Hello my joyous reader,
I have compiled a list of some of my favourite beauty foods. Of course this is really just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the foods mother nature provides that have beauty benefits. This is why I have a whole category on joyous health devoted to BEAUTY.
Now I will admit when I'm cooking I'm not thinking to myself "do I have enough beauty foods", but I certainly make sure I always have plenty of variety. Did you see my superbowl dinner on Instagram last night?
Next week I will share beauty foods for healthy hair and the week after that, beauty foods for healthy nails.
Here are the beauty benefits of foods that are beneficial for skin health.
Dark Berries
A rich source of anthocyanidins (and bioflavonoids too). These plant medicines are responsible for the rich pigmentation of various berries. Most notable for their antioxidant capability which means they protect your cells from damage such as premature aging. Additionally, anthocyanidins have a positive effect on collagen – the protein in your skin that gives it structure and support. The suns rays degrade collagen so when these tiny but mighty powerful berries are in season, take advantage of their beauty benefits! In the winter, I buy my dark berries frozen so I can still enjoy them all year long. Always buy organic when you can because berries are highly sprayed with pesticides.
Leafy Greens
They contain the beauty trio of nutrients A, C and K. Together these nutrients help to create healthy oils in the skin for moisture and glow. Vitamin A is essential for proper repair and maintenance of the skin. A deficiency of vitamin A can result in dry, flaky skin. Additionally, vitamin A supports healthy cell turnover which is necessary for vibrant skin. Vitamin C is an antioxidant which makes it protective to your skin cells and from the damaging effects of the sun. Leafy greens are a great source of fiber which is essential for healthy digestion and the elimination of waste. Constipation is such a common root case of skin problems, so getting your gut on track is absolutely essential for beautiful skin.
Green Tea
A beauty champion, green tea is incredible both topically and internally for gorgeous skin. There's no end to the amount of research on the health benefits of green tea. It contains a cocktail of antioxidants called catechins, which help fight damage caused by free radicals. The most active component of green tea is EGCG. Studies have shown that EGCG protects cellular damage by inhibiting DNA damage and oxidation of LDL. One of the protective properties of EGCG is its ability to scavenge free radicals. EGCG can also reduce the inflammatory response and inflammation is often the root cause of acne, eczema and inflamed skin.
Water & Lemon
I've been singing the praises of freshly squeezed lemon and water for as long as I can remember. I talk about it in my book, Joyous Health, and pretty much every speaking engagement I do as a daily essential habit for Joyous Health. Lemon is a natural cleanser; this is why you see it in everything from floor washes to furniture polishes. Lemons have naturally occurring chemical compounds that assist the liver in detoxification. They are rich in vitamin D and have an alkaline affect on the body despite their pH being acidic. One of the simplest ways to boost the glow on your skin, reduce heartburn, improve your digest is by drinking freshly squeezed lemon in a large glass of room temperature water every single morning on an empty stomach. Worried about the enamel on your teeth? Simply swish plain water around in your mouth after, but in reality, there are FAR worse things for your teeth like coffee and pop! Learn more why I love lemon and water so much!
As mentioned above, this is really a small dose of some of the foods mother nature provided us with that have beauty benefits. Other foods to include are: coconut oil, fermented foods, fish (salmon, sardines etc), raw nuts and seeds, beets, squash, cruciferous veggies, apples, pears, green superfoods such as spirulina and all fresh herbs.
Please keep in mind that nourishing your body is only one half of the equation. The other half is good digestion and elimination . Your digestive system is the place where you break down and absorb the very nutrients to create supple skin or healthy shiny hair, plus eliminate wastes, toxins and bad bacteria.
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Hi Joy, I really enjoyed this post! I really liked how you included the specific vitamins and chemicals in the different foods that contribute to skin beauty. I am a proponent of using coconut oil to reduce acne scars, it has worked wonders for me. Also avocados are my go to food for repairing damaged skin due to the Vitamin E. Do you have any suggestions for using green tea in topical form? I have not seen noticeable benefits in my skin from consumption alone.
ReplyHi Katie, Have you tried our green tea toner recipe? You can find it here: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/139541288428285260/ It's a great DIY, inexpensive way to incorporate green tea into your skincare routine. Kate - Joyous Health Team
I've been incorporating lemon water for years in my diet and I agree I can't give it enough praise! Thanks for sharing this post, its great!
ReplyI noticed by eating these foods my hair grew longer and shinier and my skin glows! Eating a healthy diet really does work better then any wrinkle cream:) www.westingwellness.com
ReplyJoy I have a weird question! I took Nordic Naturals Omega 3s with DHA etc 2 years ago and immediately got cystic acne and missing period. Waited a few months and my skin went back to my usual pustular acne and calmed down. Period came back. Retried the same omega3 and same thing happened. Is is the DHA/ algae/iodine? Im considering trying spirulina or chlorella for my skin but Im afraid the same thing will happen! I looked online and it says the ViE isnt from soy (im sensitive) but just say this persons comment online. Supplement Facts Serving Size 2 Servings Per Container 60 Amount Per Serving % Daily Value Calories 18 N/A* Calories From Fat 18 N/A* Total Fat 2 Gm 3% Saturated Fat 0.6 Gm 3% TRANS FAT 0 Gm N/A* Vitamin E(D-Alpha Tocopherol) 30 IU 100% OMEGA-3S 0 N/A* EPA(Eicosapentaenoic Acid) 330 Mg N/A* DHA(DOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID) 220 Mg N/A* OTHER OMEGA-3'S 140 Mg N/A* TOTAL OMEGA-3`S 690 Mg N/A* Oleic Acid(Omega-9) 116 Mg N/A* * Daily value not established Other Ingredients: purified deep sea fish oil (from anchovies and sardines), soft gel capsule (gelatin, water, glycerin, natural lemon oil), natural lemon oil, d-alpha tocopherol, rosemary extract. Contains vitamin E derived from refined soybean oil. ***************
ReplyHi Joanna, I'm afraid we haven't encountered this issue before, but it might have something to do with an additive or the quality of the oil in the brand you're using. You might want to try a different brand. This is the one Joy recommends: http://www.genuinehealth.com/store/us/perfect-skin#.VPSOaXY9a-0 Kate - Joyous Health Team
Helpful article.........for me
ReplyHappy to help! Kate - Joyous Health Team
Which brand of spirulina would you recommend?
ReplyHey Lucy, Joy likes using Nutrex-Hawaii Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica :) Rachel - Joyous Health Team
...and is it okay to breastfeed and incorporate spirulina into my diet?
ReplyIf you were already using it while pregnant, then yes. But it's not something I would recommend introducing if you've not consumed it up until now because it does have detox benefits. Plus you need to be really sure the brand you choose has no heavy metal contamination.
It's nice to read about health food for healthy skin. Thank You.
ReplyThank you very much for all your help about skin
ReplyHey Desrean, So glad you found it to be helpful! :) If you want to continue your learning about natural skin care, you might be interested in Joy's Natural Beauty Guide: https://www.joyoushealth.com/78-product-natural-beauty-guide Rachel - Joyous Health Team