Top 5 Superfoods For Amazing Skin
What we eat has a major impact on our appearance (as well as our health). Do you long for plump and glowing skin? Here are 5 superfoods for amazing skin. Best of all, they’re easy to incorporate and not very expensive either.
1. Bee Pollen
When it comes to young and beautiful skin, bee pollen has outstanding gifts. Swedish dermatologist Dr. Lars-Erik Essen uses bee pollen to successfully treat acne and other skin conditions and observes its beautifying and anti-aging effects. He reports that bee pollen “seems to prevent premature aging of the cells and stimulates growth of new skin tissue. It offers effective protection against dehydration and injects new life into dry cells.
It smoothes away wrinkles and stimulates a life-giving blood supply to all skin cells.” He believes its skin rejuvenation properties are due to its high concentration of nucleic acids RNA and DNA, as well as its natural antibiotic action.
Bee pollen has a host of other health-promoting benefits that include fighting infections, lowering cholesterol, strengthening the blood, Boosting the immune system, increasing physical strength and stamina, aiding longevity and enhancing libido! It has been called a ‘prefect food’ because it is so nutritionally complete.
2. Avocados
Avocados are smoothing and softening for the skin and easily absorbed. Avocado also contains vitamin E (excellent for the skin), antioxidant carotenoids and the master antioxidant glutathione that is exceptionally powerful and has anti-carcinogenic potential. High levels of glutathione are found in the liver where the elimination of toxic materials takes place.
Glutathione is effective against pollutants such as cigarette smoke and exhaust fumes as well as ultra-violet radiation. It is known as the “master antioxidant.” Research is currently exploring the potential benefits of glutathione for numerous conditions including cancer, heart disease, memory loss, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, eczema, liver disorders, heavy metal poisoning and AIDS.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera increases collagen production 100% naturally for a youthful, wrinkle-free complexion and plump, beautiful skin. Some people call it the ultimate botox alternative!
The inner gel of the aloe vera leaf contains around 200 active compounds with over 75 nutrients. These include 20 minerals, 18 amino acids and 12 vitamins (including vitamin B12 – one of the very few plant sources of this vitamin). Aloe vera also has anti-microbial properties fighting fungi and bacteria and houses anti-inflammatory plant steroids and enzymes.
Additional benefits of aloe vera is that it is is known to aid digestion and elimination, boost the immune system, and be highly effective at healing, moisturizing and rejuvenating the skin, naturally stimulating the production of collagen.
Aloe vera is best eaten fresh when possible (you can order large aloe vera leaves which last a few weeks refrigerated). Scrape out the inside gel, avoiding the outside of the leaf which is a strong laxative, and blend with fruit for the ultimate beautifying smoothie. Aloe vera has a mild flavor though a slight bitter edge, hence is best combined with fruit.
4. Coconut Oil
With its medium chain triglycerides, coconut oil speeds up your metabolism and can actually help you lose weight. But aside from that, it is also incredibly beautifying and moisturizing for the skin and has antioxidant properties which protect against free-radical damage.
Coconut oil can keep the skin youthful and healthy. Taken internally or externally, coconut oil is a great ally for any beauty skin care regime. It also contains lauric acid, an anti-microbial fatty acid that kills bacteria, viruses and fungi.
5. Chlorella
The nucleic acids RNA and DNA in chlorella direct cellular growth and repair and enable our bodies to utilize nutrients more effectively, eliminate toxins and avoid disease. The production of nucleic acids in the body declines progressively as we age, which is no doubt why their intake is recommended.
Insufficient nucleic acid causes premature aging as well as weakened immunity. Research at the Medical College of Kanazawa in Japan found that mice that were fed chlorella had a 30 per cent increase in life span. Replenishing RNA and DNA can be key to overall health, immunity and longevity.
In addition to nucleic acids, chlorella is jam-packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes and amino acids, making it an incredibly rejuvenating and health-promoting superfood. Spirulina is a virtuous equivalent.