Feeding your Skin and Hair the healthy way …
Being Beautiful is not only about flaunting glowing skin and lustrous hair, but also taking care of you body as a whole with a healthy and balanced diet.
We are so concerned about what we apply on our skin, equally important is what one puts inside the body as well! Though food stuffs available to consume are plenty, some group of foods are surely more beneficial than the rest.
Since Iftaar is the time where the main meal of the day is consumed, atleast few food stuff from each of these groups help to maintain the body’s metabolism. In Suhur, since the quantity of the food consumed is relatively lesser, more of fluids can be substituted.
1) Fruits-are a very rich source of vitamins and minerals. The ‘berry group” (blueberry, strawberry) are rich in antioxidants and are excellent for skin. Fruits like banana are rich in vitamin K. Watermelon and papayas also are a part of the diet to enjoy healthy hair.
2) Dairy products-preferably low fat ones. Labaan, yogurt and skimmed milk are essential to maintain the body’s hydration status. Soya milk has the highest protein content.
3) Oils-foods cooked in low fat oils aid in the metabolism. The extra virgin olive oil probably is one of the best.
4) Beverages-excess consumption of beverages is always inadvisable. The only exception to this rule is the Green tea. This ‘queen’ in the beverages has amazing anti-inflammatory properties.
5) Sea food-its great news for all the sea food lovers! From oysters (rich in skin-friendly minerals like zinc) to the variety of fishes(which all are abundant in vitamin A),all help in maintenance and repair of skin. If ever they are deficient in the body, skin related problems do manifest. They also supply body its essential fatty acids which maintain the natural oil barrier of the skin.
6) Nuts-a few nuts a day go a long way in giving the skin and hair a healthy glow. Walnuts, groundnuts are a few recommended ones.
7) Green leafy vegetables-are rich in vitamins, mainly vitamin C and E. These in-turn help in protection against the harsh effects of sun. Spinach, broccoli, are the few leafy ones which has to be mandatorily eaten.
8) Vegetables-are the main source of nutrients. There is an amazing array to eat from, and all have their role in maintenance of healthy skin. Bell peppers, cauliflower, carrots, capsicum…the list is endless!
9) Cereals- they supply the essential elements for the health of skin, hair and nails. Ex-Grains, whole meal breads (rich in selenium), oatmeal.
10) Lean meat, hard boiled eggs are almost complete sources of food. Red meat is rich in iron which is helpful for hair growth.
11) Water-last, and like the adage says, not the least. Minimum 8 glasses a day does the trick. Natural spring water has lots of minerals.
12) To avoid dehydration during fasting hours, drink ample amount of water before and after fasting. Ideally the body needs 8 glasses a day. Natural Spring water has lot of minerals.
So the next time you go to a supermarket, shop “smart and healthy” and soon your skin and hair will do the talking!!!!
Visit Kaya Skin Clinic (www.kayaclinic.com)
