Living (Sri Lanka)

Irresistib­le fruits

- BY Yasmin Helal

Fruits are delicious not only to eat; your skin will love them as much as your stomach! Certain tropical fruits like banana, papaya and mango are abundant; they’re easily found in Sri Lanka all year round. Fruits contain all the nutritiona­l value that plants have to offer. But compared to other healthy options, they are sweet, delicious and hard to resist.

So don’t deprive your stomach or skin of such a healthy treat!

These masks are suitable for both skin and hair. If you’re applying them to your skin, make sure you do so after washing and exfoliatin­g because otherwise, the pores will not be cleansed and may not absorb all the nutrients.

BANANA

You may not know this: your hair and skin have been longing for a ripe banana

You can use a banana in your recipe and mix it with other ingredient­s like yoghurt or honey S Bananas are great for the body because they’re rich in vitamins B6 and C (which add elasticity to the skin)

Bananas also contain antioxidan­ts and vitamin A

Bananas contain deep conditioni­ng and hydrating agents – so they will leave your hair feeling soft and looking shiny

A hair mask that includes banana will also increase hair growth – it reduces split ends as well as frizziness

PAPAYA

Papaya is rich in nutrients that your hair and skin will benefit from S They contain vitamin A, the enzyme papain and anti-inflammato­ry agents S Eating papaya will enhance your complexion, reduce acne and slow premature ageing

Papaya will also make your skin firm – and remove fine lines, scars and blemishes

Other nutrients that papaya contains – like vitamin C, beta-carotene, magnesium, potassium and copper – will support healthy hair growth and leave it smooth and shiny when applied on your hair

Papaya also reduces the buildup of oil and impurities on the scalp that cause dandruff

MANGO

You can use only mangoes for your homemade mask or add other ingredient­s like eggs or milk

The collagen rich agents of mangoes are great moisturise­rs that prevent premature ageing when used on the skin

Mangoes also help cleanse your skin and unclog pores S The organic substances in the fruit (like vitamins A and C) help tone and rejuvenate the skin

Papaya promotes hair growth and reduces dandruff when applied on the hair

Fruits contain all the nutritiona­l value that plants have to offer

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