Beauty in the raw
WE are what we eat. An unhealthy complexion, dry hair and brittle nails are signs of nutrient deficiency. One of the best ways to improve our appearance is to incorporate raw food into our diet.
Why gnaw on raw stuff?
Raw foods are foods in their natural state, with their enzymes, antioxidants, phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals left intact. These components are destroyed when foods are cooked over high heat, dried or processed. Enzymes are essential for many metabolic functions in the body such as the digestion, assimilation and elimination of food.
Eating more raw food means decreasing the amount of digestive enzymes your body has to produce; eating more cooked food means you are not only depleting your body of its enzyme reserves, but not building them up either.
Reduced enzyme supply leads to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, leading to premature ageing and lower energy levels. Sprouts, papaya and pineapple are some raw foods that are high in enzymes.
What is in the raw stuff?
The beauty-conscious would be familiar with terms such as free radicals, antioxidants and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).
Free radicals damage skin by interfering with collagen production and cell regeneration. Antioxidants help counter the damaging effects of free radicals, keeping skin smooth and youthful.
Here are some of the anti-ageing components present in raw foods:
> CoQ10 is an antioxidant that is essential to energy production. It is present in every body cell, though it diminishes with age. Spinach, broccoli and peanuts are foods high in CoQ10.
> Berries and citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit are potent sources of antioxidants. Foods like carrots and apricots are high in antioxidant beta-carotene, which protects the skin from sun damage.
> Raw nuts and seeds are rich in vitamin E, which promotes good skin health.
> Alpha-lipoic acid, found in foods like spinach, broccoli, tomatoes and peas, is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the strength of other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. — The Straits Times / Asia News Network