A SUMMER SALAD FOR GLOWING SKIN
From the raw-vegan restaurant around the corner of your street, to your favorite beauty sites, the health-freak you’re working with, or your BFF – they’re all flooding your brain with the latest on healthy-nutrition – how eating kale for breakfast, lunch and dinner is (*cough* apparently poisonous) the key to a young, healthy body – and how your frown lines are caused by the grilled chicken you had for lunch.
Of course, you might know by now that filling up on doughnuts, candies and soda drinks isn’t the right way towards a healthy-looking body and skin but this doesn’t mean you have to take the complete opposite path, removing from your daily menu everything you enjoy eating, as some of your favorite foods could actually prove to be healthier than you’ve imagined – chocolate, hurray!
Incorporating my go-to summer foods into one big salad, resulted into a nutrient-rich meal, that has both health and beauty related benefits – apparently the ingredients I used may enhance the radiance of the skin, while giving a boost to the metabolism.
What I used and their health/beauty benefits:
PEACHES
-rich in Vitamin C who plays a vital role in the formation of collagen; also improves overall skin texture and fights skin damage caused by the sun and pollution
-the Vitamin C helps combat the free-radicals that cause cancer
-anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce bad cholesterol
BLUBERRIES
-rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants that neutralize these free radicals, resulting in a softer, younger-looking skin
-low in fat and calories and rich in phytonutrients, it helps to prevent aging
-used to fight acne related problems
-it helps hair growth by improving oxygenation and circulation of blood in the body, particularly the scalp
CRANBERRIES
-the polyphenol compound present in cranberry has anti-tumor effects
-emulsifying effect on the fats deposited in the body which in turn help in losing weight
-its high concentration of antioxidants, vitamin C, B3 and B5 slows down the aging process
WALNUTS
– contain alpha-linolenic acid, a key-component of the lubricating layer that keeps skin moist and supple
ARUGULA
-inactivating cancer-causing chemicals and protecting cellular DNA from damage
-preventing tumor blood vessel formation and tumor cell migration
-its high concentrations of vitamin A, K and C help the heart, bones and skin
-helps the weight-loss
OLIVE OIL
-contains essential fatty acids that help skin resist UV damage, adding to its moisture
LEMONS
-rich source of vitamin C, essential to keep you away from cold
-help alkalize the body by restoring the pH balance of the body
-vitamin C found in lemons helps to neutralize the free radicals which cause aging and diseases
-lighten age spots
HONEY
-rich in anti-oxidants, it is a great anti-aging agent and moisturizer
-protects the skin from harmful UV rays and facilitates the skin’s ability to rejuvenate
-absorbs and retains moisture and helping in keeping the skin well hydrated, fresh and supple
-fights acne
-helps keep your hair clean, lustrous, healthy and shiny
MY SALAD RECIPE:
3 Peaches, cut into slices
1 cup Cranberries
1 cup Blueberries
200 g Walnuts
2 bunches Arugula, washed, dried and torn
Dressing
4 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
1 tsp raw honey
