- Beauty and Raw Food
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 bodys 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.
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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. |
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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 bodys energy production.
Alpha-lipoic acid can be found in spinach, brewers 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. |