We are what we eat, the skin is the largest organ of the body–so what you put in your body can affect your skin.
Healthy skin is resilient, elastic, firm and protected from environmental damage, like Ultraviolet sunrays, and smoking. For healthy overall skin you should provide your body with nutrients like Vitamins A, C and E—all of which can be found in a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits.
Vitamin A helps improve the structure of the epithelial cells, therefore rebuilding skin tissue. It can be found in dark leafy green vegetables, like spinach and kale (Fresh Greens, Sweet Greens, Mean Greens and Super Greens); in deep orange fruits like mango (Mint to Be smoothie); and vegetables like carrots (all of your “Roots” juices).
Vitamin C promotes collagen synthesis, strengthens blood vessels helps with wound healing. It is also an antioxidant that helps fight free-radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage collagen and cause skin dryness, fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, vegetables from the cabbage family, dark green vegetables, apples, blueberries, cantaloupe, strawberries, lettuce, coconut milk, papayas and mangoes (the juice and smoothie options here are lengthy! It won’t be hard to choose one). And don’t forget to add a power shot of ginger to your juice for an extra Vitamin C boost! Looks like most of the juices on the menu offer some sort of hearty dose of Vitamin C, and The Doc smoothie is completely Vitamin C packed.
Vitamin E is one of the body’s primary free radical fighters. It can protect cells and membranes from being destroyed. You body can’t produce Vitamin E so it is very important to take a supplement or get significant amounts of Vitamin E-rich foods in your diet! It can be found in leafy green vegetables—remember; think spinach and chard—as well as coconut milk (indulge in those smoothies!). Plus, wheat germ and wheat grass are a valuable source of Vitamin E. Adding a power shot of wheat grass is a quick way to supply the vitamin.