Skin Glow Pumpkin Soup
Fall is a time of gathering and giving thanks. These are special soul- and heart-warming recipes sure to make you glow from the inside out! Cheers to your good health.
food as medicine
Eat your way to Glowing Skin
While 2020 has presented most of us with unexpected challenges, there may be a silver lining waiting to be discovered. There has never been a better time to dive deeper into your own wellness. Beautiful skin, youthful appearance and overall well-being can be achieved with small adjustments to your lifestyle and eating habits.
I bet you are thinking, “OK, but how long will that take?” Well, each body is different. Particularly, how our digestive systems perform can determine how long a new diet/lifestyle change can take to make a difference. What’s important is consistency and commitment.
Refined and processed foods do not have much nutritional value, and in some cases the pesticides used in growing processes can create extra demand on our body’s systems. Consider the real nutritional value of your food.
Here are a few tips to help you choose foods for greater health benefits:
• Eat the skins of your vegetables whenever possible: Peels include high levels of several nutrients including fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants
• Lemons naturally detox. Squeeze into water and drink for its detoxifying properties.
• Consume fruits and vegetables fresh as they have more nutritional value than their dried or frozen counterparts.
• Raw foods should be incorporated into daily meals to increase fiber and nutrient consumption.
• Organic is best when available: Herbicides and pesticides on our food often interact with the beneficial microbes in our guts and disrupt digestive processes.
• Soak, cut or wash fruits or vegetables only when you are ready to eat them. Once they are cut the oxidation process will decrease the nutrients within the food.
The vitamins and minerals that we get from our food work within the body to ensure all physiological processes can be carried out. When there is a deficiency, your body will be unbalanced and unable to function at its optimal level. With every recommendation, the key to picking superfoods that are most beneficial is paying attention to how your body responds to each of these foods. Understanding where you may have sensitivities, and what creates inflammation in your body, can help you pick the right foods for success.
Here is a short list of fall foods packed full of goodness to help your skin revive its radiance:
Kale
Detoxing and very anti-inflammatory, kale is rich in antioxidants (antioxidants are essential for optimal health. Kale has compounds that work to decrease free radical molecules, which promote inflammation and disease.) Kale is also packed with vitamin C, which boosts immune function.
Figs
Figs have tiny seeds saturated with nutrients, particularly copper and vitamin B6. Copper, an essential nutrient, has been shown to be involved in the synthesis and stabilization of skin proteins. Basically, it helps increase elasticity and collagen, smoothing skin and reducing wrinkles. B6 keeps skin clear and glowing.
Sweet Potatoes
Combat lackluster complexions by adding this beta-carotene-rich starch into your daily routine. This is due to their magical skin-brightening combination of vitamin A and vitamin C. Not only are sweet potatoes delicious, they also neutralize cell-tissue-damaging free radicals that cause the dreaded dulling effect of our skin. Sweet potatoes are also full of biotin, which stimulates hair and nail growth.
Pineapple
Pineapple benefits skin by improving digestion, reducing inflammation and removing toxins from the body. It also aids in the production of collagen, and is very high in vitamin C and manganese, which support immune health.
Dates
Dates are high in fiber, minerals and vitamins and a perfect sweet treat to aid in cleansing toxins from the body. The fiber in dates can be beneficial for blood sugar control and digestion, while the antioxidant content may promote heart health and reduce inflammation. They make a great healthy sugar replacement in baking and cooking. Fill a date with nut butter for a balanced snack.
Almonds
This excellent natural protein is loaded with vitamin E, a skin-beautifying antioxidant present in the human epidermal tissue, where it creates smoothness and suppleness. There is also research to suggest vitamin E may help fight signs of aging by protecting skin against damage caused by ultraviolet rays.
Chia Seeds
Available year round, these free-radical-fighting seeds are packed with minerals, prebiotic fiber and the perfect balance of essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids help us gain a youthful glow by protecting the skin against sun damage and increasing the nutrients in skin cells. Chia can be incorporated daily by adding it to salads, smoothies, skillet meals and baked goods.
How are you shopping for the week? What do you stock in your kitchen? Skin foods and healing remedies for the body can empower you to take back control, in essence regaining your vitality and luminosity from the inside-out.
Creating diversity in your autumn and fall pantry is where you will find whole-body health. Beyond your beautiful glow, here are some essentials to balance out your options for menu creation. Whether you are already a superfoods fan or you are looking for new ways to get inspired, a seasonal foods list is a great first step towards a well-stocked pantry.
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