By Dwivedi Shruti and Paul Virginia ( Department of Foods & Nutrition, SHIATS, Allahabad.- 211007 )
Even a small pimple panic us. For a smooth, wrinkle free skin,
full hairs and healthy nails, we investigate quite a lot in creams, masks,
peelings ad cures, without giving a second thought to the money we spend on the
same. So why not let us give one chance to NUTRITIOUS FOOD as well…..
True beauty comes from
within. After all it is not the hair that needs nutrition from shampoos, but
the cells that form the hair. Beauty can therefore be encouraged from within by
supplying our body cells with nutrients that keep the connective tissue
elastic, the skin protected and hair and nail strong.
The good news is that the food that happens to be good for our
skin are also good for our overall health. Let us have a look on what they can
do for our skin:-
Vitamin A : promotes proper repair and maintenances of
skin, and deficiencies can result in a dry, flaky complexion.
Food sources- egg yolks, dairy products, spinach, broccoli,
asparagus, carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin, parsley, apricots, peaches, mango
and papayas.
Biotin (B vitamin) : forms the basis for skin, nail ad hair cells.
Food sources- Bananas, eggs, oatmeal and rice.
Vitamin C : protects skin from sun damage, smoking and
pollution with its antioxidant properties. Also play a role in collagen
synthesis.
Food sources- Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes,
grapefruit), strawberries, broccoli, tomatoes, bell peppers and leafy green
vegetables.
Vitamin E : protects skin from damaging effects of free
radical activity in body which cause damage to cells.
Food sources- Vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, olives, spinach, egg
yolks and soybeans.
Selinium : protects skin against sun damage by helping to
minimize the damage caused by free radicals.
Food
sources- Whole grains, garlics, egg, wheat germ, brown rice.
Zinc : can clear skin by controlling oil production.
Food sources- pumpkin seeds, ginger, nuts , oats and eggs.
Also drink plenty,
exercise, get sufficient sleep and avoid nicotin and alcohol.
This smoothie makes a perfect breakfast!
Beauty Blend
Try this smoothie for a big blast of complexion-friendly nutrients - vitamins C
and E, beta-carotene, and omega-3 fats.
Serves 2
Ingredients:
- 2 cold oranges, peeled and cut into sections
- 1/2 chopped mango, chilled
- 1/2 cup sliced frozen (unsweetened) strawberries
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and shredded
- 1/2 cup plain, nonfat yogurt, chilled
- 2 tablespoons wheat germ
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
Yields 2 1/4 cups
Nutrient Analysis (one serving)
Calories: 250
Protein: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Total fat: 4 g
Saturated fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 72 mg
Fiber: 9 g
Eat your way to beautiful skin, slather
on nutrients to enjoy your real beauty and feel confident with your
rejuvenating skin. What's your Beauty Diet Mantra Let us know in the comment below .
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