We all have lofty aspirations when it comes to healthy eating, but most of us dip in and out of our ‘routine’ when it suits us.
When I ‘dip out’ however, my skin suffers and I feel (and look!) haggard. To counteract this, I try and munch through as many of these top seven foods as I can on a daily basis. Add them to your diet as snacks, sides, salad toppings, soup and smoothie ingredients for a health and beauty boost at every meal.
1. Organic eggs
Properties
- They have nine essential amino acids and lower cholesterol.
- Contain Choline for your brain function, nervous and cardiovascular system.
- Contain vitamin D.
- Contain Lutein for healthy eyes.
Tip: Buy eggs locally to ensure they are free-range from farmers who live somewhere close to you or stockists that have sourced local producers.
2. Blueberries and Cherries
Properties
- Protect your neurological functions.
- Relieves the symptoms of joint pain.
- Improve urinary tract health.
- Full of antioxidants.
- Prevent the body’s insulin levels from spiking.
Tip: If you don’t like some varieties, pop them in with your favourite berries into a smoothie. When you blend the mixture, you’ll hardly notice the difference.
3. Chlorella
Properties
- This fresh water algae plant is nicknamed the ‘near-perfect food’.
- It boosts the immune system.
- Increases energy levels.
- Balances pH levels in the body and freshens the breath.
- Improves your digestion, especially if constipation is an issue.
Tip: Chlorella is available in supplement form. If you have metal fillings in your teeth or have had many health vaccines, it may help to detox your body from these elements. Make sure you drink A LOT of water while taking it to help with the detox.
4. Broccoli
Properties
- Heals the body’s sensitivities to inflammatory foods.
- Has the highest amount of Isothiocyanates, the cancer-fighting property in all crunchy veggies.
- Improves liver health due to it’s antioxidant properties.
- Broccoli is a potent veggie and little amounts of it can improve digestion and kerb overeating.
- It has a high fibre content and is great for the gut.
Tip: This is a great food to eat if you are working out or beginning an exercise routine of any type. Broccoli promotes muscle growth to support the organs in the body.
5. Garlic
Properties
- Anti-bacterial
- Anti-fungal
- Anti-viral
- Fights off yeast infections, viruses and parasites.
- It regulates blood flow in the body via the blood vessels especially those of the heart.
- Fights off possible cancer-causing toxins in the body.
Tip: If you want to get the full benefits of garlic try this: smash up one clove of garlic on it’s own. Wait a few minutes before eating it. This will allow the health promoting Allicin in the vegetable to form.
6. Green leafy veg
Properties
- Packed with Vitamin C.
- Eliminate free radicals in the body.
- Slow down wear and tear of the body’s DNA strands.
- Has a high level of Biophotons (active energy particles) that transfer energy to the body.
- Contain high levels of Vitamin K which is linked to vascular health.
Tip: Buy organic green veggies as they have a higher nutrient content than other varieties. Try this great recipe to whet your appetite for greeny goodness.
7. Whey protein
Properties
- It’s quite complex (even for me) but Whey contains bucket loads of Glutathione which improves the health of sufferers of chronic illness by increasing the levels of this substance in the body.
- It is a powerful antioxidant.
- It helps to repair torn muscles after exercise.
- It tastes great!
Tip: Include it in your morning smoothie if you’re not in love with it’s natural flavour… or buy a flavoured variety. Yum.
Say ‘hello’ to youthful skin and improved body function. These sexy moisturisers will aid the process, too.
