SUPERFOODS & THEIR BENEFITS

By Morgane Nyfeler

The superfoods you need in your routine

If beauty comes from within, looking after what goes into your body might just change how your skin looks on the outside. There’s a multitude of super foods rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can easily be added to your diet and your cooking routine to make your skin and hair glow from the inside out.

Here are 6 powerful nutrients to include on your grocery list.

SEAWEED

Algae and other sea vegetables are full of minerals boosting immunity and protecting the skin from external aggressions and inflammations. Made principally of water, they are a great hydrating base whilst also keeping the moisture inside the body thanks to a high rate of humectants. Nori sheets found in sushis for example are packed with omega-3s and pure protein creating a plump, smooth face and preventing the skin from ageing. You can also use sea plants like wakame, spirulina, and kombu to sprinkle on your salads and smoothies.

Chia seeds

A favourite ingredient to put in porridge and pudding, chia seeds not only contains more omega-3 acids than salmon to protect your skin and increase circulation, they also make you feel fuller for longer and keep your hunger levels under control. One spoonful of these little seeds make for a complete protein meal so important for skin, hair and nails, and give you all the calcium and zinc needed for flawless, glowy skin.

SEAWEED SKINCARE BENEFITS

Algae and other sea vegetables are full of minerals boosting immunity and protecting the skin from external aggressions and inflammations. Made principally of water, they are a great hydrating base whilst also keeping the moisture inside the body thanks to a high rate of humectants. Nori sheets found in sushis for example are packed with omega-3s and pure protein creating a plump, smooth face and preventing the skin from ageing. You can also use sea plants like wakame, spirulina, and kombu to sprinkle on your salads and smoothies.

GOJI BERRIES

These bright red berries are a good source of vitamins C & D as well as antioxidants preventing your skin from breaking out and boosting your immune system. Secretly known as the “longevity fruit”, gojis are natural anti-aging nutrient that protect against skin damage and helps with faster healing. Eaten every morning in yoghurt, they are part of a healthy beauty diet keeping the skin young and energised.

Coconut oil

Just as olive oil, coconut oil detains lauric acid that helps to burn stored fat and bad cholesterol in your body. Used in small quantities to fry food or bake healthy sweets, these saturated fats regenerate cells faster for gorgeous skin, while also providing energy and activating the metabolism. Added to smoothies, coconut oil will help other nutrients get ingested better by your organism.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

The raw, unrefined apple cider vinegar helps to keep a steady balance in your body acids and maintain a neutral pH, which will then revitalise your skin. It’s also efficient for digestion and getting rid of nasty bacteria so your body, just as your skin, can function better and feel healthier. Give your homemade dressings a splash of this apple elixir to cleanse your guts and stock up in potassium.

Chia seeds SKINCARE BENEFITS

A favourite ingredient to put in porridge and pudding, chia seeds not only contains more omega-3 acids than salmon to protect your skin and increase circulation, they also make you feel fuller for longer and keep your hunger levels under control. One spoonful of these little seeds make for a complete protein meal so important for skin, hair and nails, and give you all the calcium and zinc needed for flawless, glowy skin.

GOJI BERRIES SKINCARE BENEFITS

These bright red berries are a good source of vitamins C & D as well as antioxidants preventing your skin from breaking out and boosting your immune system. Secretly known as the “longevity fruit”, gojis are natural anti-aging nutrient that protect against skin damage and helps with faster healing. Eaten every morning in yoghurt, they are part of a healthy beauty diet keeping the skin young and energised.

FOR mature skin

Depending on your target both Citric Acid and Retinol work for maturing skin. Citric acid is great as a brightening formula for the skin, especially if you are looking to revive dull skin. Retinol works as an ingredient to diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles as well as improving uneven skin tone and smoothening of the skin’s surface.

FOR dry skin

It is best to avoid acids on dry skin because the skin’s barrier is weak, so for dry skin working with hydrating products is highly preferred over acids.

FOR dehydrated skin

Hyaluronic Acid is your skin’s best friend when it comes to hydration and as a naturally occurring sugar molecule it can absorb and retain moisture within the skin. Absorbing moisture like a sponge, it pulls hydration towards the skin instead of withdrawing from it. In conjunction with a moisturiser, the acid will provide the necessary hydration that your skin needs.

Coconut oil SKINCARE BENEFITS

Just as olive oil, coconut oil detains lauric acid that helps to burn stored fat and bad cholesterol in your body. Used in small quantities to fry food or bake healthy sweets, these saturated fats regenerate cells faster for gorgeous skin, while also providing energy and activating the metabolism. Added to smoothies, coconut oil will help other nutrients get ingested better by your organism.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR SKINCARE BENEFITS

The raw, unrefined apple cider vinegar helps to keep a steady balance in your body acids and maintain a neutral pH, which will then revitalise your skin. It’s also efficient for digestion and getting rid of nasty bacteria so your body, just as your skin, can function better and feel healthier. Give your homemade dressings a splash of this apple elixir to cleanse your guts and stock up in potassium.