Healthy Diet, Healthy Skin

By: Van Le

The saying “you are what you eat” didn’t happen by accident.  More Americans are realizing that what we put in our bodies dictates how well we think, look and feel.  Eating is the body’s way of obtaining the nutrition and vitamins required in order for the body to function properly.  Consuming the right kind of food can increase our energy level, lead to healthier-looking skin, and boost our self-confidence.  Americans spend billions of dollars each year on beauty products that promise to hide blemishes, cover under-eye circles, and conceal wrinkles; however, these products only temporarily fix what’s on the outside.  In order to have truly healthy skin, we must monitor our food intake and eat food that allows our body to naturally generate that coveted healthy glow.

Water:  Everyone knows that we should drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day, but not everyone does.  Seventy percent of the body is comprised of water, which is vital to cellular replenishment..  Water also helps flush bodily toxins and regulate our body temperature.   Try to limit caffeine and alcohol intake, as they can lead to dehydration and cause dull, dry skin.  If you think water is too plain, try adding lemon slices or cucumber for a hint of taste.

Low-fat dairy products:  Milk, low-fat yogurt, and low-fat cheese all contain vitamin A, a key ingredient in most anti-aging, anti-acne and anti-wrinkle products.  Vitamin A strengthens the skin, helps repair and restoration processes and prevents wrinkles.  The recent frozen yogurt craze has helped increase consumption of dairy products, however, it is important to remember that a cup of yogurt topped with candy, caramel, and other processed sugary treats can be counterproductive.  Instead, choose healthier fresh fruit toppings such as blueberries and strawberries.

Antioxidants: Fruits like berries and pomegranates are filled with antioxidants, which have been proven to protect the skin against UV damage such as wrinkles and dark spots.  They also protect the skin from free radicals, which are organic molecules responsible for tissue damage and aging.  According to antioxidantskincare.org, “when free radicals attack healthy skin cells, they cause the cell to decay,” which can lead to cancer, cardiovascular disease and speed up aging.  Antioxidants neutralize the production of free radicals.

Omega 3:  Walnuts, flaxseeds and salmon contain essential fatty acids that prevent harmful substances from entering cells.  They help regulate cell functions and maintain skin elasticity, leading to soft and healthy skin.  A diet filled with omega 3 will result in radiant skin, stronger hair and overall good health.  Our bodies cannot produce omega 3, therefore, it is important to add omega 3 to our diet.

Whole grain:  Wheat products such as bread, pasta, and cereal contain plenty of vitamin B, which can even out skin tone and help the skin maintain moisture.  Whole grain products help replace dead skin by stimulating cell growth on the epidermis, the skin’s outer layer.  Increase your consumption of whole grains by replacing white bread, pasta and bagels with wheat products.  Most likely, you won’t even taste the difference.

Makeup can create the illusion of healthy skin, but true healthy skin starts and ends with a proper diet.  A healthy diet is an essential way to achieve not only radiant skin, but also a radiant lifestyle.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare, you can also link to http://bestskincareforme.com

The Power of Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs have a captivating aroma and flavor that dried herbs just cannot match. Try any of the following popular varieties and we guarantee you will taste the difference.

To make using fresh herbs easier, there are also some suggestions for fantastic food ideas that really showcase their strengths. Plus, the tips and suggestions for preparation and storage will help you easily preserve that first-day freshness well into the future.

How to Use
Each herb has a distinctive flavor that makes it an ideal partner for certain foods. Following are some favorite serving suggestions.

Mint
A blast of refreshing minty flavor complements both sweet and savory dishes.

* Garnish fruit salad or Crystal Light low calorie drink mix with a fresh mint sprig
* Stir chopped mint into prepared Minute Rice
* Add chopped mint to Jell-O pudding or stir into thawed whipped topping and spoon over fresh berries.

Oregano
The dainty leaves of oregano add a rich, spicy kick to tomato sauces and Greek dishes. Aside from its supreme antioxidant abilities (oregano has up to 20 times the antioxidant activity of other herbs, and ounce-for-ounce beats out apples and oranges). Oregano is a potent anti-inflammatory agent too. That is what German and Swiss researchers found recently when they gave oregano’s active ingredient to mice with swollen paws. The swelling subsided in up to 70 percent of the mice.

* Stir oregano into tomato sauce or sprinkle on pizza.
* Toss hot vegetables with Italian dressing then stir in oregano.
* Add chopped oregano to batters and crumb mixtures such as stuffing mix before frying or baking.

Rosemary
The woodsy flavor and aroma of these silver-green leaves goes well with meat and potatoes. Rosemary is a robust herb that adds oomph to dishes, but can it crack down on cancer? Scientists think so, at least a concentrated extract of the herb might. Some researchers believe oregano can block dangerous carcinogenic compounds called heterocyclic amines (HCA) from forming during cooking.

A Kansas State University food scientist, motivated by a study showing that marinades made with rosemary, thyme and other spices could cut HCA in grilled steak by 87 percent, tried rosemary extract alone. Bingo. The rosemary wiped out any trace of HCA in the cooked beef patties, and without a strong rosemary taste. Researchers credit phenols with protective antioxidant, anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory effects.

* Stir into soups, sauces and marinades.
* Add to ground meat along with Cheddar cheese before shaping into burgers or meatloaf.
* Add 1-tablespoon to potatoes coated with dressing for flavorful roasting.

Basil
These shiny green leaves add a sweet, peppery flavor to Italian dishes from pasta to pesto.

* Add to creamy dips, eggs and cheese dishes or sprinkle on salads for fresh flavor.
* Stir chopped basil and Parmesan cheese into melted butter and toss with popped popcorn.

Parsley
This versatile herb adds a fresh taste to any dish and provides a colorful garnish.

* Blend 1 /4 cup chopped fresh parsley with 1/ 2 cup softened butter and refrigerate several hours. Melt over cooked vegetables or spread over warm breads and rolls.
* Decorate meat platters and dips with a sprig of parsley for a festive look or sprinkle chopped parsley around the rim of a dinner plate.

Selection and Storage
Select brightly colored herbs with fresh, fragrant leaves and firm stems.

To keep herbs fresh, wash and refrigerate in a re-sealable plastic bag with two paper towels for up to a week. You can also stand a bouquet of herbs in a glass of water and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Refrigerate up to a week, changing water once or twice.

Freeze fresh herbs to enjoy them all year long. Wash, dry and strip leaves from stems. Fill ice cube trays halfway with leaves. Add enough water to cover; freeze. Pop out frozen cubes and store in freezer bags. Freeze up to six months.

Preparation
Wash herbs just before using and blot dry with paper towels.

To remove tough rosemary stems, hold the top of the stem in one hand and strip off leaves with the fingertips of the other hand.

To thinly slice fresh basil or mint, stack several leaves. Roll stack lengthwise into a cylinder and cut crosswise to form thin strips.

Add fresh herbs near the end of cooking or sprinkle over food just before serving to preserve flavor. Keep in mind that 1-tablespoon fresh herb equals 1-teaspoon dried.

Foods, Nutrition and Eczema – Is There a Link?

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic, recurring skin inflammation that appears as blisters that dry to become a scaly, itchy rash. People with eczema often have a personal or family history of allergic conditions such as asthma or hay fever. Exposure to certain irritants and allergens in the environment can worsen symptoms, as can dryness of the skin, exposure to water, temperature changes, stress and some foods.

It’s not clear how important food sensitivities and allergies are in eczema. The effects of foods on the skin are complicated and difficult to assess. Foods that have been associated with making eczema symptoms worse include

• cow’s milk
• eggs
• peanuts
• soybeans
• wheat
• seafood
• fruit with seeds
• chocolate
• food coloring

Also, food additives such as sulfites and MSG may aggravate eczema. However, it is different for every individual, so if you suspect that some foods may be making your eczema worse, you should discuss this with your health care provider who can help you make dietary changes and determine if restricting them in your diet might reduce the incidence and severity of your eczema. Paying attention to what you eat and the effect it has on your skin may help you avoid foods that can provoke eczema flares.

The most reliable way to determine whether you have a sensitivity or an allergy to a particular food is to eliminate the suspected food from your diet for 6 weeks and then reintroduce it back into your diet. If you are sensitive or allergic to it, then your skin rash should clear while avoiding the problem food, and eating the food should again cause the skin rash to return. Always test one food at a time.

How will you know if a food is making your eczema worse? Food sensitivities can occur immediately in some cases and they can be delayed in other cases.

• Symptoms of immediate food sensitivity may worsen shortly after eating the trigger food and can include:
  • itching
  • scratching
  • redness
  • swelling and irritation around the mouth
  • urticaria (itchy, fluid filled lumps on the skin).
• Other symptoms may occur such as abdominal pain, vomiting, wheezing, itchy eyes and sneezing.
• Symptoms of delayed food sensitivity will develop 6-24 hours after eating the trigger food and include worsening of itching and eczema. Sometimes abdominal pain and diarrhea will also occur.

Keep in mind, though, that even if a food sensitivity is proved, excluding the food is unlikely to “cure” the eczema, though symptoms may become less severe. You will still likely need the usual treatments. See your family doctor or dermatologist to find out what the best treatment is for you.

By SkinCareGuide.ca

Your Organic Skin

Skin is the armor of the body. It is the outside waterproofing, element-fighting surface that protects our internal organs and skeletal structure from the harsh outside elements. Yet skin, overall is ignored most of the time. Healthy skin is important for a glowing completion of course, but if your body is unhealthy – your skin will be also.

The toxic world of industrialization has finally caught up with us. Producing toxic waste disasters, disease and tons of garbage buried so deep it can never breakdown. All these “modern advancements” have left our food supply as little more than a chemical compound in itself. If you can do ONE thing to give your skin and your body a fighting chance, you would be wise to choose as organic a diet as possible. To maintain a healthy skin, organically grown food is must.

In light of recent organic trends in our food, organic skin care products are also gaining popularity. For healthy lifestyle and healthy skin, limiting the amount of toxins and chemicals you put in your body is a must. If the environment or living “green” is important to you, you should also be aware of companies that produce the products you buy and their manufacturing practices.

Organic Skin Care is the most rapidly developing field in the beauty industry. Now what does Organic mean? Organic refers to anything grown or raised naturally. But more specifically, it means plants are grown on certified natural land without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetic modification or irradiation. In many cases, these organic farms are highly regulated by the Federal Food Safety Commission. Organic skin care means protecting your skin from harmful chemicals and using organic products whenever possible.

There are many organic products available on the market today. Most can be found at a local organic specialty stores, food suppliers or a national health food chain like Whole Foods. As organic products become more and more popular, many standard food stores, Like Safeway or Albertsons’ are also providing these products on their shelves. There are also plenty of websites offering organic skin or beauty care products online.

An organic product is preferable for natural skin care balance as it will generally contain far fewer chemical properties then it’s drugstore counterparts and thus have less possibility to cause inflammation or irritation. Of course, even an herbal product can have side effects as they are “chemicals” in their own right, so always be aware of the list if ingredients in the products you buy and the reactions your skin personally has to allergens.

The Mediterranean Diet

Dry Skin Diet Tips and the Mediterranean Diet

We all know how important diet is to building healthy, beautiful skin. But did you know eating the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones can actually help prevent wrinkles and minimize the signs of aging?
According to a recent article in the UK’s Daily Telegraph, “Eating a Mediterranean diet can halve the risk of the most dangerous form of skin cancer, research suggests.” The recent study may eventually prove regular intake of fruit, vegetables, nuts and fish may protect against malignant melanoma.

The” Mediterranean diet,” which features plenty of vegetables, legumes, and olive oils, may be a catalyst for the body to absorb and benefit from fat-soluble antioxidant vitamins and phytochemicals, such as vitamin E, lycopene, and isoflavones. In this light, organic produce has been shown to contain a higher level of beneficial antioxidants than conventionally raised fruits and vegetables.

So, what does all this mean if you suffer from dry skin or sensitive skin? With dry skin issues, it is important to get the right types fats into your diet. But what are the right types of fats? For example, increased intake of saturated fat and monounsaturated fat in the diet has been associated with a decrease skin hydration. So consuming some saturated fats but not too many, seems to be best.
Countless studies show that an omega-3 fat deficiency is associated with dry skin and skin problems like eczema. That’s why it is important to consume adequate amounts of these essential fats, found in fatty fish, fish oils, flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, etc.

Be aware of the difference from the omega-6 polyunsaturated vegetable oils (including corn, canola, and safflower), formerly hailed as healing for the heart. Meaning, most need to eat more omega-3s and less omega-6 oils.
The dairy products you eat (and avoid) can also make a difference in skin aging. Butter, full-fat milk, margarine, and sweets should be minimal, while yogurt, cheese, and reduced-fat milk are neutral in their aging effects.

The epidermis (upper layer of the skin) is composed of 25 percent monounsaturated fatty acids. In the cell membranes, both monosaturated fats and saturated fats resist oxidation, a key process in cellular aging. Omega-6 polyunsaturated oils, on the other hand, contribute to the production of free radicals, the by-products of oxidation – also the cause of the skin aging process. This would increase both wrinkling and the risk of developing skin and other cancers, including melanoma. Polyphenols, found in fresh fruits, vegetable and herbs can protect the body’s cells against the damaging effects of oxidative stress, a process by which oxygen-rich molecules can attack and destroy cells in much the same way as rust rots a car.
Therefore, it is beneficial to eat more olive oil (a monounsaturated) while avoiding omega-6 polyunsaturated oils, such as corn, canola, safflower and others. Included in this list of foods to avoid, are the trans fats, present in margarine, most baked goods, fried, processed foods, and sweets, which are oxidized polyunsaturates, making them even more detrimental. In certain studies they have been shown to block healthy Omega -3 fats. High trans-fats content may interfere with the hormonal pathways needed for healthy fat metabolism and preventing inflammation.

Consuming the omega-3s and avoiding unhealthy oils that block them will help the body absorb the vital lipids needed in the skin cells and improve the hormonal actions. Since skin aging is caused by hormonal shifts that occur naturally in the aging process, it’s best to eliminate the polyunsaturated and trans fats as much as possible.

Fish oils and fish are the purest sources of omega-3 fatty acids,which can increase the lipid content of your cells. These fats have been shown to improve psoriasis and other severe dry skin conditions. If you are pregnant or nursing, please be aware of the mercury content in your fish – which has been shown to cause detrimental effects to mothers, and young children, so supplements may be the best way of obtaining these fats vital to skin health.

Dry, sensitive, and wrinkled skin can also be helped with a diet rich in antioxidants obtained from fresh fruits and vegetables, such as spinach, kale, collard greens, turnips, romaine lettuce, broccoli, leeks, corn, peppers, peas, and mustard greens. Egg yolks and oranges contain the antioxidant lutein. Lutein is an important natural antioxidant that may help your eyes stay healthy while maintaining the health of your skin.
So, to recap your skin-healthy diet should include:
• Fats from whole foods-nuts, seeds, olives, and avocados
• A wide variety of whole plant foods
• Monounsaturated fats, such as olive or nut oils
• Good sources of omega3 oils (never heated) or in capsule form
• Moderate use of omega-6 oils (corn, safflower, canola and soy oils)
• Limited amounts of processed foods and deep-fried foods
• Pure sources of omega3 fats, including a source of essential fatty acids (EFA)

Natural Home Acne Remedies

While there are thousands of products on the market today to cure or prevent acne, bellow are some natural remedies you can start using right away from home. Start first by cleansing your face to rid of oil and dirt before you apply the remedy listed below.

Oranges and Lemons
Oranges and lemons can be very effective in treating acne. Simply squeeze an orange or lemon juice onto a cotton pad or a small towel, and then dab it onto the acne infected areas. Leave it on for 20 minutes and wash off with water. This acid in the citrus juice will minimize your pimples and take the redness away after a couple of days.

Raw potato
Simply slice a raw potato and rub it on your acne areas. The vitamins in the raw potato help rid redness and improve your complexion. The potato properties actually break down the bacteria causing acne.

Some natural anti-acne products you will find in the market are Tea Tree Oil, Aloe Vera, Zinc, and Vitamin A and have been used with some success to cure acne. A word of caution about ‘natural’ skin care items. They often contain certain chemicals for preservation purposes. Some of these may not be advisable for you if you’re pregnant or have certain special health considerations. As mentioned, it is best to consult with your doctor before embarking on any therapy.

Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil is obtained from the Melaleuca alternifoliais tree from Australia. It is very effective against acne as it contains bacteria-fighting substances called Terpenes. Acne is often caused by bacteria and the Terpenes either outright kill them or weaken them enough to be destroyed by protective antibodies. There are very little side effects from using Tea Tree Oil.

Aloe Vera
The watery gel from Aloe Vera plant is also a highly effective natural cure against acne. The enzyme-rich gel has very soothing anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It can also be taken internally and helps clean up and detox the digestive tract. This in turn can help clear up the skin.

Zinc
Zinc is taken in the form of capsules. It helps to strengthen the human immune system and to repair the skin.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A tablets are also a natural and effective acne cure. Vitamin A promotes healthy skin.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E also helps in countering acne. It is a natural antioxidant and beneficial for the skin. Vitamin E comes in soft gelatin capsules that contain Vitamin E, Soybean Oil, Glycerin, and Water.

Some Natural Homemade Cures to counter Acne
The most important thing to do if you suffer from acne is to drink at least four pints of water every day. Drinking water is very beneficial to your skin. Don’t forget to include fresh fruit and leafy green vegetables in your daily diet to bring about a marked improvement in the quality of your complexion.

Before bathing, apply a mixture of pure tomato pulp – fresh from the tomato– honey and rose-water to your face and keep for twenty minutes before washing off.

At night, before going to bed, apply a mix of cream, glycerine, and lemon juice to your face and again keep it on for a short while before washing.

Regular Yoga exercises will also improve skin and overall health.

Things to Avoid
Avoid touching your face all the time, keep your hair away from your face, and avoid picking at pimples.

If you are prone to acne try to avoid using heavy make-up –it is preferable to avoid make-up altogether until your skin can heal itself.