Food for beauty

A healthy, balanced diet, that supplies the body with the essential nutrients, promotes both good health and beauty. Smooth skin, lustrous hair, bright eyes, slim figure and vitality owe much more to our diets than we know.

So, take a good look at your diet. A part of your daily diet must consist of fresh fruits and vegetables, eaten raw, with the skin, as far as possible. Yoghurt is also a wonderful beauty food, while skimmed milk and paneer can be included. Vegetables should be lightly cooked. Take enough green leafy vegetables, like spinach.  Fruit and vegetable juices, freshly extracted are ideal. They not only ensure a supply of valuable nutrients, but are assimilated and absorbed by the body very easily. They also help to cleanse and purify the system and prevent the accumulation of toxic residues. Fruit and vegetable juices are best taken freshly extracted, with the addition of water.

Some items in your diet may need to be eliminated. Among these, one of the most prominent is sugar, which is said to have a detrimental effect on protein. So cut down on sugar. Processed foods are also a no-no. They contain many additives and preservatives which spell damage for the health. It is better to stick to simple, natural foods. Avoid foods with no nutritional value, like food items made with white flour or corn flour, like cakes, biscuits, pasta and so on. Cut down on milk and milk products, like processed cheese.

The improper elimination of wastes can lead to clogged pores and acne. If you have an oily skin that is prone to blackheads, spots and pimples, ensure that your diet contains enough fibre. Cut down your intake of sugar, starch and fried foods. Increase your intake of raw foods, like fresh fruits, raw salads and sprouts. Stick to whole grains and drink enough water and fresh fruit juices. Take the juice of one lemon first thing in the morning to cleanse the system.

The same goes for the hair. Nutritional deficiency is one of the most common causes of hair loss. The daily diet is as important for the hair as it is for every part of the body.  Apart from proteins, the daily diet must supply the body with adequate amounts of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, as well as enough enzymes for the proper breakdown and utilization of proteins.

Biotin, one of the B-Vitamins and essential fatty acids are also important for the hair. The essential fatty acids help to promote hair growth and are available in fish, flaxseed, flaxseed oil, walnuts and soyabean. Biotin is present in eggs, wholegrains and liver. The B-Complex Vitamins are extremely important for the hair. It has been seen that vitamins not only maintain the health and shine of the hair, but also protect it from age-related changes. Adequate quantities of the B-Vitamins can help to prevent and control common complaints like dandruff. However, one should consult a doctor before making changes in the diet, especially if there is any medical condition or disease.

Your daily diet must consist of fresh fruits and vegetables, eaten raw and with the skin as far wherever possible, as this ensures a proper supply of vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Leafy green vegetables are important. Protein can be obtained from lean meats, fish, egg, paneer, yogurt, dals, peas, beans and nuts. Lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, radish, cabbage, apples, oranges, grapes, pineapple, grapefruit and so on can easily be added to salads. Add nuts and seeds. Lemon juice, mint and green coriander can be added as a low calorie dressing. Yogurt is a wonder food as far as the hair is concerned. Fresh fruit and vegetable juices can also be taken.

Overcooked, fried foods, confectionary items and aerated drinks provide empty calories, and no nutritional value while coffee and alcohol lead to a depletion of vitamins.