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Healthy skin is beautiful skin and is something we
can only achieve by nourishing it from the inside out and also using
only natural products. Its functions are underestimated when compared to
the rest of the bodily systems but without the skin, we simply couldn’t
survive.
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Oranges
What they do: They are loaded with Vitamin C, which protects your skin
from the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays. It helps your skin make
collagen; necessary to keep it tight and wrinkle free.
How to consume: You need 200 mg of Vitamin C per day. There's enough in
one orange for your entire day's needs. It's better to consume the whole
fruit than just have the juice. Smoking is a no-no as it decreases the
absorption of Vitamin C into the system.
Conditions it helps: Bleeding and tender gums, wounds, dull skin from
exposure to the sun. |
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Papayas
What they do: This delicious, low-calorie fruit comes packed with
carotenoids that release Vitamin A. Vitamin A’s antioxidant effect
protects your skin from damage and keeps it young. It is also known to
decrease the risk of cancer.
How to consume: About 200 gm (a big bowlful) is adequate. The part near
the seeds is the richest in nutrients, so it should not be discarded.
Instead, just lightly flake off the seeds with a fork.
Conditions it helps: Dry skin and dry mucosa (the lining of your mouth
and eyes). |
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Whole grains
What they do: These are full of vitamins of the B group; these vitamins
are essential for normal skin functioning, growth of new cells to
replace dead ones and maintain the skin's strength against infections
and stress. Niacin in whole grains also helps skin cells to absorb
nutrients from the blood and break them to release energy.
How to consume: Select breads, biscuits and pastas that mention 'whole
grain' instead of just wheat flour in the ingredients. Opt for
unpolished rice (brown rice) and you could also add wheat bran (husk of
wheat) to your chappatti dough.
Conditions it helps: Peeling, cracked skin, rough hands and feet, mouth
ulcers, sore tongue, rawness at the angles of the mouth. |
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Sunflower seeds
What they do: These are filled with the goodness of essential fatty
acids. They help your skin secrete natural oils that lubricate it and
prevent water loss, keeping your skin soft. They improve hair texture
and decrease blackheads.
How to consume: A few teaspoons once or twice a week is enough.
Alternately, use sunflower oil for cooking.
Conditions it helps: Psoriasis, scaly patches on your skin and cracked
soles, atopic dermatitis, rashes, acne. |
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Green tea
What it does: Green tea is loaded with flavinoids and antioxidants.
Antioxidants in green tea battle UV rays, chemicals in the atmosphere
helping your skin to stay younger.
How to consume: Soak a tea bag or a teaspoon of tea leaves in a cup of
hot water for at least three minutes to get the full extract. This is
available at any pharmacy. Adding milk neutralises the antioxidants, so
it is best to avoid milk.
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