HEALTHY FOOD · JANUARY 2019
THAT ARE GOOD FOR
YOU FROM THE INSIDE OUT
D
oes the idea of beauty food make you
cringe? Do you think there’s no way any food can
be that fantastic? What is it made of? We get it.
We thought the same thing, but it turns out there
are nutrient-dense foods that are actually good for
your outward appearance—like a beauty product—and good for
you on a cellular level. Who knew?
Beauty foods in their most basic form are nutrient-dense foods
that have anti-inflammatory properties that help keep our bodies
healthy from the inside out. Seriously! There are foods that act as
a magic elixir for the body.
Here's a bold and beautiful salad that is packed with good-for-you
yumminess.
A powerhouse salad like this one that’s filled with a healthy balance
of macronutrients (carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein) and
vitamins B and C, plus a healthy dose of minerals is just what
the doctor ordered. The ingredients are summer blueberries,
quinoa, spinach, pumpkin seeds, dark leafy greens, lemon
juice, hemp seeds, and fresh avocado. This salad does
everything: it leaves your skin glowing and smooth, strengthens
your hair and nails, and gives you clear eyes. Now you might be
wondering what makes it pack such a powerful punch. That comes
from each ingredient doing the work.
- PUMPKIN SEEDS; for example, have been shown to help
with antioxidant support, and they’re
loaded with essential minerals and have
unique antimicrobial benefits. They’ve
also been shown to have cardiovascular
benefits and can help with benign
prostatic hyperplasia, or prostate gland
enlargement. Pumpkin seeds are also
loaded with the mineral zinc, which is
crucial to having healthy skin, strong
hair, and strong healthy nails.
- SPINACH; as with all dark leafy
greens, is a great source of minerals
and antioxidants. It’s commonly known,
thanks to Popeye, that spinach is great for
bone and muscle health. Also, it contains
phytonutrients that are known to decrease
inflammation in the body and it keeps skin
healthy by fighting free radicals. In addition, spinach is a great
source of fiber that promotes a healthy digestive system and helps
control your appetite by keeping you full longer.
- LEMON: contains a healthy dose of
vitamin C. This vitamin travels through the
body to neutralize free radicals and protects
against inflammatory diseases such as
debilitating rheumatoid arthritis.
- AVOCADOS: are high in healthy fats
and fiber. They contain essential nutrients like
folic acid, magnesium, potassium, copper, and
manganese.
- BLUEBERRIES: are wonderful for
cardiovascular health. They promote good
eye health and cognitive benefits, and
provide overall antioxidant support.
- QUINOA: contains fiber, magnesium, zinc,
copper, and protein.
- HEMP SEEDS: are a great source of healthy fat and protein.
They can be thrown into any salad, shake, pasta dish, and just
about anything. They’re perfect for anyone who
wants to start a plant-based diet. They have a
nice, neutral flavor that makes them easy to
incorporate into any dish. A mere few teaspoons
contain a whopping eleven grams of protein.
By Monica Cure
39 HEALTHY MAGAZINE