Beauty and Raw Food

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 up to 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.

Elizabeth Kiely is the owner of EK: http://www.eklbc.com

---

Differences Between Perfume And Perfume Oils

The history of perfume oils dates back to ancient Egypt... Read More

Dont Let Your Kanji Tattoo Get Lost In Translation

Thinking of getting a kanji tattoo or kanji jewelry? Then... Read More

Need to Look Your Best in a Hurry? Tips for a Quick and Polished Look!

Start with your face: it's your "canvas."Have a little extra... Read More

Radio Frequency Energy Fans Thermacool

I guess you wouldn't think that radio frequency energy would... Read More

Spa Etiquette - What You Need to Know

Spa-goers visiting the spa for the first time often need... Read More

Soft Hair And Skin Au Naturelle

Just picture this, your walking down the beach front, its... Read More

Long Hair and Updo Hairstyles

You have long hair and you are ready for an... Read More

Detoxification and your skin

Learn to help your body glow from the inside out.... Read More

Natural Rosacea Products & Rosacea Medications : The Common Thread

If you are one of the thousands of men and... Read More

The Secret to Shiny Hair

I'm sure you've seen on TV the Pantene commercial where... Read More

A Guide to Beauty Salon Equipment

Beauty salon equipment is a broad term that applies to... Read More

Costume Contact Lenses ? Be Noticed in the Crowd!

Costume contacts have always been a favorite tool of movie... Read More

Permanent Laser Hair Removal

Many people are burdened by what society has deemed "unsightly"... Read More

Botox Injections: A Closer Look

Just about everyone has, at one time or another, heard... Read More

Does Your Skin Tell Your Secrets?

Age - It is going to affect each and everyone... Read More

Beauty, Wrinkles, and the Science of Laughter

When most of us think of "memory" we think of... Read More

Flax Seed Oil and Wrinkles

Flax seed oil helps lubricate the digestive system and softens... Read More

Plastic Surgery Advancements

First the definition of Plastic Surgery is: Surgical repair of... Read More

Are Tanning Beds Worth Your Time

There is no denying that we live in a world... Read More

Beauty Doesn?t Have To Be Expensive

Where do you buy your beauty supplies? If you buy... Read More

What Are Pigtails?

There really isn't a huge debate on this subject, but... Read More

Eyelid Plastic Surgery

Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure... Read More

Tanning Bed Safety

The facts about tanning bed safety are some what convoluted.... Read More

It Doesn?t Take Long To Make Yourself Feel Better!

Spending 5 minutes on your face:FACECold winter winds deplete your... Read More

Color Toric Contacts - Good News for People with Astigmatism

If you have an astigmatism it doesn't mean that you... Read More

Botox, The No-Surgeon Solution to Wrinkles

Despite the fact that Botox is a toxin it's been... Read More

Modern SkinCare from an Age Old Source

Beauty from the Inside Out- The Rooibos plant Aspalathus linearus... Read More

Sunblock. Your Most Important Cosmetic

Your Most Important Cosmetic? Sunblock by a mile!Are you a... Read More

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants offer many advantages over traditional tooth replacement procedures.... Read More

Caring for Tattoos

Before You Get a TattooMake sure the tattoo parlor is... Read More

7 Tips for Beautiful Skin

For most women, part of their morning and evening routines... Read More

Deception Wrinkle Cream

Watch this recent ABC News clip and see the results... Read More

Japanese Hair Straightening

By now, I'm sure you've heard of the hair straightening... Read More