Monday, December 13, 2010

Skin Boosting Smoothies

Looking after your largest organ from the inside is just as important as protecting it from the outside. Here in the Southern Hemisphere our early summer fruits are in abundance and very fresh so it is the perfect time  to make the most of them. My favourite start to the day at the moment is a fruit smoothie with some extra goodies to keep me going and treat my skin and body.

I use either strawberries or Kiwi fruit- both are high in vitamin C and fibre.

1/2 cup fruit
1T organic flax seed oil PLUs 1 T flax seeds (extra fibre)
1T coarse desiccated coconut
1/c or soya mil (I use SoGood essential as it is packed with iron, b vitamins and calcium (very important for those of us over 40!)

Apart from tasting amazing and keeping me going all morning this concoction packs a punch with the following skin nutrients:

Calcium- bone strength and cell wall stability
Vitamin E anti oxidant and repair
Vitamin A -skin repair and maintenance
Vitamin C-reduces free radical damage (e.g. sun and pollution). Works best when combined with vitamin E for maximum skin protection.
Omega 3- at least 9683 mg
Omega 6 -at least 2307 mg
The combination of these essential fatty acids are crucial for skin repair, maintenance and moisture content. they have anti aging properties and cannot be made by the body
Niacin- an anti-inflammatory, retains moisture and reduces aging.

Other nutrients in smaller amounts include protein, carbohydrates, thiamin, riboflavin, B6, B12, Folic Acid, potassium and magnesium.

Don't forget sun block in this southern Sun.
For those of you in the cooler parts of the world substitute with some winter fruit-pomegranate, tamarillo or bananas. Kiwifruit are actually a winter fruit so should be in Northern hemisphere shops now.

Another part of great skin health is drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day as well.

Go well over the festive seasons, Wendy

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