Using Herbs For Body Detoxification and Immunity

Water
Always be sure to drink plenty of water. Skin that is well hydrated looks healthy and young. Not only that, it helps to flush the toxins out of your system. This helps the skin as well.

Vitamin A
If you really want to give your skin a healthy treat, eat foods that are rich in vitamin A. Vitamin A is vital to healthy skin and can be found in low-fat dairy products. Try to get in the habit of eating a cup of low-fat yogurt every day. Not only is it rich in vitamin A, but it also contains the live bacteria called acidophilus that is so good for the intestines. Other alternate sources of vitamin A are sweet potatoes, carrots, cod liver oil, fortified breakfast cereals and also leafy vegetables.

Avocados
This delicious green fruit is packed full of healthy B-complex vitamins and essential oils. Avocado can be eaten to nourish your skin from the inside and also applied directly to the skin to nourish it from the outside. Avocados are high in Niacin (vitamin B3). This vitamin is anti-inflammatory and can sooth red irritated skin. Just one avocado contains almost a third of the daily recommended dose of niacin for an adult.

Acerola Cherries
Regular cherries don’t often contain high amounts of vitamin C. The Acerola cherry does. vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and can prevent wrinkles and fight skin damage. It also is important in the production of collagen. Collagen is a structural protein of the skin.

Oysters
Oysters are extremely rich in the mineral zinc. This mineral has a lot to do with the production of sebum. Sebum is an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands. This substance prevents the skin and hair from drying out too much. Zinc also boosts the production of the skins elastic protein called elastin.

Mangoes
Mangoes are loaded with vitamins A, making them a great food for the skin. Vitamin A not only maintains healthy skin cells but can also repair damaged ones. If you don’t get enough vitamin A, your skin can begin to look dry and unhealthy. Mangoes are also high in antioxidants that can prevent premature aging of the skin.

Antioxidants
If you want nice skin, make sure you get plenty of antioxidants in your diet. Fruits such as blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and plums are a great source of antioxidants. Antioxidants benefit the skin in many ways. These fruits are not only loaded with antioxidants but also other phytochemicals that are very healthy for your skin as well as the rest of your body. These foods protect the skin cells from damage by free radicals and oxidation. This helps to prevent premature aging and will keep your skin younger looking. Other foods that are high in antioxidants are pinto beans, artichokes and pecans.

Almonds
Almonds are high in vitamin E. This vitamin is an antioxidant and is essential for healthy skin. Many skin lotion manufacturers include vitamin E in their formula as it is beneficial when used topically as well.

Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids or EFA’s for short, are very necessary for healthy skin. EFA’s are important for healthy cell membranes and nutrient absorption. Some foods that include essential fatty acids are walnuts, flax seed, canola oil and salmon. Also, try to use healthy oils when cooking your meals. Look for cold pressed oils like extra-virgin oil or olive oil to keep in your kitchen. Eating these high-quality, healthy oils helps to lubricate the skin and give it a healthy look.

Selenium
Selenium plays a very important part in skin cell health. Try eating foods like cottage cheese, whole wheat muffins, cereals and breads. Also good are turkey, Brazil nuts and tuna. Some research suggests that having adequate selenium in the body can minimalize some types of skin damage.

Green Tea
Green tea is such a healthy drink. It turns out that it’s good for the skin too. Green tea possesses anti-inflammatory properties and protects the skin’s cell membranes.

Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are rich in copper. Copper is an essential mineral that works in conjunction with vitamin C and zinc to support the structure of the skin. A shortage of copper in your diet can keep your skin from healing properly and cause it to become stiff feeling.

Mushrooms
Mushrooms contain a lot of the B vitamin riboflavin (vitamin B2). This is an important vitamin for healthy skin. It helps repair and maintain the skin.

Since it’s not always easy to eat the right foods, you may want to supplement your diet with supplements such as Chinese herbs, blue Green algae and other important nutrients. The importance of antioxidants to the skin cannot be overstated. Antioxidants are not only good for your skin, but your whole body and brain as well. Always try to eat some raw fruits and vegetables with each meal.

There are many other healthy foods and herbs you can take to keep your skin healthy. Do your research and then try adding these foods a little at a time to your diet. Before you know it, you’ll have great looking skin and you’ll be a lot healthier too.