The Best Foods For Skin
Glowing skin is determined much more by what we eat than what creams we apply. That's why it's important to know what the best foods for skin are so that we can improve our complexion from the inside out.
Based on my experience as a licensed skin care specialist and certified holistic health counselor, I have come up with several tips, clear skin resources and recommended foods for skin that will help you achieve a healthy glow - naturally.
Based on my experience as a licensed skin care specialist and certified holistic health counselor, I have come up with several tips, clear skin resources and recommended foods for skin that will help you achieve a healthy glow - naturally.
Contents at a Glance
- SKIN TIP #1: Eat A Green Food Diet Rich In Chlorophyll
- How to make a Green Smoothie
- SKIN TIP# 2: Load Up On Antioxidants With The Best Superfoods
SKIN TIP #1: Eat A Green Food Diet Rich In Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll = good skin health
Probably some of the best foods for skin, but the least consumed, are green foods.Collards, kale, spinach, wheatgrass, sprouts... All of these foods include skin-loving chlorophyll and are alkaline, helping to naturally balance out any excess acid in our bodies that may be contributing to our skin problems.
Chlorophyll is the green coloring matter in plants, known also for its natural cleansing properties. It is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agent. So, if you are suffering from breakouts, or even acne, try incorporating more greens into your diet.
The best way to consume chlorophyll is by eating several cups of fresh greens everyday. However, if you're not able to do that, there is a great whole foods green supplement called Sun Is Shining - Green Superfood.
All the ingredients are raw, organic and wildcrafted so it's the next best thing to eating fresh greens. It's also gluten-free and vegan, and contain lots of healthy probiotics. You simply add a tablespoon or so of powder to juice or a smoothie every day and watch how your skin improves. (And don't worry, Sun Is Shining - Green Superfood is neutral tasting, so it won't ruin the taste of your juice or smoothie ingredients!)
How to make a Green Smoothie
SKIN TIP# 2: Load Up On Antioxidants With The Best Superfoods
My favorites are Organic Goji Berries
You are probably already familiar with antioxidants and their ability to support the skin and overall aging process by attacking free radicals.The best superfoods, such as goji berries, acai berries, mangosteen and noni, are jam-packed with antioxidants - and they taste great!
My favorite super food is Goji Berries.
Although new to the cuisine of Western culture, the Chinese have known of the special powers of Goji Berries for thousands of years. Consider the following:
Goji Berries (sometimes called Wolfberries) are perhaps the most nutritionally-rich fruit on the planet. They taste delicious and are well-balanced for nearly all body types and metabolisms.
Goji Berries are a complete protein source. They contain 18 different amino acids (on par with bee pollen) and contain all 8 essential amino acids (such as isoleucine and tryptophan).
Goji Berries contain up to 21 trace minerals (the main ones being zinc, iron, copper, calcium, germanium, selenium, and phosphorus).
Goji Berries also contain vitamins B1, B2, B6, and vitamin E.
Goji Berries are some of the highest antioxidant containing foods in the world, typically containing 2-4 times the amount of antioxidants found in blueberries!
And as I mentioned earlier - they taste delicious - somewhere between a cranberry and a cherry :)
I buy raw, certified organic Goji Berries so I know that none of their nutrients are lost through the standard heating process and they are not contaminated by chemicals.
Here Are Some Other Natural Super Foods In Juice Form To Rev Up Your Skin
They also make a great alternative to sugary desserts
Brazilian Acai Juice-32oz Bottle
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $21.95 (as of 12/25/2009) 
List Price: $26.95
Dynamic Health Mangosteen Gold- 100% Pure Organic Certified Mangosteen Juice, 32-Ounce Bottle
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $23.09 (as of 12/25/2009)
List Price: $25.00
SKIN TIP #3: Eat adequate amounts of high-quality protein
Our skin, hair and nails are all rich in protein and require high-quality protein to function properly. Specifically, skin contains the proteins collagen and elastin. Without adequate protein, our skin can become pale, dull and age prematurely.Protein also helps repair the damage done to our body's cells by free radicals, it creates vital enzymes to zap toxins, helps make the antioxidant and detoxifier glutathione, and also keeps our blood sugar levels in balance.
TIP #1: The best sources of protein for radiant skin are from wild-caught fish (particularly oily fish like salmon), organic eggs, and free range/organic chicken and turkey.
TIP #2: Make sure you eat a small amount of protein with each meal; it will help balance out your blood sugar levels and prevent an age-accelerating spike in insulin.
TIP #3: In general, women need approximately 60 grams of protein a day, while men require about 90 grams.
Wild-caught salmon is packed with protein and skin-friendly Omega-3 fatty acids
Fatty acid deficiency contributes to a variety of skin problems, such as eczema, thick patches of skin, and cracked heels.
Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon one pound filets
Be sure your salmon is wild-caught to avoid ingesting PCBs and toxins. This is particularly important if you are pregnant.
Amazon Price: $10.99 (as of 12/25/2009)
SKIN TIP #4: Keep Your Intestinal Tract Healthy With PB8 Acidophilus
If you suffer from any skin issues, such as breakouts or acne, then be sure you are properly eliminating toxins and waste from your body.A great way to do this is to take PB8 Acidophilus.
For the third year in a row, this supplement has been named first place gold medal winner by Vitamin Retailer magazine!
Acidophilus are beneficial bacteria that synthesize nutrients in the intestinal tract, counteract pathogenic micro-organisms and maintain healthy intestinal environment.
In regards to skin, PB8 Acidophilus helps to keep waste moving through your system - and not out through the surface of your skin!
I Personally Use And Recommend PB8 Acidophilus
SKIN TIP #5: Drink Adequate Amounts Of Pure Water!
Yes, you probably heard this before but are you actually drinking enough water?Every cell, as well as every bodily and metabolic function in our body, needs water. It is THE most essential nutrient we can consume, not only for physical survival but also for the appearance of our skin.
Considering that skin is made up of 50%-70% water, it doesn't take much for signs of dehyration to show up on our face and body as surface dryness. But that's not all.
When we don't drink enough water:
* Waste products within the skin can't be flushed out as easily, giving us a dull and lack-lustre appearance.
* Our digestive process is compromised, and toxins begin to build up in our system, encouraging waste products to exit through our skin, which in turn encourages the formation of blemishes.
* Puffy eyes, as well as other swollen areas of the body, can be the result of water retention brought on by inadequate water consumption.
* And even dark circles may be aggravated by lack of water consumption.
So, how much water should you drink?
This will vary based on your body and lifestyle. A good rule of thumb is to take your body weight in lbs, divide it by 2, then divide that number by 8. This will give you the # of 8oz glasses of water you need to drink on a normal day. If you exercise, drink alcohol or are out in the sun for extended periods of time, then be sure to drink more.
Do You Have Questions About What To Eat For Good Skin?
Simply leave a comment or question below and I will do my best to help.
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