Let it GLOW - Foods for great, glowing skin
Our skin is our largest organ and performs a plethora of vital roles: defending our immune system from harmful exposure from the environment and minimising fluid loss. We are all becoming more aware of what we eat and filling our diet with ‘super foods’ like the dark,green leafies, good fats and reducing sugar to prevent most of the non-communicable diseases that are quickly burdening South African’s daily. On a lighter and brighter note there are foods that can do wonders for your skin and help to balance out your hormone levels which is the main culprit when it comes to ance breakouts and inflammation which also cause the skin to age and lose elasticity more rapidly. So instead of breaking the bank with the next ‘’age-defying serum’ lets look at some foods that will do the job nicely:
Oils - Olive and Macadamia oils both on your skin and in your diet. They are oils high in monounsaturated fatty acids which along with the antioxidant polyphenols stop damaging free radicals in their tracts and therefore prevent signs of ageing. As mentioned in previous article Macadamia Nut Oil shares the chemical profile with the sebum of our skin and has shown incredible results on stretch marks as well as dark spots.
Avocado’s: This is one many know about already. Packed with antioxidant, carotenoids (which improve the elasticity of your skin), Vitamin C (vital for the formation of collagen) and Vitamin E (protective agist free radicals) add avo’s to the list both superficially and in your diet for best results. See my avo mask bellow.
Pumpkin Seeds and Goji Berries: Pumpkin seeds are full of Zinc, which again protects the skin from free-radical damage infection and sun exposure. It is also involved with cell renewal and helps to heal and rejuvenate cuts and wounds and therefore helps to control acne break outs and brings that glow back to your skin. Goji Berries reduce inflammation, and promote both skin tone and reduces the appearance of scars.
Oily Fish: There include salmon, tuna, sardine and anchovies which contain Omega-3 fatty acids which are responsible for our skins health on acellular level in the cell membrane.
Kale: The best source of lutein and zeaxanthin - nutrients that neutralise the free radicals in UV light (including the wavelengths that penetrate through sunscreens). Research has shown that just one cup will give you up to 133% of your daily value of skin-firming Vitamins C & A respectively.
Almond Milk: Research has proven that diary is highly inflammatory and therefore aggravates acne, rashes and wrinkles. Try substituting your dairy milk with unsweetened Almond Milk.
Water - Hydration makes the skin appear more plump and less wrinkled.
Avo, Honey and Mac Oil Mask
- 1 fully ripe fresh avocado - remove the skin as well as the seed, and mash it up into creamy pulp in a bowl.
Add 1 tablespoon of raw honey and stir the mixture until it turns into a uniform paste.
Add 1 tablespoon of Macadamia (first prize) or Olive Oil.
Apply to skin and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
Rinse off the mixture with lukewarm water and pat dry your face with a soft towel.
This avocado mask recipe works to impart a beautiful glow to your face. My and my husband’s motto’s are: “If you cant eat it don’t put it on your face!”
