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When it comes to skin goals, our diets play a massive role. Skincare is seriously life-changing, but if there's an internal problem or you're lacking proper nutrients, your skin is gonna tell you what's up! Our skin talks to us (not literally) by reacting. Each reaction can almost always be traced back to an internal issue. When you have a healthy lymphatic system, toxins are properly removed and don't stay stagnant in the body, which leads to many health issues but sticking to topic...acne, cellulite, dull complexion and circulation issues.
The foods in this blog post help to encourage lymphatic drainage = healthy skin/healthy body. Let's get glowing & healthy together! Here are top foods to incorporate into your daily diet to help you reach your skin goals.
Water.
Maybe it isn’t a food, but it is vital to life. Drinking plenty of clean, purified water keeps the lymph fluid hydrated and flowing smoothly. When you don’t drink enough, you become dehydrated... duh! Daily dehydration wreaks havoc on your skin & system: you become fatigued, lack the mental energy to perform tasks, experience headaches and the obvious, dull looking skin. Consuming just enough water to survive isn’t enough for you to thrive... and we're all about thriving here! Leafy Greens.
Not everyone was blessed to grow up eating leafy greens every day. The best way to get excited about eating more leafy greens is drilling the brain with the benefits. If this list doesn't motivate you to eat more...I don't know what will:
Greens are high in vitamin A, which can help combat acne by slowing down the production of sebum. This skin-loving nutrient also helps flush out toxins and strengthens the skin’s protective tissue.
The vitamin E found in greens protects skin cells from free radical damage.
Greens contain folate, a vital nutrient for DNA repair, which also helps produce and maintain new cells.
Green leafy vegetables are rich in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant known for its ability to renew and repair the skin. It may also protect skin against sun damage.
Leafy greens are loaded with disease-fighting phytochemicals, like chlorophyll which provides protection against free radicals that can cause your skin to age. The darker the green the more chlorophyll it contains.
Greens are rich in lutein, a powerful antioxidant which boosts hydration levels helps to improve elasticity and protects against sun damage.
The vitamin C found in many green leafy vegetables helps the body produce collagen, a key factor in maintaining healthy skin and hair as you age.
Garlic.
K don't run the other way! I have the perfect hack to vanish garlic breath within 10 minutes! Thank me later. Chew on a mint leaf! It's that simple. Although garlic has a bad rep for the bad breath that comes along with it... it's essential! Garlic has antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, and antiseptic properties from allicin. Allicin helps to kill the bacteria causing acne. It also helps to reduce swelling and inflammation, and improve blood circulation. These beneficial effects allow the skin to receive more nutrients and live their best life! Avocado.
Let me start off by saying Avocado is LIFE! It's rich in vitamin E, fiber, B vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants all of which keep your skin glowing, soft, and youthful.
Avo toast anyone?
Nuts and seeds.
Adding raw, unsalted seeds and nuts into your diet is important for reducing inflammation and removing fat-soluble waste from the body. Additionally, nuts and seeds are loaded with fiber, which is important for removing toxins from the body in its own right. Try adding more sunflower, chia, flaxseeds, pumpkin, fenugreek and hemp seeds along with almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, macadamia, walnuts, and Brazil nuts to your diet. Remember, it doesn’t count if they are roasted or covered in anything gooey and sweet (too bad right). Citrus.
Citrus fruits aid hydration, carry powerful antioxidants and enzymes and help cleanse and protect the lymphatic system. They aren’t alone. Fresh fruit and vegetable juices of all sorts will deliver hydration, enzymes, and antioxidants to the body. Having a hard time getting in your daily water intake? Add some citrus! Not only will it taste amazing, but you've also just made a detox drink. Cheers!
Purple cabbage.
Purple cabbage is both anti-inflammatory and rich in vitamins A, C, and E - which all help to lower cortisol levels. So the next time you’re chopping up a salad, add some purple cabbage or throw some in an easy-to-make stir-fry. Oats.
Oats are mineral-rich breakfast staples and another one of the best foods for skin elasticity. They’re extremely high in manganese, which helps maintain healthy hair and hair color and supports mitochondrial health. They’re also rich in the beauty mineral iron, good for strong hair and nails. Oats are high in anti-aging selenium - a powerful nutrient for skin elasticity and production of champion antioxidant glutathione - and vitamin B1, instrumental in healthy nervous system function. I highly recommend trying overnight oats! Carrots.
This classic root vegetable is a top dietary source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that converts to vitamin inside your body and helps protect your skin from the sun’s rays by foiling free radical damage. If you’re already sunburned or have any cuts on your skin, vitamin A can help your complexion heal faster too. Raw carrots with your favorite dip make the perfect late night snack.
xx
As you go through life, grow through it.
Nailah.