We’ve all heard the expression “you are what you eat.” When it comes to our skin, there may be more truth in that statement than you think! While skin is the body’s largest organ, including nutrients in our diets that are good for the skin is often overlooked. One diet that has been touted as a miracle worker for skin is the raw food diet. If transitioning to a completely raw diet doesn’t sound like the right option for you, don’t worry! Eating a diet that consists of just 50% raw foods is a great way to keep your skin looking its best. The enzymes in raw fruits and vegetables can keep the skin looking younger by improving elasticity. Fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens and yellow or orange-colored veggies like bell peppers and carrots, are full of antioxidants that draw free-radicals out of the body. They also contain a high percentage of water, which helps keep skin hydrated and wrinkle free. The enzymes found in raw food can also help clear up acne, and even diminish acne scars. If fruits and vegetables are loaded with skin-healthy enzymes, why can’t we eat them cooked instead of raw? The answer is simple. Cooking food eliminates most, if not all, of the enzymes in food. While our internal health can still benefit from the vitamins and minerals found in cooked food, they’re not as beneficial for the skin as raw foods.
One really easy way to get a major dose of raw food enzymes and nutrients is to incorporate a green smoothie into your daily morning routine. This one is my go-to because it’s packed full of kale, but is also sweet and creamy from the coconut water, peaches, and avocado. I like to sprinkle in some Spirulina as well for a healthy dose of Vitamin B to keep my hair and nails strong. Green Smoothie for Glowing Skin Ingredients 1 cup frozen peaches 1 tbsp. Spirulina powder 3 cups kale ½ avocado 1 cup coconut water Instructions Put the ingredients in your blender, starting with the frozen fruit and then the Spirulina powder. Blend for 20 to 30 seconds or until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy By Integrative Nutrition
We’ve all heard the expression “you are what you eat.” When it comes to our skin, there may be more truth in that statement than you think! While skin is the body’s largest organ, including nutrients in our diets that are good for the skin is often overlooked. One diet that has been touted as a miracle worker for skin is the raw food diet. If transitioning to a completely raw diet doesn’t sound like the right option for you, don’t worry! Eating a diet that consists of just 50% raw foods is a great way to keep your skin looking its best. The enzymes in raw fruits and vegetables can keep the skin looking younger by improving elasticity. Fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens and yellow or orange-colored veggies like bell peppers and carrots, are full of antioxidants that draw free-radicals out of the body. They also contain a high percentage of water, which helps keep skin hydrated and wrinkle free. The enzymes found in raw food can also help clear up acne, and even diminish acne scars. If fruits and vegetables are loaded with skin-healthy enzymes, why can’t we eat them cooked instead of raw? The answer is simple. Cooking food eliminates most, if not all, of the enzymes in food. While our internal health can still benefit from the vitamins and minerals found in cooked food, they’re not as beneficial for the skin as raw foods.