Healthy Skin is Sexy Skin - Mangoes

Skin Super Food #4 - Mangoes

Ahhh the delicious mango!  Fruit lovers everywhere all look forward to mango season.  A few years ago, I had the pleasure of introducing my nephew to his first mango.  After he had devoured more than 3/4 of the mango that I was actually planning on "sharing" with him, with a big smile on his face and juice running down his forearms, he asked, "Aunt Rachael, do you have any more mangoes?"  Unfortunately, I did not...but he was more than happy when I handed him the core and told him he was welcome to eat as much off of it as he could.  :)  So adorable.

That being said, I am pleased to inform you that not only is the mango beautiful to look at and delicious, but it is also extremely good for your skin!  Mangoes are an excellent source of Vitamin A, in fact, an average sized mango contains more than 80% of daily Vitamin A needs.  Vitamin A is extremely important in repairing skin cells and maintaining healthy skin.  In fact, a deficiency in this particular vitamin will result in a dry, flaky complexion.  Another benefit of Vitamin A is that it is a powerful antioxidant, which means that it fights free radicals.  Free radicals can prematurely age skin, which is basically the opposite of healthy, sexy skin, so it's truly important to consume enough Vitamin A!

Mangoes are also natural acne fighters!  To use mangoes to clean acne causing, clogged pores, slice a mango into very thin slices and apply it to your face.  Leave the mango on your skin for 10 - 15 minutes, then wash your face with warm water.

So go on, grab a mango and begin to eat your way to healthy skin!

Tips for adding mangoes into your diet:

• Mango salsa is a great addition to a meal.  You can always buy it at your local supermarket, or if you prefer, you can make your own.  Use it to top grilled fish, or as a dip for your favorite tortilla chip.
• Mangoes are delicious all on their own.  Peel, slice and enjoy!  They are sweet, they are juicy, they are truly a tasty treat.
• My personal favorite way to eat a mango is in a smoothie.  Combine in a blender with peaches or your favorite type of berry.  Add a little honey or orange juice, some protein powder and some ice...your taste buds and your skin will thank you!

Healthy Skin is Sexy Skin - Potatoes

Skin Super Food #3 - Potatoes (be sure to leave the skin on!)

Who doesn't like potatoes?  Even the most picky of eaters usually like potatoes.  I have a niece who doesn't like to try anything new but one of the few foods she knows she likes, is potatoes.  That being said, there is a big difference between a commercially prepared french fry and a real potato.

For the sake of you being sexy, be sure to leave the skin on your potato, as the layer just below the skin, is the where most of the potato's nutrients are found.

So how does the world's favorite vegetable help give you healthy, sexy skin?  One baked potato (with the skin)  provides about 75% of your body's daily copper need.  Copper is involved in formation of connective tissue.  Your body also uses copper, along with Vitamin C and Zinc to produce the elastin fibers that support skin structure.  In English, this means that if you don't get enough Copper, your skin's ability to heal itself is greatly diminished and your skin can become rigid and lifeless.

Rigid and lifeless....those two words are definitely not part of healthy or sexy!

Tips for adding potatoes (with skin) into your diet:

• Bake in the oven, just don't over-do the butter, sour cream and salt!  I like to top plain baked potatoes with turkey chili.  This way you get the benefits of a plain baked potato without it being too dry to eat.
• Potato based breads and cakes are delicious!  As long as you don't peal the potato before using it, you should be taking advantage of the all the nutrients it has to offer.
• Homemade, seasoned baked potato wedges are easy and beat the pants off of frozen potatoes...if you want the recipe, let me know...I'll be happy to share!

Healthy Skin is Sexy Skin - Acerola Cherries

Skin Super Food #2 - Acerola Cherries

The second food that we are featuring in our "Healthy Skin is Sexy Skin" series, is the Acerola Cherry.  I know what you're wondering....a cherry, is a cherry, is a cherry, right?  And while I will agree that all sweet, fresh cherries are delicious, they are not all created equal when it comes to providing you with sexy skin.

Just one, that's right...I said one...one single acerola cherry contains more Vitamin C than an entire orange!  Not only does it contain more Vitamin C than an entire orange, the Vitamin C content of one tiny little acerola cherry is 65x times that of an entire orange.

WOW!!!  One acerola cherry provides you with the equivalent Vitamin C of 65 whole oranges!  That is a whole lot of antioxidants packed into a little bite!

Ok, so it's a Vitamin C powerhouse...but what does that mean for your skin?  I'm glad you asked.  Vitamin C plays an integral role in the production of collagen, the structural protein in your skin, thus increasing your body's ability to repair skin tissue quickly.

As if the Vitamin C content alone wasn't a good enough reason to start eating acerola cherries, they also contain high amounts of Vitamin A.  This combination of antioxidants makes the acerola cherry a free radical fighting machine.  Free radicals are the number one cause of skin damage, but they don't stand a chance against the acerola cherry!

Tips for adding Acerola Cherries into your diet:

• My favorite way is to eat them fresh!
• Dried or dehydrated acerola cherries are delicious alone as a snack or added to a salad.
• Fresh or dried, try baking them into muffins or brownies.
• Cherry pie...no further explanation needed.
• Be sure to top your ice-cream sundae or banana split with fresh or dried acerola cherries!

Healthy Skin is Sexy Skin - Almonds

We've all heard the saying "You are what you eat" and when it comes to healthy skin that is SO true.  We all notice when someone's skin looks fantastic, and we all have that friend that never seems to age, or whose skin always looks radiant.  Chances are, your friend eats her skin healthy.

Over the next few weeks, we're going to take a look at some of the best foods for your skin.

Skin Super Food #1 - Almonds

Vitamin E is a nutrient that we've all heard of...and most of us know that it's good for skin.  Many pregnant women use Vitamin E topically on their skin to prevent stretchmarks and it's also good for rubbing into scars.

What does this have to do with almonds, you ask?

Quite simply, almonds are the absolute best whole food source of vitamin E.  Not only is Vitamin E good to put on your skin, but putting it in you, also benefits your skin in a BIG way!

Just 1 ounce of almonds (approximately 15 - 20 whole nuts) provides 35% of your RDA for Vitamin E and 12% of your daily protein needs.  That's just a small handful, but it packs a big punch!

The rich, Vitamin E oil, found in almonds, moisturizes dry skin and it's anti-oxidant properties protect against premature aging and skin damage.

Tips for adding almonds into your diet:

• Craving something salty or crunchy?  Try some roasted, salted almonds instead of reaching for the potato chips.  I love to eat them as a snack food!
• Add chopped almonds to brownies, cookies or almost any baked dessert for some delicious added flavor.
• Slivered or whole almonds are great added as a topping to a salad.  Sprinkle them on with your croutons for extra crunch and nutrition.

So go ahead, GO NUTS!  Your skin will thank you!