favorite natural ingredients, turmeric! Turmeric is really good for your body because of the compound curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is responsible for turmeric’s hue. Adding this anti-aging spice to your food may help you if you have chronic inflammation or if you are just interested in keeping your body full of youth and vigor. Turmeric is also believed to have anticancer benefits. Thus, if you are already accustomed to using turmeric on your skin, you must try adding this superfood to your meals.
If you need skin care advice from Sheetal, fill out this form and you will receive a reply from her asap.
Go natural. It is good karma!
