SKIN FOOD Discover how to achieve that much-desired bridal glow the natural way, through a healthy diet of skin-loving foods Flawless, blemish-free skin is high on the priority list for many brides wanting to look and feel their big-day best. There’s a world of popular skincare advice out there from variations on the daily three-step routine to alternative products, but the impact that food has on our long-term skin health is often overlooked. Healthy skin is a sign of a healthy body so it’s worth knowing what foods can help protect, nourish and encourage a gorgeous complexion. County Wedding Magazines’ beauty editor Kelly Andrews chatted to expert nutritionists Minal Sudra and Elizabeth Andrews from Wedding Wellness to find out more. Here, they share their skin-loving food suggestions to help you glow from the inside out. CONTACT OUR EXPERTS Wedding Wellness offers bespoke services for brides and couples, to help you reach your health and wellness goals in the lead up to your big day. Always consult a professional if you have any specific skin concerns or medical conditions for personalised support. Check out www.wedding-wellness.co.uk OLIVE OIL Fats are often associated with high cholesterol and weight gain, however certain fats are essential for good health, namely Omega 3 and 6 found in olive oil. With its anti-inflammatory properties it can help to calm damage in the body, boost brain health, contribute to effective hormone production and maintain healthy cell function, while supporting the skin’s natural barrier, leaving it looking dewy and nourished. NUTS AND SEEDS Vitamin E is widely used in skincare products due to its powerful antioxidant capabilities. It does this by safely trapping free radicals that otherwise cause damage within the body. By acting as a mediator between harmful substances and our natural defence systems, it can help calm irritation and redness, prevent blemishes and protect against environmental damage. The oils naturally found in sunflower seeds along with other nuts and seeds such as almonds and pumpkin seeds, are a great source of vitamin E for the skin. BERRIES Berries such as blackberries, blueberries, acia and strawberries are some of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. A rich source of antioxidants and vitamins, consuming a handful of these little treasures regularly can help reduce oxidative damage that may contribute to signs of ageing. Mix up the colour and types you eat to get a variety of phytonutrients. CARROTS The chemical compound or phytonutrient that gives carrots their vibrant colour is known as carotene, a powerful antioxidant. This is a natural form of vitamin A that supports the growth and quality of new cells, contributing to healthy skin cell renewal and helping to achieve that post-facial glow. When eaten with a healthy fat such as butter or olive oil, carrots will help the body to absorb vitamin A more efficiently. TURMERIC One of the best-known superfoods, turmeric is a powerhouse of medicinal properties beyond skin care. It’s a great spice to include in meals or hot drinks in the winter to fight against infection. Interestingly, it’s a traditional custom for an Indian bride to have a paste made with turmeric applied to her skin, helping to promote a calm, natural glow for the main event. Turmeric is also a great natural remedy sometimes used topically to treat skin blemishes and acne. CUCUMBER Foods that are high in water such as cucumber, are a great way to keep the body hydrated. Water helps the body to naturally flush away toxins that can result in breakouts if left harbouring. Water also aids the gut in functioning normally and prevents constipation, which if left unmanaged, has direct implications with the skin. Other foods that are high in water and will help you to help stay hydrated include watermelon, grapefruit, grapes and celery. What’s more, these foods also contain fibre that further support gut health, and vitamin C to help brighten and protect the skin further. ROCKET Rough, dry, congested skin may be a sign of toxin build up. Cruciferous vegetables such as rocket, aid the liver to detoxify the body and help eliminate the build up of toxins that can present as outbreaks on the skin. Dark greens such as rocket also contain chlorophyll, which is also one of the best-known antioxidants found in food, further protecting the skin from breakouts and damage. WEDDING WELLNESS 63
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