Best Foods to help your Health and Beauty

Best foods for Inner Beauty
What NOT to Eat and Drink
Some healthy recipes

Not many people associate foods with health and beauty. Whenever we think of our beauty regimes, lotions and potions come to mind. But the foods we eat can play a huge role in keeping us looking our best. By making your diet part of your beauty plan, you can fight ageing and a whole host of other beauty problems from the inside out.

The right foods can give you a glossier hair, stronger nails, and glowing skin. We all have free radicals in our bodies, but these chemicals cause damage by breaking down skin tissues, leading to loss of firmness.

Many of the visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles, and also those we cannot see such as deterioration of the heart and eyes are all caused by these highly reactive molecules that damage cell walls. Free radicals are hard to avoid as they are all around us in everyday life: smoking, pollution, and over-exposure to sunlight. But eating lots of the following foods, we can build up a powerful defence against them.

Growing old gracefully is an art – with a little bit of help from the right foods....

Eat to Cheat your Age

Avocado is loaded with vitamin C and E, and are excellent for keeping skin soft, supple and healthy. It is also good for healthy glossy hair. High in omega-3 fatty acids, they help to prevent wrinkles, enhance brain power and treat arthritic pain. They contain the antioxidant lutein, which has been known to protect against eye problems and heart disease.

Bananas are high in potassium, which keeps high blood pressure in check and reduces the risk of heart disease. With sodium they help maintain the fluid and electrolyte balance in body cells. They also help to maintain healthy nerve and muscles. They contain tryptophan, a chemical which aids peaceful sleep.

Beetroot contains powerful antioxidants which give beetroot it’s colour. This vegetable purifies the blood and has anti-cancer properties as well. Research shows it boosts the body’s natural defences in the liver; regenerating immune cells. It also contains silica, vital for healthy skin, hair, fingernails, ligaments, tendons and bones.

Brazil nuts are about 70 percent fat. Half of this is oleic acid, the building block for the omega-9 fatty acids that are excellent for the skin and have anti-inflammatory properties. The rest is made up of omega-6 essential fatty acids which promotes healthy skin, glossy hair and a good memory.

Carrots Beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, is especially important for eye health. It’s also of great benefit to the skin and the immune and digestive systems. Carrots are also loaded with fibre and water, which cleanse the liver, boost detoxification and plump out the skin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Chicken is a good source of protein and contributes to the growth and repair of the body’s cells. It is also rich in selenium, which helps to prevent wrinkles and keeps hair glossy. Chicken contains iron and zinc to boost energy levels and immunity – there is twice as much in the darker meat than the white meat of the breast. The breast meat is high in vitamin B6, which protects the heart.

Chickpeas are a good source of protein as well, vital for the healthy repair of cells. They are high in vitamin E and this boosts the immune system, protects the heart and promotes healthy skin and hair. They also contain zinc, which enhances immunity. They also have anti-cancer properties and are good to eat if you are going through the menopause because they also contain plant oestrogens.

Cider Vinegar. The malic acid content in apple cider vinegar helps dissolve calcium deposits in the body and eases arthritis. It also helps to balance the body’s acid/alkaline PH levels and oxygenates the blood. This helps digestion and boosts the immune system. Cider vinegar is rich in enzymes and contains the perfect balance of 19 different minerals.

Cucumber. Use on the skin it helps to maintain a youthful appearance due to it’s hydrating and anti-inflammatory qualities. When eaten, the high water and balanced mineral content makes for a healthy digestive system. It also contains silica, a mineral needed for healthy skin and bones. Silica also prevents heart disease and osteoporosis.

Eggs are rich in protein and contain all 8 essential amino acids, which are the building blocks for the entire body. Eggs benefit everything from skin to hair, bones to muscles. They also have a high lecithin content, so are an important brain food. The contribute to concentration and a healthy emotional state.

Ginger protects the digestive system against premature aging, and aids in the absorption of nutrients. The root helps to regulate blood sugar, both by stimulating calls in the pancreas and by lowering cholesterol levels. Because ginger is such a super anti-inflammatory as well, it is among the most powerful herbs for the treatment of joint problems such as arthritis

Grapes are full of powerful antioxidants, and help to prevent “bad” LDL cholesterol from oxidising and blood from clotting, and so protects the heart and circulation. Grapes are high in water content and fibre and are great for detoxifying the liver and for the digestive system.

Honey is 79 percent sugar. The rest is water and small amounts of vitamins, including vitamin B6 which is good for the brain. It also includes calcium which helps strengthen bones. Used on the skin, honey attracts and retains water which helps keep skin soft and supple.

Kidney beans are an excellent source of protein which helps to keep energy levels steady as well as maintaining cells. They are also rich in folic acid, good for healing wounds and preventing heart disease. Kidney beans are full of fibre, vital for keeping cholesterol levels down. They contain iron in high amounts as well to prevent anaemia.

Lamb is high in protein, necessary for the repair of aging cells, and also a rich source of B vitamins including B12 which is vital for a healthy heart. The meat is also high in easily absorbed iron which is vital to treat amaemia. Lamb also is high in selenium which protects the eyes from disease, and the heart from muscle damage, and sulphur which is good for strong hair and nails.

Lemon are high in vitamin C so are vital for healthy skin and gums. Also a good source of bioflavonoid, which boost the effects of vitamin C, and are particularly good for the health of the blood vessels and to prevent varicose veins. Like other citrus fruits they contain compounds called terpenes, with are anti-carcinogenic.

Lentils are good whether they are green red or brown. They contain protein, which we need to keep our skin, nails hair and teeth strong and healthy. Lentils also contain high levels of the B vitamins, particularly B3, which protects against poor memory and B12, which helps to prevent everything from arthritis to tinnitus.

Mushrooms contain more protein than most vegetables, as well as vitamin E and selenium, which help maintain healthy skin and hair. They also boost immunity and have anti-cancer qualities. Shiitake mushrooms specifically boost immunity, the reishi variety combat high blood pressure and asthma, and maitake treat blood pressure and liver disease.

Olive Oil contains vitamin E, which helps to keep skin wrinkle-free and hair glossy. It is also rich in monounsaturated fat, which is believed to have anti-cancer properties, and helps to lower blood pressure and prevent diabetes. It is a rich source of anti-inflammatory compounds and helps to stave off arthritis.

Oysters contain vitamin B3 and B12 useful to prevent memory problems. They are a valuable source of zinc, which helps to build resistance to disease, maintain youthful skin and prevent hair loss. Oysters also contain vitamin E, which is also good for the skin and for preventing heart disease, as well as conditions like arthritis.

Parsley is the richest herbal source of potassium which stimulates the kidneys to eliminate waste matter and reduces high blood pressure – the number one reason for a heart attack. Parsley also has anti-inflammatory qualities and helps protect against arthritis. It is also rich in Vitamin A for the eyes and magnesium and calcium to protect bones and the nervous system.

Peanuts provide the most protein of all nuts, and are also high in monounsaturated fats. These reduce cholesterol levels and protect against clogged arteries and heart disease. They are also high in vitamin E, which maintains healthy wrinkle-free skin and glossy hair. Because of their low glycaemic index score, the nuts help to prevent type 2 adult onset diabetes.

Pineapple. The main benefits of pineapple come from bromelain, an effective anti-inflammatory, making it exceptionally good for joint problems. It is also very rich in vitamin C and supports the immune system. It is also rich in manganese, important for antioxidant defences and energy.

Radish Radishes are rich in sulphur, essential for youthful healthy skin, hair and nails, and they also have anti-cancer properties. Radishes assist the body in getting rid of toxins, and also help to treat gall bladder and liver problems, which may cause premature aging.

Rhubarb is full of fibre and acts as a natural laxative, keeping the digestive system working well. It also lowers cholesterol and prevents heart disease. Rhubarb is also high in calcium, which is good for bones, and potassium to keep blood pressure in check and protect the heart. It is extremely high in water which helps to keep the body hydrated.

Tomato Rich in a compound called lypocene, tomatoes neutralize free radicals before they can cause damage, and staves off everything from wrinkles to heart attacks and cancer. Studies indicate that lypocene can be twice as powerful as beta-carotene for anti-cancer needs. They also contain a little iron, which is well absorbed by the body when accompanied by vitamin C, and prevents anaemia and fatigue.

Sardines are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, essential for keeping skin looking young and radiant. It is also thought to help make the blood less liable to clot and so reduce the risk of heart disease. Sardines are also full of selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps keep wrinkles at bay. Selenium is also anti-cancer and neutralizes toxic metals in the body.

Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C which is essential for the skin as it produces collagen- a substance that maintains the skin structure. Vitamin C also plays a role in healing wounds and can ward off gingivitis, the gum disease that affects 3 out of 4 adults. They also contain ellagic acid, a plant chemical with powerful anti-cancer properties.

watercress is also rich in vitamin C, and aids in skin cell regeneration, keeps the liver healthy and immune defences strong. It also contains a chemical that helps the liver to detoxify and is said to neutralize cancer cells. It is also a useful source of iodine – essential for the proper function of the thyroid gland and in vitamin B6 to prevent memory loss.

Top of Page

What NOT to eat and drink

Just as the foods above have healthy benefits, others can have the opposite effect on our health and looks. Try avoiding or cutting down on the following:

Fried food is extremely high in saturated fat and can cause free radicals to move around the body damaging cells, which can result in an aging skin. Grill meats and vegetables and replace ordinary cooking oil with olive oil

Junk foods and fast foods are also high in fats, added sugars and other additives. Avoid these as much as possible. More about fast "junk" food here

Salt is something we all seem to overdose on! We do need a certain amount – but only around 2 grams a day. Too much salt causes bloating and water retention. Read labels, especially on processed food and look for Sodium (another name for salt). Avoid crisps (and chips) which are both high in salt and saturated fats.

Sugar. Most of us love sugar, but it doesn’t do our skin any favours. Not only does it cause tooth decay, but can cause wrinkles and leathery looking skin too. Avoiding sugar will therefore keep you looking younger for longer.

By reducing sugar in your diet, you can turn the clock back by 10 years and improve the texture, tone and radiance of your skin. In a nutshell, sugar hastens the breakdown of collagen and elastin - both key skin proteins and actively ages you.

Imagine that your collagen is your skins's mattress and the elastin fibres are the coils holding it together. The sugar attacks these fibres, making them less elastic and more brittle, so they break.

The result is that your once youthful skin becomes dry, wrinkled and leathery and can easily break out in blemishes. If that isn't enough to give up or cut back drastically on sugar - I don't know what is! More about the effects of sugar here

Coffee. Studies have shown that drinking just 2 cups of coffee a day can increase levels of the aging hormone cortisol, which is one of the few hormones that actually increase with age. It is also a very strong diuretic so is dehydrating- bad news if you want young looking skin. Drink green tea instead as its full of antioxidants, which have great beauty benefits. But if you really can’t live without coffee, opt for decaf.

Alcohol is sugar and it’s stored in the body as fat. So drinking too much of it will play havoc with your blood-sugar levels as well as adding a roll of fat around your middle. It can also inhibit sleep which isn’t good if you want to benefit from the skin repairing that goes on during the night. Limit alcohol to one or two glasses occasionally – not every night – to give your skin a break. More about sensible drinking here

Top of Page

Some recipes for a long life

Lamb in Tomato and Orange Sauce

Lightly grease a large saucepan. Add one pound of lamb pieces (or 4 lamb shanks) and cook, turning as needed for 10 minutes or until lightly browned on all sides. Add 450grams of crushed tomatoes, 250ml of water, one tablespoon of crushed garlic, and the grated rind and juice of one orange to the pan. Cover and simmer for two to three hours or until the meat is tender. Stir in two tablespoons of fresh mint before serving. Serves four.

Firming honey face mask:

In a small bowl, mix one tablespoon of honey, one egg white and 1 teaspoon of glycerine. Then add enough flour to form a paste. Smooth the mask over the face and throat. Leave for 10 minutes then rinse off gently in warm water.

Beauty Juice To improve skin, hair and nails, cut four cucumbers and four parsnips lengthways and feed through a juicer, followed with 8 to 12 carrots (scrubbed with tops removed), 2 peeled lemons and a green pepper. Pour into glass and serve.

Frozen Rhubarb Yoghurt

Puree 300 grams of stewed rhubarb until smooth, blend in 100 grams of natural low fat yoghurt, one tablespoon of fructose or xylitol and two tablespoons of orange juice. Cover and freeze in a shallow dish for three to four hours or until almost firm. Break up the mixture and put through a food processor until smooth. Freeze in an airtight container for one hour or until mixture is firm.

Top of Page

Are you an Acne Sufferer? Be rid of your Acne using natural methods to cure in just 3 days

How to naturally regrow lost hair eBook on stopping hair loss and regrowing hair naturally

Further Reading and related sites:

Green People
Offers handmade health and beauty products that are 100% natural and certified organic

Good posture is also extremely important for wellbeing Learn what it is here and how to prevent bad posture affecting your health.

For more free recipes and meal plans click here

Tips on the best cooking methods to preserve nutrients here

More foods for wellbeing and beauty here

Find out about how to slow down the aging process And how the science of Longevity Medicine is the future of health care

Find more solutions for wellbeing and beauty here
This is a very good well researched site and explores alternative therapies like homeopathy, aromatherapy and Bach flower remedies.

Back to Home Page