Glow from Within

Best Foods for Radiant Skin.

We all know proper nutrition is essential for good health, but did you know that what you eat can have a profound effect on your skin? The body is a complex group of organized systems that interact and support each other, so when one system is out of balance, that can impact the entire body, and we can see imbalances through our largest organ, the skin. Scientific studies have shown that what you eat and drink affects not only your skin’s health and condition but also your skin’s aging. While there are many other factors that affect how we age (genetics, environment, climate), one we can control is our diet. Eating a balanced diet of real whole foods is the best way to get all the vitamins and nutrients for healthy digestion. When it comes to skin health and getting that glow, the following are game changers – especially during the colder, drier winter months when skin hydration is needed most! 

GOJI BERRIES

Goji Berries have an ancient history as they have been used for over 2000 years in China as a blood & immune tonic. The goji berry plant, or “wolfberry fruit,” is a great source of polysaccharides and antioxidants. Nutritionally speaking, gojis are low in calories, fat-free, a good source of fiber, and have an incredible amino acid profile: each serving has about four grams of protein and 18 different amino acids, plus over 20 other trace minerals, including zinc, iron, & phosphorus. Weight for weight, goji berries provide up to 500 times more vitamin C, making them an excellent antioxidant, protecting the body from high levels of oxidative stress and inflammation. Additionally, goji berries are loaded with beta-carotene, which helps promote healthy skin and provides additional photoprotection for people susceptible to skin cancer and other skin disorders. Naturally sweet but slightly tart in flavor, they can be eaten alone or mixed with walnuts for a power snack, blended in smoothies, decocted as teas, and even added to savory dishes. Be sure to buy quality berries. 

https://www.dragonherbs.com/goji-berries

GREEN TEA

Although written records trace the cultivation of green tea as far back as the Han Dynasty (206-220), when its primary use was medicinal, it wasn’t until China’s early Tang Dynasty (600-900) that green tea was consumed for pleasure. Green tea is made solely from the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant, grown in full sun or shade. The leaves are plucked, slightly withered, and dried to preserve the green quality and prevent oxidization. As a result, green tea has a much higher concentration of chlorophyll, polyphenols, and antioxidants than other tea types. A well-known compound found in green tea is called EGCG (which stands for epigallocatechin-3-gallate). EGCG reduces inflammation and is a powerful antioxidant associated with enhanced metabolic activities that may prevent weight gain or assist with weight maintenance. Research has shown that certain antioxidants can prevent, on a molecular level, some of the damage inflicted by UV radiation (sun damage). Other studies have shown green tea boosts brain health, regulates blood sugar, and even protects cells from DNA damage (cancer). Green tea is safe in moderation, and most adverse side effects are related to its caffeine content, so avoid sipping after 2 pm if you’re sensitive to caffeine. Pregnant or breastfeeding people, people with liver disease, or those taking beta-blockers should consult their healthcare provider before adding green tea to their daily routines. 

TREMELLA

 Tremella fuciformis is an edible species of fungus that resembles a loofah bath sponge when dried. Because tremella have gelatinous fruiting bodies the color of snow they are often referred to as “snow fungus” or “silver ear mushroom,” and in Japanese, they’re called the “white tree jellyfish”. Tremella are wonderful for the skin as they contain high amounts of vitamin D, which plays a role in helping skin cell growth and both repairing and preventing premature skin aging. Vitamin D is also a fat-soluble vitamin, which means it plays a role in keeping skin hydrated and supple.

Tremella mushrooms and their unique polysaccharide compounds have water-retaining properties that are hard to beat. In fact, the water-holding capacity of a tremella mushroom is almost 500 times its weight, acting very similar to hyaluronic acid by pulling moisture to the skin. This is important because keeping your skin nourished and hydrated is essential for your skin to look and feel young and healthy. No wonder these are called the beauty mushrooms!

INSTANT HYDRATION TIP

Dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles will be more prominent when the skin is lacking adequate hydration, so in addition to hydrating from the inside, be sure to add a little moisture to the outside for an immediate plumping effect with these hydrators.

1. On clean skin, apply a generous spritz of Eminence Stone Crop Hydrating all over the face and neck. Massage and press into face and neck until completely absorbed. 

 2 . Add a few drops of Eminence Rosehip Triple C & E Firming Oil onto the fingers and massage into the skin. The combination of hydration and oil helps integrate into the skin vs. just sitting on top of the skin.

* Use the flat side of a Gua Sha Stone to further press hydration into the skin, especially on the forehead.

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About the Author

Roxanne Valinoti

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