Beauty and Raw Food

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Beauty and Raw Food

by:Elizabeth Kiely

 

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 body's 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.

 

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.

 

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 body's

energy production. Alpha-lipoic acid can be found in spinach,

brewer's 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.