Feature

One of the best ways to improve the appearance of your skin is by incorporating raw food into your diet. By eating raw nutritionally-rich foods you can feed your skin with many of the nutrients contained in beauty products, such as enzymes, vitamin E, phytochemicals, antioxidants and coenzyme Q10. But unlike beauty products, these feed the entire body and skin from the inside out. Perhaps beauty really is on the inside after all.

Heating food above 41°C destroys the enzymes as well as up to 50 per cent of the protein and 70–90 per cent of the vitamins and minerals. Eating enzyme-rich raw foods decreases the amount of digestive enzymes your body has to produce. A drained enzyme supply can result in vitamin and mineral deficiencies, premature ageing and low energy.

Raw foods high in enzymes include bean sprouts, papaya and pineapple, but all fresh fruits and vegetables contain them.

Free radicals damage your skin and interfere with collagen production, causing premature ageing. Antioxidants contained in food counteract free radicals. Berries, especially blueberries, are potent antioxidants that promote collagen, which reduces wrinkles. Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and grapefruit help rid the body of free radicals, keeping the skin looking young. Foods high in the antioxidant beta carotene, including carrots and apricots, protect the skin against sun damage.

Coenzyme Q10 is a potent antioxidant that can destroy free radicals, to slow ageing and aid the body’s energy processes. CoQ10 is present in every cell in the body, but levels diminish with age. CoQ10-rich foods include spinach, broccoli and peanuts.

Antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid has a similar function to CoQ10, but also boosts the strength of other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. Alpha-lipoic acid can be found in spinach, brewer’s yeast, broccoli, tomatoes and peas.

Sulphur is a mineral present in every cell in your body and is needed in collagen production and for healthy skin, hair, nails and joints. It is also known to help improve skin conditions such as acne. Organic sulphur levels in food are lost when processed, heated or dried. Sulphur-rich foods include asparagus, broccoli, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, red pepper, garlic, onion, watercress and kale.

Silicone is an essential trace mineral needed for healthy skin, hair, nails and bones, but levels in the body decrease with age. Fruits and vegetables are the richest source of silicone. Good sources include apples, oranges, cherries, grapes, strawberries, beetroot, cucumber, carrots and green leafy vegetables.

Phytochemicals are found in plants and help the body defend against damage. They are also said to have anti-ageing properties. Phytochemicals can be found in berries, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, spinach, carrots, cocoa and bell pepper.

Raw nuts and seeds are high in vitamin E, which is especially beneficial to the skin. Olives, papaya and greens are also good sources of vitamin E. Selenium keeps the skin elastic and can be found in garlic, onions and shallots.

Eating raw foods also helps the body eliminate toxins, which can negatively affect skin health and vitality. Your body’s largest toxin elimination system is your digestive tract, which functions efficiently when supplied with healthy raw foods. Adding vitamin and mineral-rich sea vegetables to your diet can also help to get rid of toxins, as will drinking plenty of filtered water.

Picture caption: Berries, especially blueberries, are potent antioxidants.