All the beautiful colors of the fruits and vegetables come together to make one delicious and good-for-your-skin drink
Juicing fresh fruits and vegetables has become all the rage and for good reason. It is a simple way to sneak in a few more servings of veggies into your diet. Everyone has their favorite combination and I'm no exception. I collect countless recipes but I always return to my ole' standby. I find what I need in my garden or the local farmers market on the weekend. My juice feeds not only my body but these 5 simple ingredients nourish the skin:
1.) Apples: Take one organic apple, wash well, slice into large pieces and add to juicer.
Apples benefit your skin by boosting your intake of vitamin C, or ascorbic acid. Vitamin C helps to make collagen, a crucial protein that helps your skin maintain its waterproof barrier. Plus, apples are an excellent source of copper and we know from an earlier post the importance of copper for healthy skin. A skin-friendly source of vitamin A, a retinoid, can be found in apples as well. This vitamin is necessary for building healthy skin tissue, and may help to reduce the risk of skin cancer, according to the Linus Paulin Institute.
2.) Beetroot: Remove the tops from 3 large organic beets, scrub clean, no need to peel, cut into quarters and add to juicer. Add the leaves and stems in small amounts. If you only know pickled beets in a jar as a kid, juice fresh beets and find out just how delicious they can be.
Beets are a powerhouse vegetable for the body. They contain vitamin A and C, iron, potassium, manganese, and betalains, all which provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification support for the body. In particular to the skin, these nutrients stimulate cell production and repair, protecting you from premature aging and wrinkles. They also help prevent blemishes and skin inflammation. Add to the list, the ability to purify the blood and you have yourself a healthy glow.
3.) Carrots: Take 4 large carrots, peel, slice in large chunks, and add to juicer.
We all know that carrots are known for their high levels of vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene. This is a powerful antioxidant that keeps cells healthy, slows the aging process, and helps to maintain a youthful appearance. Add in more vitamin C from the carrots, and you promote skin elasticity, and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. The potassium in carrots also assists in the production of new skin cells, reduces blemishes, and helps with dark spots on the skin.
4.) Kale: Wash 4 large leaves thoroughly, no need to remove the stems. Juice. Note: When juicing the kale or the beet tops, follow the leaves with a sliced carrot or apple to help work the stems through the machine. You want to get every bit of kale's goodness.
Every diet can benefit from more dark green, leafy vegetables. Kale is one of those effective anti-inflammatory foods. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, K, E, B1, B2, B3, calcium, beta-carotene, phosphorous, iron, copper, magnesium, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and the carotenoid, lutein. That is one long list of beneficial nutrients for healthy and glowing skin! Each repairs and maintains skin cells. If you have acne issues, add kale into your diet and see the change it will make. When something is out of balance in the body, it will first manifest itself as a skin concern. Also, kale will cleanse the liver and move toxins through your body. A clean and healthy digestive system means clear and beautiful skin. Kale is must in your juicing routine.
5.) Ginger: An inch is all you need of the root. Adjust to taste. If fresh from the garden, no need to peel, just scrub clean, slice, and juice. A trick in peeling ginger is to use the back of a spoon. It usually does the trick without removing too much of the beneficial root flesh.
You can see how all these ingredients work together to provide your skin with what you need to look and feel great. Ginger is another antioxidant and anti-inflammatory super food. It contains magnesium, potassium, manganese, and vitamin B6. When your immune system is working effectively, your skin is going to look great.
Juicing. It is a healthy beauty boost. Not only does it leave you with a natural glow but it helps in healing chronic disease and detoxifying the body. If you struggle with skin conditions, juicing is a must. Learn what vegetables are beneficial to the skin and create your own combinations. Lets drink to beautiful, healthy, and flawless skin!