One of the best side effects of a plant based diet is a glowing complexion. Plants have the power to nourish, transform and revitalize every aspect of your being including improving your largest organ - the skin. Your body is always producing new cells, and it needs the right raw materials to do so successfully. Strong cells will resist damage from pollution, stress and harmful toxins and retain moisture, which is vital for glowing skin. Lots of water, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats will reduce bloating and enhance the vibrancy of your skin.
I like to begin everyday with a minimum of 16 ounces of warm lemon water. Lemon water is packed with vitamin c, to fight off toxins and increase the collagen in your skin. It also helps to cleanse the liver and supports weight loss.
Adding a green juice or smoothie to your diet with lots of dark, leafy greens is great for your skin. They are loaded with antioxidants, vitamin c, and skin's best friend vitamin A that help to fight the damage caused by free radicals.
To boost your natural glow as well as your energy level, add coconut water (unsweetened) to your everyday diet. I like the pressed variety with lots of ice and fresh lime juice. It’s super hydrating, has no added sugar, and is full of electrolytes.
Drinking green tea can also help, as it contains catechins which have been found to improve skin hydration.
Foods that are orange like winter squash, carrots and mangoes contain beta-carotene which is a form of vitamin A. Having a couple of servings a day will not only protect against cancer but will give your skin a healthy tone. Try my recipe for carrot soup for a delicious and healthy way to get you glowing!!
Legumes such as lentils, chickpeas and beans, are good plant based sources of copper, which helps prevent skin from appearing translucent and contributes to youthful-looking skin.
Cooked tomatoes are even healthier than uncooked ones. The heat helps you to absorb the antioxidant lycopene. Lycopene helps prevent skin discoloration, texture changes, fine lines and wrinkles.
Whole Grains provide B vitamins and zinc, which are crucial for healthy skin.
Healthy fats keep skin hydrated and dewy. They are the most critical for moisturizing tissue, and we usually don’t get enough of them. Consume omega 3 fatty acids in flaxseed and chia seeds, and monounsaturated fats, which you can find in walnuts, avocados and olive oil daily.
Vitamin E reduces free radicals in skin cells which causes wrinkles and uneven skin tone. Try snacking on avocado, almonds, peanuts greens, peppers and sunflower seeds rather than taking a supplement.
Walnuts are an excellent food for healthy skin. Always buy raw nuts and if you like you can toast them for a while in a warm oven to enhance the flavor. They are a good source of essential fatty acids, which are fats that the body can not make itself. They are richer than most nuts in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. They are also a good source of zinc, protein and selenium.
Fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut and kombucha help to keep your gut in balance and will help your body absorb nutrients which will also improve skin.
In addition to eating lots of health promoting fruits and vegetables every day I recommend adding juice plus capsules to your daily routine. The juice plus trio provides you with 30 dehydrated organic fruits, vegetables and superfoods and has been shown to increase skin microcirculation by 39 percent, and boosts skin hydration and thickness. Reach out to me if you would like to learn more about juice plus and you can order here on my juice plus website. www.nancybond.juiceplus.com
Exercise is crucial for optimal skin health. Getting your whole body moving flushes the circulatory and lymphatic systems, keeping all of your organs - especially your largest one, the skin - running optimally, adding to your lunimosity.
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