Fall is my absolute favorite season for beauty foods, and I love to use these months to enrich my diet with options that can help minimize any damage from heat or sun exposure in the summer. Try adding one of the foods listed below to your diet every week for glowing, fresh, healthy skin from the inside out.
Apples: Apples are high in pectin, a type of fiber that helps boost detoxification (perfect after one too many Frose’s on the beach this summer). They are also high in quercetin, an antioxidant that helps repair and defends against free-radical and UV damage. Keep the peel on for added beauty benefits – it contains phytochemicals that help protect against premature aging. I love to pair apple slices with almond butter for a skin-loving healthy snack!
Broccoli: When your parents told you to eat your broccoli as a child, you should have listened! Broccoli is super high in Vitamin C, an essential co-factor for the production of new collagen in the skin. It’s also high in Vitamin K, a vitamin which helps prevent dark circles under the eyes, and is vital for Vitamin D absorption. Roast in the oven in coconut oil until golden and crispy for maximum beauty and taste benefits…
Cranberries: Cranberries are Fall’s highest source of antioxidants, including anthocyanin, which protects our skin’s collagen and helps to manage inflammation. They are also rich in flavonoids which helps reduce UV and free radical damage. Skip the sugar-laden cranberry sauce and try fresh cranberries as a pop of color and flavor in your favorite salad.
Oysters: Oyster season starts in September and I highly recommend making the most of these months as oysters are so nutrient-dense. Just 3 oysters provide the RDA for zinc, a nutrient that is needed for collagen formation and tissue healing, and that helps prevent acne and breakouts. Steer clear of breaded and deep-fried oysters to avoid inflammatory oils, and choose raw in the shell.
Pumpkin: It wouldn’t be a Fall foods list without pumpkin! Pumpkin and all of our Fall/Winter squashes are a great way of adding gut-healthy fiber without spiking our blood sugar or insulin levels (high blood sugar can contribute to premature aging of the skin). All of our yellow and orange produce contains beta-carotene, which converts to Vitamin A in the body. The beauty-boosting benefits? Vitamin A is essential for healthy hair, skin, nails and teeth! I love to make a Pumpkin Spice Beauty Smoothie with collagen powder, tahini, pumpkin puree, almond milk and of course, natural pumpkin spice flavoring.
