The Glow Diet: Part II

So the last time I explained to you the benfits of vitamin A and how to use it effectively to reap the most benefits. So having explained vitamin A, I cannot omit the nutrient that makes vitamin A production possible. Drum roll please!

Beta Carotene

Provitamin A carotenoids represents a group of compounds that are precursors of vitamin A. Contrary to what many believe, vitamin A is not present in plants so our bodies use carotenoids to make vitamin A. One popular carotenoid is lycopene, which helps prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. Research has shown that 12 ounces of carrots, amounting to 30 milligrams of beta carotene, can help prevent or reduce the redness and inflammation associated with sunburn. According to Ronald R. Watson, Ph.D., professor of public health research at Arizona Health Sciences Center in Tucson, "Beta carotene accumulates in the skin, providing 24-hour protection against sun damage." Other carotenoids such a lutein also works synergistically with vitamin E in preventing damage caused by free radicals such as redness associated with sunburn as well as reduce sensitivity to sunlight.

Best sources for beta carotene are sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, callaloo, fresh thyme, cantaloupe, paw paw, romaine lettuce and broccoli.

How to Get the Most from Beta Carotene

In some cases, cooking can enhance the availability of carotenoids in foods such as lightly steaming carrots and callaloo. However in most cases, prolonged cooking can decrease the availability of carotenoids. If you drink or smoke, you may be lowering the level of beta carotene in your blood.

Coming Soon:
 Part III: Vitamin C

The Glow Diet

The Glow Diet: Part I

As much as I would hate to admit it,  I do believe the old adage that “You are what you eat”. The types of food we feed our bodies with not only affects how we feel and how our bodies function but also how we look: specifically speaking, how our skin looks. Yes, there are those rare persons out there that seem to be able to tolerate all the crap they put in their bodies with minimal effects. But for the most part, us “common” have to be a little more careful . Whilst the benefits of eating for better skin may not be immediate, it really does make a difference for both short-term and long-term skin health.

In the this series, I will be featuring must-have nutrients that will help your skin to be as healthy and glowing as it can be. Stay tuned!

Vitamin A

Retinoids, a preform of this fat-soluble vitamin, have been featured in many of the top anti-aging products on the market. That’s because vitamin A is essential for the maintenance and healing of epithelial tissues, with skin being the largest expanse of epithelial tissue. It helps to unclog pores, boost collagen to reduce fine lines, and speed cell turnover to even out discoloration and smooth the skin—sometimes in as little as four weeks.

Best sources of this form of vitamin A can be found in animal products including egg yolks, beef liver, dairy products, tuna, sardines and herring. Some products such as margarine has been fortified with vitamin A.

  

How to get the Most from Vitamin A

Getting the most from vitamin A isn't as easy as snacking on some carrots. Retinoids (preform 0f vitamin A) can become oxidized or broken down if they’re exposed to oxygen, light, heat and some metals. As mentioned earlier, vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, therefore, if your diet lacks dietary fat, then absorption of this vitamin will be hindered. Absorption is also dependent on protein intake and so your diet must provide enough protein for your daily needs. Zinc is also another nutrient which affect the body’s ability to use this nutrient because zinc is necessary for protein synthesis.

Been gone a while......

Hi, everyone! I'm so sorry I haven't been updating my blog in a really long time. Its been months, lol, but I've been really busy during this time. Something major, life-changing happened a few ago (I got engaged!!!) and I've been so precoccupied with finding a venue, setting a date, guest list, etc. However, I do have some good new. I have been working on some new material which I'll be posting soon. Stay tuned!