Glowing skin smoothie recipes
Good skin is built as much in the kitchen as it is on the treatment table. These are three smoothies I come back to, and what is in them that your skin will appreciate. None of this is a treatment for a skin condition. It is just good food that happens to be rich in the things skin uses.
1. Raspberry, Banana and Flax
Why this smoothie is good for your skin
- Hydration comes first. When skin is not getting enough water it can feel dry, tight and flaky, and dry skin has less resilience. Aim for around 2 liters (about 68 fl oz) a day.
- Flax seeds are one of the richest plant sources of omega-3 fatty acid. Essential fatty acids help skin hold onto moisture and look smooth.
- Bananas contain vitamin C and B6, which play a role in maintaining the integrity and elasticity of skin, along with antioxidants and manganese.
- Raspberries are high in antioxidants, including anthocyanins, and raspberry seeds contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
- Dates are a moderate source of vitamin A, which the body needs to maintain healthy skin and mucous membranes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water (500 milliliters)
- 1 tbsp flax seeds
- 2 bananas
- 2 cups frozen raspberries (260 grams)
- 6 dates
Instructions
Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Kale, Mango and Mint
Leafy greens are a good source of carotenoids, and kale is one of the easiest ways to get them. Whole foods make it very difficult to overdo vitamin A, unlike supplements, which are worth being careful with.
Ingredients (serves 2)
- 1¼ c chopped kale leaves, stems and tough rib removed
- 1¼ c frozen cubed mango
- 2 medium ribs celery, chopped
- 1 c chilled fresh orange juice
- ¼ c chopped flat-leaf parsley
- ¼ c chopped fresh mint
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a blender. Puree until smooth.
Nutrition per serving: 160 cal, 0.8 g fat, 0.1 g sat fat, 54 mg sodium, 38.3 g carbs, 4.6 g fiber, 4 g protein.
3. Coconut Water, Avocado and Strawberry
Coconut water smoothies are my favorite of the three, and this one in particular is lovely if you want that lit-from-within look.
- Avocados are rich in healthy fatty acids as well as antioxidants and vitamins.
- Carrots are a strong source of beta-carotene.
- Strawberries are high in vitamin C, which the body uses to make collagen.
- Coconut water is hydrating and a good source of potassium and magnesium.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup coconut water
- 1 avocado, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1 cup frozen mango
Instructions
Place all ingredients in a high powered blender and blend until totally smooth. If it is too thick, add a little more coconut water.
Diet is one half of the picture. The other half is what you do on the surface. If your skin is dull or congested, a facial or a chemical peel will do work that a blender cannot, and a skin care consultation is the fastest way to work out which one you need.
