3 SMOOTHIES FOR FIRMER AND GLOWING SKIN

At Ellora Skincare® we understand that the roots of healthy skin are not just skin deep, they are way deeper.

Contrary to popular belief, our skin is connected to every system in the body - from cardiovascular and digestive systems to muscular, reproductive, endocrine, lymphatic, nervous, urinary, and skeletal systems. All must work in synergy for total body health.

Therefore healthy skin is a function of our overall health. Good nutrition that provides all necessary nutrients, physical activity, stress release, and a well-informed skincare routine are all key to healthy and good-looking skin.

A diet rich in fruit and veg will keep our cells well hydrated and provide them with all vital nutrients. This in turn will empower our bodies to heal and repair themselves faster.

As most of us live very busy lifestyles, it is a common thing for our diets to get imbalanced.

A great way to balance our diet back is to add more fruit and veg. It is easier said than done some of you would say.

An easy trick would be to add a smoothie as a snack. It will hydrate your skin and body from the inside out and also supply vital nutrients, fiber, and minerals.

Here are some basic facts about smoothies:

• Smoothies are easy, very quick, require minimal washing up, and are great for busy people who would love a healthy twist to their diets.

• Smoothies are a great source of fiber, vitamins, nutrients, and electrolytes.

• Smoothies are made using a blender, which mixes the ingredients into a liquid.

• Smoothies are thicker and more filling than juices, as they contain all the pulp from the fruit and veg plus any extra ingredients you add.

• You can use all kinds of fresh or frozen fruit and veg and add all kinds of powders, seeds, nuts, yogurt, and anything else in your cupboard.

• To make a smoothie you will need some kind of liquid base - milk, nut milk, oat milk, coconut water.

# 1

CELLULAR HYDRATION SMOOTHIE

½ cup unsweetened pomegranate juice

½ cup soy milk or milk

½ cup blueberries (fresh or unsweetened frozen)

1 tbsp lecithin granules

1 tbsp ground flaxseed

1 tbsp amla (Indian gooseberries) powder

1 tbsp honey (optional)

Ice cubes (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth.

Blueberries are high in antioxidants, fiber, and nutrients. Together, these may support your skin's ability to fight inflammation related to acne, psoriasis, eczema, and premature aging.

Amla or Indian gooseberry powder is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C. Amla is also known to aid in digestion, balance stomach acids, keep urinary infections at bay, and strengthen the heart and lungs.

Flaxseeds are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids that keep the skin moisturized and smooth, they also contain lignans and antioxidants that help in the prevention of fine lines and wrinkles. Flaxseeds too are high in high protein and fibre content.

Lecithin, a chemical cousin of Vitamin B, is an essential building block of the lipid layer surrounding the cells and forms the foundation of the cell membrane. Lecithin is so vital to the integrity of the cell walls that the body is equipped to manufacture its own supply. Lecithin can be found in a lot of the products that you may already eat, like egg yolk, liver, cabbage, and soya beans.

# 2

THE ESSENTIALS OF GOOD SKIN SMOOTHIE

4 tbsp rolled oats

1 cup milk or coconut water

1 pear (with the peel)

1 apple (with the peel)

½ banana

1 tbsp walnuts

1 tbsp sunflower seeds

1 tsp honey (optional)

1tsp Brewer’s yeast

Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth.

Apples contain a variety of phytochemicals, including quercetin, catechin, phloridzin, and chlorogenic acid, all of which are strong antioxidants. In the laboratory, apples have been found to have very strong antioxidant activity, inhibit lipid oxidation, and lower cholesterol.

Pears have many active compounds, e.g., flavonoids, triterpenoids, and phenolic acids including arbutin, chlorogenic acid, malaxinic acid, etc. Most of the researchers agree that the beneficial compounds are concentrated in the peels. From various in vitro, in vivo, and human studies, some of the medicinal functions of pears can be summarized as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and skin-brightening effects.

Walnuts are not only a delicious snack, but they can also be good for your skin. Walnuts contain high levels of essential fatty acids, which help to keep the skin moisturized and prevent premature wrinkles. Additionally, the antioxidants in walnuts can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Walnuts are also a good source of zinc, which is necessary for healthy skin cell growth.

Brewer’s yeast is a type of yeast that is often used in brewing beer. However, this versatile ingredient can also be used to benefit your skin. Brewer’s yeast is rich in B vitamins - thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), folic acid (B9), biotin (B7) which are essential for healthy skin, hair and nails. In addition, this yeast helps to balance the pH levels of the skin and can even help to fight acne. If you are looking for a natural way to improve the health of your skin, Brewer’s yeast is worth trying.

# 3

THE VIT 'A' BOOSTER SMOOTHIE

1 cup diced cantaloupe

1 cup full-fat milk (or soy/coconut milk)

1 organic carrot (peeled)

1 sweet red pepper

1 leaf of romaine lettuce

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp lecithin granules

1 tsp honey (optional)

Vitamin A is essential for good skin health. It helps to keep skin cell turnover, which helps to prevent the build-up of dead skin cells that can lead to dull, dry skin. Vitamin A also helps to reduce inflammation and can even help to reduce the appearance of acne. One way to get vitamin A is through provitamin A, which is found in green and yellow fruits and vegetables. Provitamin A is converted into vitamin A in the body, making it an important source of this nutrient. Eating a diet rich in provitamin A can help to keep your skin looking its best.

The cantaloupe is a type of melon that is high in water content, making it a refreshing and hydrating food. It is also a good source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from damage. Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A in the body, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Vitamin A helps to promote cell turnover and fight inflammation, both of which are important for keeping the skin looking its best. So next time you're looking for a healthy snack, reach for a cantaloupe!

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8409479/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8409479/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323245#benefits

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/309834