Eat (and Drink) the Rainbow for Radiant Beauty

I love talking, reading, and writing about the role a healthy diet can play in enhancing the natural beauty all women possess. Love it.

Fortunately for me, there are plenty of studies out there showcasing the many benefits different foods and nutrients have on our appearance. Pubmed and CLIO are my Dylan's Candy Bar. Some foods, beverages, and supplements can help treat acne, prevent skin aging and protect skin from the effects of the sun, increase elasticity, improve hydration, and so much more. Because of my own ongoing battle with skin issues, the role of nutrition in the appearance and health of skin is something I am always eager to learn more about.

One of the most intriguing studies I found, which garnered quite a bit of media attention when it was first published, took a look at how changes in the amount of fruits and vegetables people eat affect the color of their skin. The amount of fruit and vegetables they ate was tracked over six weeks to see if eating more or less fruits and vegetables would lead to more or less yellow and red coloring to their skin. Eating more fruits and vegetables did increase the redness and yellowness of their skin.

Having more yellow and red pigments in the skin is typically seen as healthy and attractive. It gives the appearance of a rosy glow and golden radiance. After reading this study a few years back, I upped my daily fruits and veggies by having a daily smoothie packed full of as much colorful produce I could get my hands on. It seemed to be working.

Near the end of the summer last year I was waiting for the bus when a man approached me and told me he thought I had beautiful skin. A few times after that different people echoed his remark saying things like, "Your skin is a beautiful color." or "You have a lovely complexion." I know for some people these comments are commonplace, but I have battled with skin issues off and on for years so these compliments were quite foreign to me. As the weather got cooler I stopped drinking smoothies as much and stopped eating as many raw fruits and veggies. My skin definitely suffered. But I'm back on track!

Over the next week or so, I will be sharing different smoothie recipes I have come up with over the last two years, each a different color, each full of phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, water, fiber, and healthy fats. They are tasty, good for your health, and according to the science could also enhance your beauty by making you glow from the inside out.