Health and beauty are created from the inside out, says David Wolfe, a leading proponent of a raw food diet and eating vegetables and fruits. In his book Eating for Beauty , Wolfe discusses the beautifying qualities of specific foods based on experience, science, history, intuition and lore.
According to Wolfe, beautifying foods all have one or more of the following qualities:
- high concentrations of the minerals sulfur, silicon, zinc, iron and/or manganese
- an alkalai reaction in the body (to counter the acidity of meats, roots and seeds)
- anti-parasitic effects
- high level of antioxidants (especially vitamins A, C and E) and
- anti-infammatory properties.
Did you know that eating onions, chives, leeks and other members of the allium family can alleviate varicose veins? Or that cucumbers contain the enzyme erepsin, which helps rid the kidneys of excessive proteins and kills tapeworms?
Here is a look at four other foods that have exceptional regenerative properties and can be called “beauty foods": cocouts, burdrock root, hemp seeds and turmeric.
Coconuts are Similar to Human Blood Plasma
“Coconuts are one of the greatest gifts on the planet,” says Wolfe. “No matter where you are, what you have done, how much you have mistreated your body, fresh young coconuts and coconut oil can save your life.” The tender meat of the young coconut can restore oxidative tissue damage, rejuvenating the skin; and its water is one of the highest sources of electrolytes found in nature, similar to human blood plasma.
Burdock Root is a Great Purifier
“Ayurvedic philosophy considers burdock roots to be one of nature’s great skin cleansers and best blood purifiers,” says Wolfe. Burdock Root is very concentrated in vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C and in the beauty minerals of iron, manganese, silicon and zinc. It is anti-inflammatory (a great antidote to skin challenges such as acne, abscesses, rashes, eczema and psoriasis), stimulates digestive juices and increases kidney function.
Hemp Seeds are Nutritionally Complete
Hemp seeds are one of the most nutritionally complete foods on the planet Earth,” says Wolfe. They contain all nine essential amino acids in a favorable ratio and 26 different minerals, including all five of the beauty minerals plus high concentrations of phosphorus, potassium and magnesium. Hemp seeds are 36.6 percent protein, and hempseed oil contains the exact ratio of essential fatty acids—one part omega-3 to three parts omega-6.
Turmeric is Nature's Internal Cosmetic
“The spice turmeric is well renowned as nature’s internal cosmetic,” says Wolfe. “Generally considered a restorative food, turmeric displays strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer and anti-microbial characteristics.” Turmeric has antioxidant properties, is a first-class blood purifier, adds juiciness to dry skin and profoundly effects the complexion.
“One who eats for beauty becomes a work of art in progress,” says Wolf. Regardless of one’s genetic code, it’s possible to reshape and remake the body.
Sylvia Somerville - Since 1976, I have been writing and editing books, feature articles, news columns, newsletters and business materials. My credits range ...
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