by There are plenty of high-tech skin products on the market, but sometimes the best way to nourish your skin is with simple natural options. These include drinking adequate amounts of water (up to 3.8 litres per day), which supports normal skin physiology; and eating the right oils like organic shea butter, olive oil, beeswax, comfrey root, yellow dock root, and myrrh.
Berries
Berries are packed with powerful anti-aging properties and are a wonderful addition to any skin care regimen. Blueberries in particular contain ellagic acid, an anti-inflammatory compound that fights UV damage. Berries are also a good source of antioxidants, which protect against free radical damage to cells and prevent premature aging.
The best part about berries is that they can be found year-round in most grocery stores both fresh and frozen, making it easy to add them into a variety of meals. Berries are full of vitamins and minerals, which makes them a healthy addition to any diet. And they’re a great source of anti-aging compounds, such as flavonoids and polyphenols.
There are dozens of different types of berries, and the list grows every year as scientists discover new benefits. But if you’re looking for the most health-boosting berries, try acai, blackberry, raspberry or elderberry.
In botanical terms, a true berry is any fruit that develops from an ovary and has fleshy parts throughout except for the seeds. However, some fruits that have “berry” in their name don’t meet this definition, because they have more than one ovary. Cherries, for example, are technically not berries, because they have more than one seed. But they are still nutritious, as are strawberries and raspberries. And watermelon, pumpkin and squash are berries too, even though they have hard rinds with numerous flattened seeds.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens like kale, spinach and arugula are considered superfoods because they are low in calories but provide an abundance of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. They are also expert detoxifiers because they contain chlorophyll, which helps to eliminate toxins from the body.
Eating more leafy greens is one of the best things you can do to improve the appearance of your skin. They are rich in vitamin A, which combats acne by slowing down sebum production. They are also high in lutein, which boosts hydration levels and improves skin elasticity. In addition, they are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is essential for producing collagen — the main protein that keeps your skin firm and smooth as you age.
Eat a wide variety of leafy greens and try to incorporate them into your diet at least five times a week. Try them in salads (skip the iceberg lettuce), add them to smoothie bowls, or make an easy-to-make green omelet for breakfast. You can also cook them in vegetable soups, curries or stews, or add them at the end of cooking time when they are wilted. If you are not a fan of cooked vegetables, consider trying raw foods such as spirulina, mung beans or broccoli sprouts. You can even get the benefits of leafy greens from a healthy supplement like Organic Greens, which is made with 14 USDA-certified organic plant foods including spirulina, spinach, kale, alfalfa, moringa, and chia seeds.
Carrots
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and offer a natural form of sun protection for the skin. This powerful antioxidant reduces oxidative stress in the body, which prevents future damage from UV radiation and helps heal sunburn. Eating carrots or drinking their juice daily will help the skin stay healthy and glowing.
Vitamin C is another nutrient found in carrots that aids collagen production, helping to prevent wrinkles and stall aging processes. It is also a potent anti-oxidant that attacks free radicals to keep the skin looking young and vibrant. Vitamin A in carrots is also a skin-friendly component that converts to vitamin A inside the body and can help prevent signs of aging like pigmentation, wrinkles and uneven skin tone.
Moreover, carrots are rich in potassium that can help maintain a balanced and moisturized skin. They can also be used as a natural remedy for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, as they are known to reduce the itching and inflammation associated with these conditions.
When selecting carrots, look for ones that are firm and have a pleasant aroma. They should also be free of any mushy or black spots, as these indicate that they have gone bad. The best option is to use fresh, organic carrots when possible. Carrot pomace is another source of valuable nutrients, including phenolic compounds and important fibers. This can be utilized in the production of value added products to enhance the nutritional value and marketability of carrots.
Soy
Soybeans have long been a staple in Asian lifestyle cultures and are a common ingredient in countless skincare products for the skin. Soybeans are packed with nutrients, including dozens of vitamins and minerals, which can benefit the skin in a variety of ways.
Soya is rich in vitamin E, a natural lightening agent, and genistein, which inhibits the production of melanin (the pigment that determines skin colour). Soy extract has been shown to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation spots, such as age spots, by gently evening out skin tone.
Another great thing about soya is its hydrating properties. It is often used in hydrating skincare formulations, like moisturisers, to help keep the skin hydrated and smooth.
Research has also shown that soy can stimulate collagen production in the skin, which is a major part of keeping the face firm and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Soybean oil is a non-comedogenic, which means it doesn’t clog pores. It is a popular choice in skincare products because it has been found to be gentle and non-irritating, making it suitable for all skin types.
