Glowing skin starts from the inside. If you’ve read my book, Eat Beautiful (and if you haven’t, you should!), you know I believe in eating fresh, seasonal ingredients with a focus on skin-beneficial key ingredients. It’s never too late to get started. With a new season upon us, let’s start with a fall complexion boost. Fall is rich in seasonal fruits and vegetables that are not only delicious but also good for skin health. Apples, pears, and plums are plentiful during this season and are packed with antioxidants that protect skin from free radical damage. Pumpkins and butternut squash are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body and promotes cell turnover and a healthy glow in the skin. Leafy greens like kale and spinach thrive in cooler temperatures and are excellent sources of vitamins C and E, which are essential for collagen production and skin repair. Beets, carrots, and sweet potatoes are in season during the fall and contain carotenoids that improve skin tone and protect skin from UV damage. My book features recipes for three skin-loving heroes:
3 Autumn Foods That Are Good for Your Skin
Apple
Apples are the unsung heroes of our skin. They’re packed with fiber, which keeps your digestive system working and leaves skin clear and radiant. The skin contains a pigment called quercetin, which acts as an anti-aging agent and counteracts UV damage. Make sure you eat the skin, too. It also contains Vitamin C, which boosts collagen production and brightens the skin. Don’t be tempted by apple juice, which is full of sugar and has few health benefits.
Check out my stewed apples recipe.
Kale
Kale is my detox superstar. Its high nutritional value makes it extremely beneficial for skin health. Kale contains high amounts of vitamins A, C and K, which promote collagen production, improve skin elasticity and reduce dark circles under the eyes. The antioxidants in kale fight oxidative stress, preventing premature aging and improving skin tone. Regular consumption of kale is great for maintaining a youthful appearance as it can hydrate the skin, detoxify pores and reduce fine lines.
Check out my Kale Soup recipe.
pumpkin
Speaking of autumn, this pumpkinThis orange superstar contains Vitamin A, which promotes cell turnover and collagen production, while its high Vitamin C content protects against free radical damage and brightens the complexion. The zinc in pumpkin helps regulate sebum production and fight acne, while the enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids in pumpkin exfoliate dead skin cells to reveal the smooth, glowing skin underneath.
Try my pumpkin soup recipe.
Happy cooking!
Read next: Paleo Roti Recipe | Garlic Spread Recipe
© Wendy Rowe. All rights reserved.
Source: Wendy Rowe – wendyrowe.com
