Synergy: you may know that plant nutrients nourishes your body but did you know they also enhance the beauty of your skin?
What contributes to your health will also enhance your beauty and a healthy lifestyle helps you feel better and look better. Phytonutrients are widely recognized for their health benefits and contributions to healthy aging. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends eating a minimum of 400 grams of fruits and vegetables per day. This equal five servings and a serving is the amount of food that is the size of your fist or the amount of leafy vegetables that you could grab in one hand. Both quantity and variety are important when choosing plant nutrients.
Phytonutrients have five color groups that support your eyes, heart, bones, brain, and cells.
- White – bone and joint health
- Orange – eye health
- Red – heart health
- Green – immune health
Fruits and vegetables and their powerful plant nutrients are considered key components in helping to nourish your body, promote weight loss and boost energy, but they also promote healthier skin.
Here are some plant nutrient benefits for your skin:
- Antioxidants from berries fight free radicals prevent cell damage and signs of aging, and can help keep your skin smooth and plump.
- Broccoli and spinach contain lutein, which helps boost your skin’s hydration and elasticity.
- Green tea contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which supports anti-irritation properties of your skin.
- Lycopene, found in tomatoes, watermelon, and grapefruit, helps protect your skin from harmful environmental factors.
- Yellow and orange fruits and vegetables are typically high in beta-carotene which can help relieve dry skin problems.
Eating well is good for your physical health and eating fruits and vegetables every day is key to optimal health. Busy lives, cost, availability and personal preference are some reasons for the fruits and vegetable shortfall, but we can make smart choices every day and supplements can help. Supplements should be used to fill gaps, not replace a healthy diet. You should fill gaps if:
- Your diet doesn’t have 5–9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day.
- You get 5–9 servings, but don’t eat a wide variety to ensure full health benefits.
- You often don’t have time to make nutritionally complete meals.
- You often choose convenient, processed foods over healthier options.
About three out of every four people aren’t getting the healthy nutritional components that come from fruits and vegetables, which means people are missing important sources of macronutrients, protein, carbohydrates and fats, fiber, and unique plant compounds.
What steps will you take today?
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To Your Success,
Althea
Althea A. McLeish Wilson, RN, MSN
Promoting inner health & outer beauty!
Helping you thrive, not just survive!!
Email: althea@altheamcleish.com
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For more information, please contact me at althea@altheamcleish.com or leave a comment.
