7 Beautifying Foods For Inside And Out
The winter in Ontario has been a long and cold one, and we at Pure + simple cannot wait till the bright colours and warm days of spring are among us again! While we’ve been working hard to keep our skin in good shape throughout the winter, with spring’s arrival we’ve been feeling the need to switch up our routines to welcome the new season and give our skin a spring glow. Because we’re firm believers that what we eat directly influences our complexions, approaching this task from our kitchens seemed like the perfect place to start. Keep reading for a list of our favourite skin-boosting foods and tips for incorporating them into your daily diets!
1. Pomegranate
Not only are pomegranate arils delicious, they are also full of skin-loving properties. Eating pomegranates has been known to lower the stress hormone cortisol, stimulate collagen with its high vitamin C content, and fight free radicals. In skincare, pomegranate extracts encourage cell regeneration and promote antioxidant action. For those reasons, it is one of the star ingredients in our Cellular Repair Face Cream and Holistic Vanity Soothing Pomegranate Seed Lotion.
How to enjoy: Add a few pomegranate arils to any salad for a sweet antioxidant crunch!
2. Ginger
This ingredient is hot, hot, hot! When ingested, this warming root increases circulation, combats mucous accumulation, and aids digestion. It is often used as a remedy for colds as it contains powerful antiviral properties and can assist detoxification by encouraging healthy sweating. These stimulating and circulation-boosting qualities also make it a perfect revitalizing ingredient in skincare. It’s spring revival at its best!
How to enjoy: Ginger tea is our go-to beverage in the winter. Simply grate fresh ginger and add it to boiling water with your favourite all-natural sweetener. Add a slice of lemon to really boost its flavour. It’s the perfect warming treat for a cold day!
3. Saffron
Spice up your kitchen with the highly coveted saffron! Known as the most expensive spice in the world, saffron comes from the dried stigmas of the Crocus stivus Linnaeus flower and is harvested by hand. High in vitamin B2, B6, C, and magnesium, it is traditionally used as a medicinal herb to aid digestion, lower blood pressure, and assist the metabolic processes in the liver. Studies show that it can also help boost our mood and energy, making it the perfect spice to get us through the last legs of winter. Grind this exotic ingredient and mix it in a mask to reduce blemishes and keep pores clean!
How to enjoy: Kitchari is a detoxifying and easy-to-digest Ayurvedic dish that has traditionally been used for cleansing systematic toxins. Adding saffron gives this comfort food an extra balancing boost! Click here for a saffron kitchari recipe.
4. Honey
We can always trust honey to satisfy our sweet tooth! This natural sweetener is not only a delicious way to dress up our food, but is also a great immune-booster. It has long been used as a medicinal ingredient as it is an effective antimicrobial and wound healer. In skincare, honey is a dearly-loved ingredient as it is a natural humectant, meaning it naturally prevents moisture loss. That’s why it is a key ingredient in our Collagen Elastin serums! Check out our previous post to see how we use it in our DIY masks!
How to enjoy: There are countless ways to use honey, but we suggest drizzling it on your morning oats/granola, using it as a baking ingredient, and even for roasting veggies.
5. Kefir
Fermented with lactic acid and bacterial cultures, kefir is an excellent source of calcium and vitamins. It is also an excellent source of probiotics, which work to regulate our intestinal tract and digestion as well as help stave off infections. When used on the skin, the lactic acid found in kefir naturally digests dead skin cells to reveal brighter, more even skin tones.
How to enjoy: Kefir can be enjoyed as a probiotic drink similar to yoghurt, but if you’re not a fan of the taste, it can also be mixed into smoothies.
6. Rooibos
We love rooibos tea! This caffeine-free herbal plant is rich in flavonoids that can relieve cramps and indigestion. It is also a soothing anti-inflammatory. While rooibos isn’t incredibly common in skincare, using a compress infused with our Rooibos Tea Blend can help calm the skin and bring down redness.
How to enjoy: Simply steep 1-2 teaspoons of our Rooibos Tea Blend for 5-7 minutes. Add dairy (or dairy substitute) and sweetener if desired.
7. Turmeric
Our list wouldn’t be complete without this powerful Ayurvedic staple! Turmeric is another spice that aids digestion, but its benefits don’t end there. Turmeric is credited as an excellent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial spice that can prevent bloating and ease menstrual cramps. It helps soothe acne, rashes, and eczema when used on the skin.
How to enjoy: Turmeric is incredibly versatile. Sprinkle it on your veggies and in soups for an extra nourishing kick, or simply enjoy it in curries. It is also in our Holistic VaniTea Clarifying Tea!
