Drink your way to healthier hair, eyes and skin
I recently made a commitment to avoid sugary, chemically processed drinks—especially soda—and replace them with natural drinks. According to The Sugar Detox Diet book, sugar is a major source of advanced visible aging, not to mention a host of diseases. Limiting intake is beneficial to my skin, hair and body. So I took a sip of my first green smoothie and was shocked by the mild and refreshing flavor.
With the right ingredients in the proper portions, smoothies can be extremely beneficial to health and beauty. According to Brooke Alpert, MS, RD, CDN, and author of The Sugar Detox Diet, you must pay attention to sugar content and size to ensuring that you are not over indulging. The best way to keep track of the ingredients and size is to do create your own concoctions at home.
Here we offer focused recipes that target three important features of youth: hair, eyes and skin health.
DIY Smoothie for Hair: Kale, apples and lemons are a great combo and a great benefit for your body. Kale provides the iron your hair needs to grow longer and also encourages the blood flow to your scalp. Lemons provide dandruff relief and any buildup or harmful chemicals that were placed in your hair. For those who are not interested in the taste of kale, throw in those slices of apple and green grapes for a sweeter treat.
- 3 large kale leaves plus stems
- ½ red delicious apple
- ¼ cup of fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup green grapes
DIY Smoothie for Eyes: Carrots contain beta-carotene, a substance that the body converts to Vitamin A that is important for eye health. Fruits that are rich in Vitamin C like strawberries help to reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration and cataracts. Almonds which are filled with Vitamin E are good for macular degeneration. Best source of Lutein is found in spinach and can help to prevent blindness. Greek Yogurt is added for a rich, thick and delicious texture.
- 1 cup of water
- 1 whole carrot, peeled
- ½ cup of strawberries
- 1 dozen almonds
- 1 cup of spinach
- ¼ cup of Greek yogurt
DIY Smoothie for Skin: Being that the coconut is high in lauric acid and Vitamin E it is the perfect go to for healthier skin. Almond milk is packed with vitamins and minerals and an excellent antioxidant. Bananas are filled with vitamin C which plays an important role in maintaining the integrity of your skin. Here’s a smoothie recipe for the best skin.
- ¼ cup of Greek Yogurt
- 4 ounces of water
- 4 ounces of unsweetened almond milk
- ½ frozen banana cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon of shredded unsweetened coconut
- 4 ice cubes
– Diana Dias; Cruzan Native, desperately seeking a naturally fuller head of hair
