Nature's Beauty Food
Your Skin Guide to Fruit
Fruit is the most life-enhancing food we can put into our bodies - kimberly snyder
In Ayurveda there are 6 tastes (sweet, salty, sour, spicy, bitter, astringent) and all play an important role in the balance of our system.
Sweet has been targeted over the last few years because of the excess processed sugar in our food system which has proven to have many negative effects to the point of shortening the quality of our life. However, I think it’s important to be aware that “sweet” does play a role in our health and beauty. We only have to look to nature to find this perfect natural source of sweetness…whole fruit!
Loaded with amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber (which naturally stabilizes blood sugar levels), organic fruit can enhance our body, inside and out. Ripe fruit hydrates, cleanses, allows for easeful detox and creates alkalinity in our body! All of these factors open the possibility for your best skin!
Berries
Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, goji and acai are known to be one of the best beauty foods because of the rich pigments in their skin called polyphenols.
Polyphenols go beyond antioxidant ability to protect the skin from various triggers that cause signs of aging (including wrinkles, dullness, uneven skin tone and loss of elasticity) to appear or worsen. Even more exciting, these phenolic antioxidants help visibly repair environmental damage and revive skin’s natural defenses so it looks fresher and healthier. - paulaschoice.com
If you don’t already include berries in your diet, start with at least 1/2 cup a day, fresh or frozen. I love to get the organic frozen berry blend at Costco. It’s a huge bag so I keep frozen and just take out a few servings at a time to thaw in the fridge and then use them as I need.
Melons
There so many varities to choose from but the most popular, watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe, have significant hydrating and healing properties for the skin internally and externally. They are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, but particulary Vitamin C (which promotes collagen strength and production) and Vitamin A (increases cell turnover). Also, the hydration benefits are unparalleled because of their extremely high water content.
Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining skin moisture levels, elasticity, and suppleness, and healthy flow of fluids (blood + lymph) are critical for our skin and health. - faces by katey
Not only that but melons can naturally cleanse our lymphatic system! If you are interested in doing a deep dive into the internal and external benefits of eating melons, check out this post: Make Your Skin Glow with Melons
Mangoes
Mangoes are considered king of the fruits! They are very high in antioxidants and polyphenols which protect the skin from free radicals. Not only do they hydrate internally and help increase our collagen production with their high amount of Vitamin C, but they work great topically! Experiment with using the pulp of a mango as a face mask.
Try this mask before bed. Elevate your legs on the wall, close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths. Rinse thoroughly when complete and finish with your nighttime skin care routine.
Apples
We can’t talk about beauty fruits without highlighting apples. Most notable in the health and wellness world, apples extend beyond nutrition into skincare as well. High in antioxidants, flavonoids, and phytochemicals, apples help guard the skin from free radicals. Not only that, but these nutrients help to repair damaged skin from harsh effects of UV rays and air pollution. Because they are high in fiber, pectin, prebiotics and minerals, they are a valuable ally for digestion and specifically the colon. Apple extract and apple cider vinegar are commonly used in topical skincare for the astringent qualities.
If you wake up to puffy eyes and dark circles, apply sliced apples directly on the skin. Key nutrients potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B, and tannic acid could help brighten the skin and reduce inflammation!
Bananas
Bananas are often judged as being too high in sugar, however, the sugar in a banana is attached to important vitamins, minerals and fiber. It boasts extremely high potassium, magnesium and particularly B6. Because the potassium and magnesium are natural relaxants, bananas can also aid in promoting sleep. The are supportive in flushing and cleansing the liver and when you pay attention to liver health, it always effects the health and glow of your skin!
My favorite way to use Bananas
When ripe, slice into “coins” and freeze. Take out a few when your ready and put in a bowl to defrost for about 10 minutes or so. Combine with cacao or carob (caffeine free) powder, water or almond milk. Top with nuts. When all mixed evenly it mimics ice cream and is so delicious!
Dates
If you are craving a sweet treat but want beauty benefits too, look no further than dates. They are satisfying, sticky, sweet and perfect for an afternoon snack. They do have higher calories than other fruits, however, due to high fiber content they keep cholesterol in check, are low in fat and have a low glycemic index. Dates also contain vitamin C, D, fatty acids and even a little protein!
Dates are also extremely rich in antioxidants, especially tannins, which prevent cell damage and oxidation and help reduce inflammation. They contain nutrients that enhance the strength of the subcutaneous tissues, which results in softer and smoother skin. - Dr Chiranjiv Chhabra, dermatologist
There are lots of varieties but my favorite are Medjool dates and they taste like caramel. They can also be used as a substitute for maple syrup or honey in some recipes.
Fruit Beauty Quick Tip: Eat fruit alone, preferably on an empty stomach. It digests quickly, so having it for dessert for example could cause stomach upset as it lays on top of the not yet digested recent meal.