Heal your skin from within with these superfoods
For years we have known that it's not only what we put onto our skin that affects us in a positive or negative manner, but it's also what we put into our bodies that impacts how it reacts.
By Jana Leonard, Homeware Brand Founder & Content Creator
Similar to that of skincare labels and understanding its ingredients, it's important to know how certain foods can elevate your skin's appearance by simply being enjoyed as part of your daily meal.
To kick off, we have asked some of our vendors what their superfood ingredients will do for your skin:
CBD
CBD in the Lumi Glo Face Mask: “CBD has so many amazing benefits for the skin but it's most known for being an anti-inflammatory ingredient - Cannibas Sativa - an ancient remedy that has been rediscovered for its calming and sebum reducing properties. It's also an ideal ingredient for combating acne and reducing skin inflammation, giving the skin a more youthful appearance due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.We are seeing CBD being used in all sorts of ways to help relieve skin issues and anxiety etc. The Lumi Glo sheet mask infused with CBD and Hyaluronic really gives that instant relief to skin that is irritated, dry (eczema), has redness to it as well as soothes acne inflamed skin and reduces redness massively.” says owner, Shahnaz Wrensch
Pomegranate
Pomegranate in Royale SA’s face oil: “Pomegranate is rich in antioxidants (ours boast a whopping 80% concentration) and polyphenols that give the oil natural protection qualities, shielding skin from UV and free radical damage. Pomegranate seed oil also regenerates the top layer of the skin continually and effectively reduces and prevents wrinkles in the epidermis. It is easily absorbed and has superior moisturizing ability.” adds founder, Izette Dreyer.
Jojoba
Even though your hair doesn’t necessarily form part of your skin, Jojoba oil is such a wonderful superfood, we wanted to include them in our roundup.
Jojoba in Saint Jude’s Hair Oil: “Jojoba oil is derived from the seeds of the jojoba is high in antioxidant Vitamins A, D and E. Due to the chemical makeup of jojoba oil it is believed to dissolve sebum build up on the scalp and unclog hair follicles to promote new growth. Jojoba is a lightweight, non- greasy oil which allows it to moisturise the scalp and seal the hair cuticle for smooth, frizz free hair. Saint Jude Restore & Condition is an all natural hair oil blend with jojoba and coconut to moisturise and deep condition the hair.”
Matcha & Kombucha
This revolutionary breakthrough in anti-aging skin care is designed to reverse the effects of time and gravity on the face. A synergistic blend of Kombucha, a highly effective anti-ageing active, stimulates collagen and helps to combat wrinkles and loss of elasticity in ageing skin. Matcha Green Tea is clinically proven to neutralise free radical damage, known to damage healthy cells by depleting them of oxygen and breaking down the levels of collagen – which is essential in keeping skin supple and young-looking.
Super Ingredients Products
5 Superfoods in your cupboard
In addition, at Plain Tiger, we have identified 5 Superfoods which you probably already have in your home. This is how you can start incorporating them into your menu plans. Read to the end to find out the one bonus Superfood you'll want to grab right now!
1. Chia Seeds
If you have not heard of Chia seeds, where have you been? The term, dynamite comes in small packages, has never been more true for these miracle sprinkles. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are the building blocks for healthy skin cell function as well as support collagen production, it's no surprise it's our number one Superfood find!
HOW YOU CAN USE CHIA SEEDS IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY:
Add a sprinkle to your water bottle and sip away. It doesn't affect the taste but the texture may put some off.
When baking muffins, add a good helping of these tiny seeds to your mixture for added health benefits. We also like adding flaxseed, sunflower seeds and nuts as well as ripe bananas for natural sugar content.
2. Avocado
These green machines are loved by many and for good reason. High in poly- and monounsaturated fatty acids, avos help to keep skin firm and hydrated while also calming redness and irritation. Use it in a meal or as a natural face mask ingredient!
HOW YOU CAN USE AVOCADO IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY:
Did someone say Mexican! Guacamole must be one of the most loved accompaniments to any Mexican meal and with good reason. I personally love adding lots of fresh lemon juice and coriander to the mix but check with your guests - some love it, some will leave your dinner party because of it. Bizarre, I know!
Are you even from Cape Town if you haven't ordered 'Smashed Avo' from a menu near you? Add a poached egg and shavings of parmesan. Thank us later!
3. Sweet potato
Sweet potato has had its year in the spotlight from a banting perspective (did someone say Sweet potato toast!?) but these guys deliver on so much more. Not only an incredible source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, sweet potatoes also contain beta carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body and acts as a natural sunblock for your skin. Resulting in a healthy wrinkle free skin due to its moisturising characteristics.
HOW YOU CAN USE SWEET POTATO IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY:
Our top 2 ways to enjoy sweet potato is in its most natural form. First up - sweet potato mash. We love adding coconut milk to make it cream as well as salt and pepper to taste.
Secondly, we enjoy it roasted in the oven drizzled with coconut oil and paprika. 40 min later you'll have sweet and delicious sweet potatoes for the dinner table. Fill them with mince or roasted veggies for a hearty meal!
4. Paprika
This brings us to our 4th Superfood - Paprika: one of our absolute favourite spices, Paprika not only delivers and the most delicious smoky flavor and gorgeous red colour, it also consists of nutrients such as fiber, iron, and vitamins A, E, and B6—all of which support healthy skin.
HOW YOU CAN USE PAPRIKA IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY:
Sprinkle them over our other Superfood, sweet potato, as well as butternut and roast them in the oven. You can have a heavy hand!
We also enjoy Paprika on sunny side up eggs accompanied by fresh Avo and a squeeze of Lemon Juice. Fresh, healthy and oh so delicious.
5. Almonds
These oval shaped nuts have been a firm favourite for ages, especially if you’re following a healthy diet. High in healthy fats and protein, you only need a handful to fill you up and satisfy any cravings you may have. However, it’s the Vitamin E - which offers anti-inflammatory properties and combats the effects of harmful free radicals - in Almonds that landed them a spot in our Top 5 Superfoods.
Grab a handful in between meals for a pick-me-up or add them to your Salad! Roasted or raw, they are delicious either way but the latter is always the better option.
BONUS: 70% and higher Dark Chocolate
Flavonols - which are rich in antioxidant activity - in cocoa has been studied for many years. They have found that Flavonols in cocoa has shown to lower blood pressure, improve blood flow to the brain and heart as well as fight cell damage. Importantly, and this is why we had to add this magical food to our Superfoods list, it can also protect against sun damage, improve blood flow to the skin and increase skin density and hydration.
Dark chocolate not only makes your heart happy, it’s now been proven to hydrate your skin. What a win!