Lots of money is spent at the cosmetics counter.  I know that I have done my fair share of searching for the perfect skin cleanser or foundation.  But, how many of us really think about how the foods (and don’t forget beverages) are affecting our appearance?

All fresh fruits and vegetables contain magical powers when it comes to shiny hair, clear skin, and strong nails. However, the ones I’ve chosen below are perhaps not as well known for their powerful beauty benefits. Try to include these foods into your diet if you want to look your best without the need for botox or other unnatural remedies.

Red Bell Peppers

All red and orange colored foods contain beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant. Red peppers are particularly beautifying due to the minerals A, C, and K. Vitamins A and C can help prevent cell damage that leads to premature ageing, 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 actually very powerful in terms of being a beauty food because of the chlorophyll they contain. 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 a load 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. It is also great for flushing the liver to get rid of any poisons and chemicals that are stored there.

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, and you will begin to notice a change in how you look and feel.

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. It 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 these foods are easy to incorporate into your diet. Add just a sprinkle of turmeric to smoothies, and you won’t even know it’s there.  You can also combine all of these foods to make a delicious and beautifying salad. 

Here is a recipe for inspiration:

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

 

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