Glowing skin with Super foods
They say its whats on the inside that counts and this is true when it comes to nurturing healthy skin.
Healthy skin starts from the within. Many people turn to topical treatments for problem skin – chemical laden makeup, cleansers, toners, scrubs and moisturisers offer only temporary relief to skin problems. Whether you are battling with dry skin in winter, sensitive skin in summer or acne prone skin it maintaining a healthy diet is key to your skin’s health. If we are not feeding our bodies with the right nutrients these problems will continue to plague us. Super foods are packed with nutrients and are a great way to nourish your skin from the inside out.
C is for Camu Camu
Camu is a fruit from South America that contains the highest amount of Vitamin C than any other food source – it contains 23 times more vitamin C than an orange! Vitamin C is essential for collagen and elastin production for healthy skin and wound repair. It also helps to protect the skin from sun damage – a contributing factor to aging skin. Vitamin C protects against free radicals (damaged cells), its anti inflammatory and promotes healthy immune system.
Camu has a mild citrus flavour and can be added to juices, smoothies, yoghurt, baking and desserts.
Chia seeds
Full of fibre and omega 3s, Chia seeds are a perfect addition to your diet for healthy skin. These tiny seeds provide 9 times more omega 3s than salmon! Omega 3s keep skin supple and protect against inflammation and damage. Most western diets are deficient in these healthy fats.
Chia contains twice as much fibre as oats. Fibre maintains a healthy digestive system and help the body eliminate waste and toxins through your digestive tract. Keeping you healthy on the inside resulting in glowing skin on the out side.
Chia can be added to your baking, salads, stir fries, breakfast cereals or smoothies, pretty much any meal due to their mild taste.
Flaxseed
Medicinal use of these tiny seeds dates back thousands of years. Flaxseeds are a great plant source of omega 3s. They are important for the health of your skin and have shown positive results for the treatment of dry skin and eczema. Flaxseed supplementation decreases skin sensitivity, and improves its tone and function. Omega 3s have been shown to decrease eczema symptoms by 23%. Allergy sufferers who supplemented with omega 3s while pregnant had a dramatic decrease in the incidents of their children having allergies or eczema.
Omega s aren’t just good for dry skin – Flaxseed is also beneficial for acne prone skin. In clinical trials Flaxseed oil, when combined with borage oil dramatically decreased skin irritation, changes in skin reddening in acne sufferers.
For the best dose of the good fats of flaxseed oil you can be taken in capsule form.
Cleansing Chlorophyll
This superfood found in all plant life and nourishes your skin and body from the inside out. Full of vitamins and minerals Chlorophyll has purifying qualities, helping the body eliminate heavy metals and toxins. It nourishes your your red blood cells which improves your circulation. It has an alkalising effect on the body which helps to decrease inflammation. All of these qualities contribute to the health of your skin.
Chlorophyll can me mixed with water or taken straight.
Coconut Oil
This superfood can be used internally and externally for beautiful skin. Coconut oil is high in Vitamin A and C, calcium and iron. Coconut oil has traditionally been used for boils, eczema and other skin conditions. It contains a type of fat, lauric acid, that has anti bacterial, anti fungal and anti viral properties. Perfect for acne prone skin!
Coconut oil can also be used directly on your skin. It can be used as a moisturiser on the face or body leaving skin feeling soft and smooth. It can also be added to your diet to replace other fats and oils. It is heat stable and can be used in baking, stir fries, salad dressings and smoothies.