Beauty
and Raw Food
By Elizabeth Kiely
One of the best ways to improve
the appearance of your skin is by incorporating raw food into your diet.
Beautiful skin starts from the inside out. People who switch to eating
mostly raw food often see an improvement in their skin and look younger.
Heating food above 105 degrees
Fahrenheit destroys the enzymes as well as 50% of the protein and 70-90%
of the vitamins and minerals. Eating cooked food overtaxes the body’s
enzyme reserves. Eating more raw food decreases the amount of digestive
enzymes your body has to produce. Raw foods are foods in their natural
state with the enzymes left intact. Enzymes are needed to perform many
functions in the body including digestion, assimilation and elimination
of food. A drained enzyme supply can result in vitamin and mineral
deficiencies, premature aging and low energy. Raw foods high in enzymes
include sprouts, papaya and pineapple.
Free radicals damage your skin and
interfere with collagen production causing premature aging. Antioxidants
counteract free radicals that age the skin. Berries, especially
blueberries, are potent antioxidants that promote collagen which reduces
wrinkles. Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and grapefruit help rid
the body of free radicals keeping the skin looking young. Foods high in
the antioxidant beta carotene including carrots and apricots protect the
skin against sun damage.
CoenzymeQ10 is an effective
antioxidant involved in the energy process and present in every cell in
the body. CoQ10 levels in the body diminish with age. CoQ10 destroys
free radicals and slows aging. Spinach, broccoli and peanuts are foods
high in CoQ10.
Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful
antioxidant that boosts the strength of other antioxidants such as
Vitamin C and E, and assists the body’s energy production. Alpha-lipoic
acid can be found in spinach, brewer’s yeast, broccoli, tomatoes and
peas.
Sulfur is a mineral present in
every cell in your body. It is needed in collagen production and for
healthy skin, hair and nails. Organic sulfur levels in food are lost
when processed, heated or dried. Sulfur is known to help improve skin
conditions such as acne. High sulfur content foods include asparagus,
broccoli, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, red pepper, garlic, onion,
watercress and kale.
Silicon is an essential trace
mineral needed for healthy skin, hair, nails and bones. Silicon levels
decrease with age. Fruits and vegetables are the richest source of
silicon including apples, oranges, cherries, grapes, strawberries,
beets, cucumber, carrots and green leafy vegetables.
Phytochemicals are plant chemicals
that help the body defend against damage and are said to have anti-aging
properties. Phytochemicals can be found in berries, broccoli,
cauliflower, celery, spinach, carrots, cocoa and bell pepper.
Raw nuts and seeds are high in
Vitamin E which is beneficial to the skin. Selenium keeps the skin
elastic and can be found in garlic, onions and shallots.
When the body rids itself of
toxins, it passes through the skin which is the largest elimination
organ. Raw food increases your detoxification rate. Drinking water helps
the body rid itself of toxins. Seaweed is high in vitamins and minerals
beneficial to the skin and also helps rid the body of toxins.
To achieve a healthy complexion,
drink plenty of water and eat plenty of raw food. What goes into your
body is reflective in your overall appearance.
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Elizabeth Kiely is the owner of EK Shower Caps: http://www.eklbc.com
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