While many foods can help your skin regain it's glow, below you'll find the top 10 foods that are packed with antioxidants and in season - therefore fresh, abundant and inexpensive.
Kale: Kale is a rich source of vitamin K. It also has anti-inflammatory benefits that helps you stay less bloated, reducing puffiness on the face. The sulfur content in kale aids in reducing redness and flakiness, and vitamin K helps ward off cancer, while keeping circulation healthy. This helps us maintain our glow and also removes toxins from our bodies.
Easy prep tip: In a zip-lock bag, throw in ½ cup of washed and chopped kale, 1 tsp of each honey, lemon juice and grapeseed oil, cranberries and a sprinkle of sesame seeds (optional). Close bag, shake, let sit for 5 minutes, eat!
Broccoli: Contains a super high concentration of sulforaphane, known to boost a protective and detoxifying reaction in skin cells. Sulforaphane has also been found to help sun-exposed skin repair itself and to reduce erythema (redness).
Cooking tip: As a fast alternative to steaming, drizzle with grapeseed oil (see below), sprinkle with a dash of kosher salt and garlic power and saute on medium heat for 7 minutes.
Blueberry: Blueberries have extremely high levels on anti-oxidants and will help the body eliminate toxins, clearing up the skin.
Carrots: Carrots are high in beta carotene, an antioxidant that is converted to vitamin A inside the body. It helps repair skin tissue and protects against the sun's harsh rays.
Salmon: A great source of omega 3 fatty acid which helps to support the production and building of elastin and collagen, which in turn help maintain supple, youthful-looking skin.
Cooking tip: Salmon cooks fast, so don't overcook. Spoon on your favorite marinade and allow to sit at room temp for 15-20 minutes. Place in preheated oven (325) for 15 minutes and remove immediately thereafter.
Grapefruit: Grapefruit is a great example of a fruit that is loaded with skin-protective antioxidants and also has a high water content, which helps keep your skin’s barrier (the outer layer) hydrated and more resistant to wrinkle-causing free-radical damage from the sun and daily pollution.
Lentils: A great source of iron, which transports oxygen throughout your body and is key to energy production and metabolism. Also high in fiber, allowing the body to expel toxins.
Black Rice: Highest amount of protein and antioxidants of any rice variety. Also contains a high content of vitamin E and is gluten free, as are other rice varieties.
Grapeseed Oil: Very high in vitamin E content as well as Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids. Essentially flavorless, so won’t mask flavor of food.
Avocado: Avocados supply the skin with healthy fats and phytonutrients to hydrate from the inside out and bring back your glow.
Pumpkin: Rich in copper and zinc, essential for healthy skin and hair. Zinc helps protect cell membranes, maintain collagen, fight acne, and promotes skin renewal. Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc and easy to add into your diet.
Cooking tip: Peel pumpkin, cube (1 inch), drizzle with a bit of honey and grapeseed oil. Wrap in foil, place on oven safe pan and cook on 350 for 20 minutes.
