Who else has spent a fair share of time at the cosmetics counter searching for the perfect cleanser or foundation?

Well, how many of us think about how the foods we eat (and beverages we drink!) are affecting our appearance?

I have some great news I’d like to share with you…

All fresh fruits and vegetables contain magical powers when it comes to shiny hair, clear skin, and strong nails.

In this post, I share with you some fantastic foods that are not very well known for their powerful beauty benefits.

I recommend trying to include these foods into your diet if you want to look your best – without the need for Botox or other unnatural remedies!

 Red pepper help keep you looking younger

RED BELL PEPPERS

All red and orange-colored foods contain beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant. Red peppers are particularly beautifying due to the vitamins A, C, and K.

Vitamins A and C can help prevent cell damage that leads to premature aging, and they can also reduce inflammation, which can cause a puffy-looking face.

Pepper also has Vitamin K, which is an excellent property for protecting our cells from damage.

 

SPINACH

All leafy greens are very powerful in terms of being a beauty food because of the chlorophyll they contain. That reduces dullness of the skin, giving you a nice glow!

There are also loads of other phytochemicals in spinach that have anti-aging effects on the skin, as well as speeding healing and balancing the complexion.

 

TURMERIC

This yellow-colored, Indian spice has tons of powerful antioxidant qualities. Turmeric aids in protecting our cells from free radical damage and also contributes towards cleaning up metabolic waste in our systems.

Turmeric is also great for flushing the liver to get rid of any poisons and chemicals that are stored there.

Note: Make sure you always need to add a little black pepper to make sure you absorb the turmeric.

In addition to these benefits, turmeric is anti-inflammatory, and can really help you out if you have achy joints or other areas of inflammation.  

It is best to increase your dose of turmeric by taking the supplement curcumin to feel the effects.  You can find a great one I recommend HERE.

 

PUMPKIN SEEDS

Wow, these really are powerful!

What don’t pumpkin seeds have in them?! The humble pumpkin seed contains high levels of zinc, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins B, C, and E.

Pumpkin seeds are also a great source of amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids, all essential for healthy cell maintenance.

Make a handful of pumpkin seeds a regular part of your diet.  My favorite way to enjoy them is to snack on the sprouted ones by Go Raw.  They are very filling!  Check them out HERE.

These 5 foods keep your skin younger and healthier

PARSLEY

Next time your plate is garnished with parsley, don’t push it aside. This is a powerful herb when it comes to anti-aging, as well as purifying and cleansing the body.

Parsley contains vitamins A and C, as well as anti-oxidizing flavonoids that protect our cells from free radical damage.

Parsley also helps to purify the blood, kill bacteria, aid digestion, and cleanse toxins from the liver.

 

The best thing is that all of these foods are so easy to incorporate into your diet. For instance, add just a sprinkle of turmeric to smoothies, and you won’t even know it’s there.

For optimal impact, I recommend combining all of these foods to make a delicious and beautifying salad.

Here is an easy recipe for inspiration. Try it out, and let me know what you think!

 

Fall Mixed Salad

Serves 2

2 cups spinach
½ cup red bell pepper, sliced
½ cup parsley, chopped
1 can beets, BPA-free in water or 1 cup roasted beets, quartered
2 Tbsp pumpkin seeds
Juice from 1 lemon
Dash of turmeric powder
Black pepper to taste

ASSEMBLE THE SALAD. In a large salad bowl, add spinach, red bell pepper, parsley, beets, and pumpkin seeds.  Combine turmeric powder, pepper, and lemon juice, and pour over the salad. Toss and serve.

These 5 foods keep your skin healthier and younger