Importance of nutrition
Food for the skin
Lots of factors can affect our skin, from our age, sun exposure, stress, genetics, pregnancy, smoking and of course our nutrition and diet. Your skin cells renew themselves each month, so by making healthy choices now, you can soon reap the rewards.
It is important to have a nutrient rich diet full of foods that will repair and protect your skin. Fruit and vegetables are the most nutrient dense foods and are full of anti-oxidants, so they should be the foundation of your diet. Nothing can take the place of the real thing, but if you find it hard to get your daily dose then wholefood supplements could be a convenient addition to your diet. Anti-oxidants are the bodies defence system against free radical damage (one of the key mechanisms of ageing).
Good fats are vital for healthy, moist and supple skin. They stimulate collagen synthesis, improve blood flow and aid absorption. Boost your good fats by adding Olive and Flaxseed Oil to your diet, as well as cold water fish like Salmon.
What to avoid?
While the occasional glass of red wine won’t do too much damage, excessive alcohol can dehydrate your skin and produce free radicals. And if your liver doesn’t detoxify your blood, it can push out toxins out through the skin. Try alternating alcoholic drinks with a glass of water, to keep hydrated. And steer clear of the enemy foods like sugar, refined carbohydrates, caffeine, processed foods and bad fats.
The latest approach to skincare is to boost the health of your skin from the inside out and stop free radicals in their tracks by boosting our anti-oxidant intake. At HYH we recommend Juice Plus+ Wholefood nutrition. Juice Plus+ is a convenient and inexpensive way to add more nutrition from fresh, raw fruits and vegetables to your diet. To find out more or to order your monthly supply, click on the Juice Plus+ banner on the home page.
