Valentine's Day this year marked a very special anniversary for me; one year since my hubby surprised me with a juicer. After watching a special on PBS extolling the incredible health benefits associated with eating and drinking copious amounts of dark green veggies, I was inspired to turn over a new leaf!
So began my love affair with green juice. Every morning I toss handfuls of parsley, kale, spinach, cucumber and celery into my juicer, along with a green apple, a lemon and some fresh ginger. The delightfully tart, nutrient-loaded, dark-green elixir that comes out has been life changing.
The detoxifying and anti-aging effects of the juice were noticeable right from the start. I was sleeping better, eating less and felt way more energized than any working mom of a four year old has a right to. As if that wasn't amazing enough, then came the icing on the cake. My hair became shinier, my nails stronger and best of all, my skin took on a gorgeous, blemish-free glow that my face hadn't seen since high school.
The Beauty of Dark Greens
Never before had the direct connection between what I eat and how I look been more obvious. Perhaps the most concentrated source of nutrition of any foods on the planet, dark leafy greens are an incredibly rich source of vitamins, minerals and age-fighting phytochemicals. This translates to a host of beauty benefits.
Here are a few of the ways that dark leafy greens function to improve the state of your skin.
- Greens are high in vitamin A, which can help combat acne by slowing down the production of sebum. This skin-loving nutrient also helps flush out toxins and strengthens the skin’s protective tissue.
- The vitamin E found in leafy greens protects skin cells from free radical damage.
- Greens contain folate, a vital nutrient for DNA repair, which also helps produce and maintain new cells.
- Green leafy vegetables are rich in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant known for its ability to renew and repair the skin. It may also protect skin against sun damage.
- Leafy greens are loaded with disease-fighting phytochemicals, like chlorophyll which provides protection against free radicals that can cause your skin to age. The darker the green the more chlorophyll it contains.
- Greens are rich in lutein, a powerful antioxidant which boosts hydration levels, helps to improve elasticity and protects against sun damage.
- The vitamin C found in many green leafy vegetables helps the body produce collagen, a key factor in maintaining healthy skin and hair as you age.
