Beauty in the raw
WE are what we eat. An unhealthy complexion, dry hair and brittle nails are signs of nutrient deficiencies. One of the best ways to improve our overall 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’re not only depleting your body of its enzyme reserves, but not building them up either.
Reduced enzyme supply leads to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and consequently, premature ageing and lower energy levels. Sprouts, papaya and pineapple are examples of raw foods that are high in enzymes.
What is in the raw stuff?
The beauty-conscious would be familiar with terms often bandied about in the beauty world, like free radicals, antioxidants and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Free radicals damage skin by interfering with collagen production and cell regeneration, thereby causing premature ageing. Antioxidants, on the other hand, help counter the damaging effects of free radicals, keeping the skin younger-looking for longer.
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 cell in the body. Its levels in the body diminish 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 against sun damage.
– Raw nuts and seeds are high 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, and is necessary for energy production.
– Minerals and trace minerals, such as sulphur and selenium, are other components found in every cell in our bodies. They are necessary for collagen production.
– Sulphur is known to help improve skin conditions such as acne. There is high sulphur content in foods like asparagus, broccoli, pumpkin seeds, red pepper, garlic, onion, watercress and kale.
When it comes to the crunch, remember that whatever goes into your body will be reflected in your overall appearance. If you would like to radiate beauty, remember to include heaps of salads, fruits and herbs in your diet, and keep food as lightly cooked as possible. – Singapore Straits Times / Asia News Network