Healthy skin foods

Growing awareness of the link between diet and health and by extension physical appearance means that some foods, fruits, vegetables and oils, which can improve skin from within, will help women who are receptive to the concept of “beauty from within”. Besides, these foods can also be applied as beauty aids to repair skin afflictions and help the skin glow. Cucumber:Cucumber has been found effective as a beauty aid and best tonic for the skin of the face. Its regular use in grated form over face, eyes and neck lasting 15-20 minutes prevents pimples, blackheads, wrinkles and dryness of the face. Cucumber juice also promotes hair growth due to its high silicon and sulphur content, particularly when mixed with carrot, lettuce and spinach juice. Research has shown that cabbage contains several elements and factors, which enhance the immunity of the human body and arrests its premature aging. The vegetable is of great value for the persons of advancing age. Cabbage has also been successfully used in the form of compresses in healing ulcers, infected sores, blisters and skin eruptions. Potato:The juice of raw potato has proved very valuable in clearing skin blemishes. The cleansing results from high content of potassium, sulphur, phosphorus and chlorine in the potato. The juicy pulp of shredded raw potato can also be applied as a poultice in clearing the wrinkles and other skin blemishes due to aging. It can be rubbed on the face and other portions of the body that have wrinkles before retiring for bed. It will help melt the wrinkles, banish age spots and clear the skin. Lime:Lime can be used as a beauty aid. A fresh lime may be squeezed in a fully –boiled glassful of whole milk. A teaspoonful of glycerin may be added to it. It should be left for 30 minutes and then applied on the face, hands, and feet before retiring at night. This application every night will help one to look young and beautiful. The application can also cure pimples, cracked soles and palms, dryness of the face and hand as well as protecting the face from sun burn. Lemon:Lemon is regarded as a youth restorative. It helps create youthful health and looks. To help clear skin blemishes, the areas should be rubbed with a fresh piece of lemon. Strained lemon juice mixed with cool water should be used to wash the hair to add to its brightness. Dry or scaly skin should be rubbed with the peel of lemon and it will restore the skin to its natural softness. Rough elbows can be softened by rubbing the area with the cut side of a lemon. Pawpaw:The juice of pawpaw is useful in several skin disorders. It is applied with beneficial results to pimples, warts, corns or an abnormal outgrowth of the skin. When the juice is used as cosmetic, it removes black spots due to exposure to sunlight and makes the skin smooth and delicate. Cocoa Powder:Research has shown that regular consumption of cocoa beverage, which is rich in flavanoids, can confer substantial photo-protection as well as help maintain skin health by improving skin structure and function. According to researchers, “dietary intervention with cocoa beverage rich in flavanols decreased the sensitivity of human skin toward ultra violet UV light, which was determined by the degree of erythema”. Cocoa beverage also improves subcutaneous blood flow, skin texture, skin thickness and hydration. Garlic Oil:Garlic oil has been used successfully for a variety of skin disorders. Acne disappears without scar when rubbed with garlic oil several times a day. Even very persistent form of acne has also been healed with garlic oil. Garlic oil can also heal skin infections like boils, ring worm, athlete’s foot, yeast infection, warts, insect bites and slow healing-wound. Taking garlic oil orally also purifies the blood and secures a long term clearance of the skin. Apple Cider Vinegar:This is extract of apple produced through the process of fermentation. Apple cider vinegar is renowned for its antiseptic and anti-fungal properties besides containing a lot of nutrients including vitamins and minerals. Apple cider vinegar is useful as beauty aid to rid the skin of blemishes, clear dandruff, promotes hair growth, prevents stretch marks and removes black spots. Fermented Soya bean:Fermented soya bean is valuable food remedy in eczema and other skin infections. When fermented soya bean is taken liberally, the intense itching, which may be caused by animal protein wastes in the body diminishes almost immediately and disappears completely after a few days. Improvement in skin health occurs due to lecithin content of soya bean, which is a natural emulsifier that helps dissolve fatty deposits and cholesterol from vital organs. Rice:Rice powder has proved very useful in treating skin inflammation. When thickly dusted over the affected area, it has very cooling and soothing effect in small pox, measles, prickly heat and other inflammatory conditions of the skin including burns and scalds. Rice powder should be used soon after the occurrence of injury in case of burns and scalds and it should be dusted thickly over the affected portion of the skin. Coconut:Coconut is a highly nourishing food dense in many key nutrients including minerals, vitamins and essential fatty acids. The milk of fresh coconut is rich in vitamin A and other high quality protein, which are valuable for growth and repair of the body. Coconut oil is a derivative of coconut, which is also very useful for skin care and treatment of ringworm, itching and many other skin diseases. Coconut oil is also hair restorer. Groundnut:Unsalted roasted groundnut is valued for its protein content, which is of high biological value. Also, groundnut oil is regarded as an excellent emollient, which softens the skin. Groundnut oil can be used as beauty aid by mixing a teaspoon of it with equal quantity of lime juice. The mixture may be applied daily on the face once before bed time. Its regular use nourishes the skin, prevents acne and keeps the face fresh and smooth. Pineapple:This exotic fruit is a really “pine berry” consisting of as many as 200 smaller fruits fused together to make those neat little squared sections on the rind. Pineapple is a great beauty aid because it has natural exfoliating property that gently breaks down dead skin cells. It is useful for facial treatment. Place a few thinly cut slices on the face and leave for 5-10 minutes. Remove and wipe face with a soft towel. Skin will feel softer and radiant.