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l u f i t u a e A B Diet
THE TOP 5 BEAUTY MINERALS By Patricia Danflous
DID YOU KNOW THAT EATING CERTAIN FOODS CAN HELP PROCURE A MORE BEAUTIFUL APPEARANCE? BY CONSUMING FOODS RICH IN BEAUTY MINERALS YOU CAN MAINTAIN RADIANT,YOUTHFUL LOOKING SKIN! Silica Silica is one of the most widely known beauty minerals. Silica is found in the skin’s tissue. Older individuals typically have less silica in their tissues; this is because this mineral actually decreases as we age. It is a vital mineral for cell metabolism and formation. It increases skin elasticity and firmness, resulting in younger looking skin. Silica is also important for the structure and function of connective tissue and the maintenance of smooth skin, strong hair and nails. The body loses silica naturally through urination, hair loss and nail trimming, making it necessary to restore silica on a regular basis. Silica is found in large amounts in the earth’s crust, bamboo and in crystals, but the most commonly known edible source can be found in cucumbers. Lycopene Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant found in certain fruits like tomatoes. Antioxidant compounds support skin texture by reducing free radical damage that could potentially harm the skin. Lycopene creates strong cell connections that help block ultraviolet rays, reducing skin redness. This potent mineral also improves cell communication, causing cells to operate efficiently; this allows skin cells to repair and regenerate at a faster more proficient level. With all of this dynamic repair work taking place beneath the surface, your skin is certain to appear younger and healthier with fewer wrinkles. Vitamin C, E Vitamins C and E are some other well-known resources containing powerful antioxidants. Because free radicals can damage the skin’s delicate collagen and elastin, these vitamins are excellent additions to any beauty diet. They both can help repair and prevent free radical damage caused by over exposure to the sun and environmental pollution. They join forces to accomplish even more together; studies support that vitamin C enhances the protection over the skin when combined with vitamin E. Some good sources of vitamin E are sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach, peaches, tomatoes and avocados, while oranges, kale, parsley and green peppers contain vitamin C. Zinc and Copper Zinc and copper are essential trace elements needed by the body. They work best as a team to prevent pre-mature aging by protecting the skin against damage while repairing it as needed. Zinc works effectively on specific aspects of cellular metabolism functions, protein synthesis, cell division and cellular repair, which makes it an important anti-aging mineral. Copper is beneficial as it repairs and maintains connective tissue in the skin, heart and arteries. Individuals having a copper deficiency actually will show signs of pre-mature aging. Eat cashews, almonds and chickpeas to obtain copper. Zinc is ultimately found in meats like oysters and beef, but also in plant foods like pumpkin seeds, wheat germ, shiitake mushrooms, cacao and peanuts. Selenium Selenium is an important antioxidant mineral needed for beautiful, youthful skin. It increases tissue elasticity and helps prevent cell damage by free radicals. Like a shield, it protects the skin from excessive ultraviolet light. Some food sources of selenium are tuna, salmon, wheat germ, Brazilian nuts and garlic. Brazilian nuts are among the best source of selenium; just 5 nuts provide the sufficient daily value for most people.
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