You wouldn't believe me if I said you can drink your way to clear, glowing skin, but it's true with the right fruit and vegetable juices. The first step to achieving the radiant skin you would like is to look inward. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the liver plays a key role in determining the health of your skin. Why? The liver is responsible for eliminating toxins in the body. These toxins can come from alcohol, the environment, processed food, etc. The more toxins that the liver must process and eliminate, the more burdened it becomes recruiting other body parts (including the skin) to help in the elimination of those toxins. Ever notice a breakout after a night of drinking or a greasy pizza slice or two? The liver is overburdened!
In order to heal the liver and clean your skin, you can try to cut back on alcohol, drink more water, eat clean, un-processed foods and exercise regularly. A powerful way to get on the right track is drinking the right organic fruit and vegetable juices (like Living Juice's organic cold-pressed juices!). Here are some the key fruits and vegetables to drink to get the radiant, glowing skin you want:
1. Carrots
Carrots, like kale, contain carotenoids carotene and beta-carotene, powerful antioxidants that protect from inflammation and the breakdown of collagen. Collagen helps prevent fine lines and wrinkles, as well as other signs of aging.
2. Kale
Kale contains carotenoids, along with other vitamins and nutrients. Kale is also rich in phytonutrients, which help aid the liver in detoxification - meaning the liver can perform better and not outsource elimination of toxins to the skin.
3. Beets
Beets are known for their ability to heal damaged liver cells, through phytonutrients known as betalains. A healthy functioning liver can prevent dry, itchy, red skin, acne, dull or aging skin.
4. Celery
Celery, a hydrating and alkalizing veggie, is rich in trace mineral silica. Silica is required for the creation of collagen, a key ingredient in fortifying skin, hair and nails.
5. Lemon
Lemon juice is highly alkalizing, meaning that it aids in digestion and detoxification, which are beneficial to the skin in the long run. Vitamin C found in lemons also helps the liver to function.
6. Pineapple
Pineapples are not only sweet and delicious, but rich in vitamin C, key to helping the liver function and to the production of collagen. Pineapples also contain the enzyme bromelain, known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
7. Cucumber
When you think of a facial or spa treatment, you probably picture someone with their hair wrapped in a towel and cucumber slices over their eyes. Cucumbers have been a long-time mainstay of spas and skin treatments for their cool, refreshing and hydrating nature. Cucumbers are also high in the trace mineral silica, which is useful in fighting inflammation, found in skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
When juicing for healthy skin, it's important to remember that over-processed juices with added sugar will not provide the same benefits as cold-pressed, organic juices with no water added. Luckily, Living Juice's organic, cold-pressed fruit and vegetable juices have no added sugar and are never watered down. All of Living Juices contain some of the fruits and veggies listed above, so you can't go wrong with your choice! Green Vitality is packed with kale, cucumber, celery and lemon! Fresh Start is a tangy lemon juice with a kick of ginger. Red Radiance is filled with beets. Carrot Kick, naturally, is full of carrots and beets. Pineapple Punch helps boost your skin with kale and pineapple. If you're looking for healthy, clear and glowing skin, look no further than Living Juice!