Twenty-one year old Lydia Garcia faces an imminent dilemma- poverty or acne. Lydia religiously uses three herbs to keep her skin clear and shes always on the prowl for supplements to augment her health. Just last week she read that the Chinese herb astragalus enhances the immune system. And now, Lydia ponders, I think I want to take dandelion root and ginseng to ease my menstrual cramps. Yet Lydias salary as a receptionist barely covers her fanatical consumption of supplements. You dont have to spend a fortune on supplements when food provides all the nutrients you need to have clear skin. Herbs and supplements that provide support for clean skin typically offer the following benefits: Boost the immune system Enhance stress management Cleanse the blood and liver, and Aid in skin repair A well-chosen diet can prove just as advantageous as supplements and herbs. Foods that boost the immune system Vitamin C Oranges, grapefruits, papaya, green peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, broccoli Vitamin E Almonds, sunflowers seeds Zinc Wheat germ, black-eyed peas, lean beef, crab, oysters Foods that enhance stress management Vitamin B6 Legumes, whole grains, chicken, pork, bananas Foods that cleanse the blood and liver Garlic, onions, turmeric, cayenne pepper, aloe vera juice, watermelon Bulk-producing foods Oatmeal, apples, oranges, bran cereals Foods that aid in skin repair Protein Nonfat dairy, beans, meat, poultry, fish, nuts Omega-3 Fatty Acids Sardines, herring, salmon, tuna, walnuts Selenium Onion, garlic Although herbs and dietary supplements offer a broad spectrum of benefits to the skin, its no fun looking fabulous if you cant afford to go anywhere. So, save some cash and eat you way to clear skin. |
