The Anti Aging Secrets Of Detox Diet Foods

You follow a detox diet to rejuvenate your body but did you know that detox diet foods also hold some amazing anti aging secrets for your skin?

Summer is over and as your tan fades you might be noticing a few more lines, dry skin patches, pigmentation or obvious signs of sun damage. According to one media source most of the anti aging products are sold during October as women try to repair the damage done by the summer sun.

Free radical damage

The majority of skin aging is caused by free radical damage from the sun a environmental pollution as well as inflammation. The anti-aging secrets of detox diet foods is that they are full of antioxidants that help combat free radicals and anti-inflammatory substances. They contain many nutrients that can protect and nourish the skin.

Your skin is more than just a protective layer over your flesh. It’s an ever changing organ formed from a number of specialized cells. Your skin sheds an incredible 30,000 – 40,000 dead cells almost every minute and renews itself every 28 days.

Skin Glow

Many people notice that their skin is simply glowing after a good detox. OK, you may get some spots or some skin eruptions initially as you start to detox because your skin is one of the major detoxification organs. When the other detox organs are overloaded and can’t cope then the toxins are pushed out through the skin.

Dr Nicholas Perricone, author of the The Wrinkle Cure: Unlock the Power of Cosmeceuticals for Supple, Youthful Skin , says that beautiful skin begins with health on the inside. No amount of lotions & potions on the outside will make up for an unhealthy diet and lifestyle.

Let’s have a look at some of the detox diet foods that hold these anti aging secrets.

Avocado

Avocado is full of good fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that protect against sun damage and keep the skin plump. Essential fatty acids are crucial to the skins natural oil barrier.

No need to shy away from avocados because they contain fat. They are high in monounsaturated fats which are good for you. Study after study has shown that avocados are good for your cholesterol, your heart, and help fight many chronic diseases.

When you add avocados to your salad, antioxidants from other foods are better absorbed, too.

They contain the minerals copper and iron which are particularly important for healthy skin.

Fresh fruit

Fruit is full of Vitamin C and other antioxidants. Vitamin C is essential for your cells to produce that vital substance, collagen, the key to keeping your skin looking youthful. Free radicals destroy collagen and elastin,  the fibers that support your skin structure, causing wrinkles and other signs of aging. It also helps to quell inflammation.

Dark red and purple berries are especially rich in flavonoids, the antioxidants that help repair cell damage. Just about every brightly colored fruit can work wonders for your skin.

Sweet potatoes

The bright orange color of these vegetables tell you that they are full of beta-carotene an important antioxidant. It can also be converted to Vitamin A in your body which is needed for skin health. Vitamin A can help to limit the production of keratin that causes spots. It is needed for skin repair and maintenance.

Purple-fleshed sweet potatoes are full of Cyanidins another potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Eating sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes will help protect your skin from aging. White potatoes are high on the glycemic index which has the effect of raising your blood sugar levels which in turn triggers insulin and inflammatory chemicals which age the skin.

Eating sweet potatoes with a little fat can help you absorb more of beta-carotene. Just drizzle a little virgin olive oil over them or add some to sweet potato mash.

Spinach

Spinach like other dark green leafy vegetables is an excellent detox diet food. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, flavonoids that zap those skin aging free radicals and chase away inflammation.

Another anti-aging secret you might be surprised to learn is that spinach and kale contains about 3 times as much Vitamin C as most other vegetables.

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a wonderful source of essential fatty acids, the mineral zinc, and vitamin E all important nutrients for skin health.  Zinc is needed for your body to produce its own powerful antioxidant enzymes.

Good levels of zinc helps to protect skin cells membranes, maintain collagen and promote skin cell renewal, leading to younger, fresher looking skin.

Vitamin E is an important antioxidant which like Vitamin C helps to reduce the harmful effects of sun on your skin. Vitamin E can help to make your skin look smoother and younger.

Essential fatty acids help to retain moisture in your skin. Your skin will start to look older if it dries out.

Try this Raw Avocado & Pumpkin Seed Pie Skin Boost Pie

Serves 2 – 4

Crust

125 g raw nuts
4 tbsp pumpkin seeds
5 – 6 chopped pitted dates
1 tbsp melted coconut oil

Process or blend nuts, seeds and dates together. Add melted coconut oil and process again to make a dough like mixture.

Press into a pie dish and chill in fridge for 2 – 3 hours.

Filling

Flesh of 3 ripe avocados
3 tbsp raw honey or 2 tablespoons agave nectar
Zest of 1 lime
Juice of 2 limes
1 tbsp melted coconut oil

Blend all ingredients together in a food processor or blender until smooth.
Pile mixture into pie crust and smooth top. Chill before serving.
This is a rich desert so a little goes a long way.

Fiber

Beans, lentils, brown rice, fresh fruit and vegetables are the mainstay detox diet foods of many detox diet plans. They provide the fiber that is so important for keeping you regular and for bowel cleansing.

The bowel is one way your body gets rid of chemical toxins that accumulate in your body causing free radical damage. Many people have found that regular colon cleansing cleared up their skin problems.

These anti-aging secrets of detox diet foods can actually help to reverse aging as well as keep you healthy. Why not eat them every day? F

 Picture By Holle Hills