The skin is an outer reflection of inner health and the nourishment of your body. In "Nutrition for Women," Elizabeth Somer says an inadequate amount of nutrients and calories results in dry skin, reduced blood and oxygen flow to the skin, alterations in skin color and oil secretion within the skin. A raw food diet will help give you clear, moist and glowing skin. Before starting a raw food diet, consult with a doctor or physician first.
Raw Food
The first place you will notice a big difference in when starting a raw food diet is your skin. Human skin is susceptible to harmful toxins from the environment such as dust, temperatures, exhaust fumes and chemicals in the air. The processed food we eat also contains poisons such as preservatives, artificial ingredients and excess sugar. A raw food diet emphasizes eating food in its natural, unprocessed form. You will be eating whole fruits and vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds. Eating foods in their raw state provides you with the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and water you need to restore your skin to health.
Protection
Fruits and vegetables eaten in the raw food diet contain powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the skin from dangerous free radicals that cause damage to our skin's cells. Roni DeLuz, author of "21 Pounds in 21 Days" says that stress, pollution, herbicides and pesticides create free radicals that form wrinkles, age spots and dry skin. Foods in the raw food diet that contain high levels of antioxidants include strawberries, blueberries, oranges, pineapples, sweet potatoes and pumpkin.
Moisturizing
Vitamin E is involved in metabolic processes and boosting the immune system. This vitamin also acts like an antioxidant in preventing damage to the skin caused by free radicals. Vitamin E is most important in providing a barrier to environmental stress and locking in moisture for glowing skin. The raw food diet supplies ample amounts of vitamin through avocados, almonds, sunflower seeds, spinach, kiwi and tomatoes.
Anti-Aging
Resveratrol is a polyphenol that is beneficial in preventing harmful substances from attacking skin cells. Dr. Jonny Bowden says that resveratrol also has anti-cancer properties to protect against skin tumors, skin cancer and melanoma. The polyphenol also reverses the signs of aging by diminishing fine lines and wrinkles when consumed daily. In the raw food diet, blueberries, grapes, cranberries and unsalted peanuts provide an excellent source of this polyphenol that acts as an anti-aging nutrient.
Increased Blood Flow
The raw food diet also emphasizes foods that are rich in iron and magnesium. Sources of iron and magnesium include pumpkin seeds, spinach, soybeans, cashews, quinoa, black beans, artichokes and brown rice. These minerals aid in creating red blood cells. Red blood cells transport blood and oxygen throughout the body. The circulation of blood repairs and maintains skin tissues making your skin feel smooth and supple.
References
- "Nutrition for Women The Complete Guide"; Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D.;1993
- "21 Pounds in 21 Days : The Martha's Vineyard Diet Detox"; Roni Deluz , James Hester , Hilary Beard ; 2008
- "The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth"; Jonny Bowden, Ph. D., C.N.S.; 2007
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