Let’s face it; we all want to look younger and healthier. Yet instead of focusing our attention on what we’re putting into our body, we buy into the notion that expensive serums and moisturizers are the answer to our problems. This approach can be both costly and ineffective. While there is no denying that a good skincare routine is important, healthy skin ultimately comes from the inside out. If we want our skin to glow we need to ensure that our bodies are adequately hydrated and properly nourished. One of the best ways to do this is juicing for healthy skin.
A diet that consists mainly of processed foods will leave you looking and feeling dull, whereas fueling your body with raw, living foods will put you on the fast track to a glowing and radiant complexion.
Raw foods can be very detoxifying however, so if you’re new to this way of eating you could experience skin outbreaks in the first and 1 to 2 weeks. You might not think so, but this is actually good thing. It means your body is ridding itself of toxin build-up caused by poor diet and other external factors.
Eating a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables will definitely benefit your overall health, but if it’s a flawless, younger-looking skin you’re after then you need to focus your attention on certain foods in particular.
Increasing your intake of the following vitamins and minerals will improve your blood circulation, which in turn will get more oxygen to the skin tissue. It’s a classic case of win-win; by providing your body with the nourishment it needs you’ll achieve the glowing, healthy complexion you desire.
Vitamin A
The key to healthy skin, vitamin A is necessary for the maintenance and repair of vital skin tissue. A deficiency in it can result in dry, rough, cracked skin. Carrots, cantaloupes, watermelon and dark, leafy greens are all excellent sources of vitamin A.
Vitamin B Complex
All of the B complex vitamins play a role in the support of healthy skin, however there are two in particular that are especially important —biotin forms the basis of our nails, skin, and hair cells, while niacin helps the skin to retain moisture. Increase your intake of bananas, asparagus, broccoli and spinach.
Vitamin C
In addition to being an excellent immune booster and antioxidant, Vitamin C also aids in collagen production, a protein that helps grow new skin and blood vessels and gives skin its firmness and strength. Tuck into pineapple, bell pepper, citrus fruit and cauliflower if you want more of this vital nutrient.
Zinc
Zinc aids in cell growth and regeneration throughout the body, making it an important component of healthy skin. It acts by controlling the production of oil in the skin and is reputed to help control some of the hormones that create acne. Green peas are very high in zinc, while spinach, avocado, asparagus and broccoli all contain decent amounts too.
Silica
Silica strengthens the body’s connective tissues —muscles, tendons, hair, ligaments, nails, cartilage and bone. A deficiency in this vital trace mineral can result in reduced skin elasticity as well as hamper the body’s ability to heal wounds. Strawberries, cucumber, mango, celery are all excellent sources of silica.
Click here to make your own Juice Recipes for Healthy Skin.