10 Beauty Foods Found at the Local Market

As scientists race to new technological advances, we are learning that most of our outer beauty is an “Inside Job”. Yes, the untold fortunes spent to sell women beauty products could all be put to a better use--cleaning the air, water and saving rainforests. Humanity has a strange way of looking past the painfully obvious and creating a more complicated life than necessary. I have scoured my resources to bring you a short list of ten beauty aids that can be found at your local market or stored away in the kitchen. I hope you enjoy.  

Feed Your Face

Lately there has been a bunch of talk about the importance of CoQ10 and alpha hydroxy acids that come out of a tube or bottle. The truth is that you can get this nutrition for your skin right out of the wonderful organic foods at the grocery store. Get your coenzyme Q10 and AHA’s (alpha hydroxy acids) from pineapples! Gently rub the rinds on your face, leave on for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse. Pineapple juices dissolve and dislodge dead skin cells, brighten the complexion, shrink pores, and even skin tone--not to mention they’re delicious to eat, too!

Juice Beets To Detox

The Mini Beet Protocol (*A Detox Blog) shows more of the benefits of beet juice. This protocol reportedly removes belly fat, infertility, wrinkles and more. Robert Von Sarbacher, who is credited with the MBP, recommends that you should eat an apple after consuming the red beet juice. The apple helps to absorb toxins and fight nausea, which may be a side-effect of detoxing with red beet juice.

One last note on the benefits of beet juice: When juicing beets or even buying beet juice, always insist on organically grown beets. If you want the benefits of beet juice for detoxing and health reasons, it makes no sense to add poisons to your health drink.

According to the one page website of the inventor of the Mini Beet Protocol (aka MBP), Robert Von Sarbarcher, this juicing remedy will cure:

Fluoride Poisoning

Pesticide Poisoning

Mold and Fungal Infections

Crow’s Feet

Infertility

Heavy Metal Poisoning

Love Handles & Cellulite

Hormonal Imbalances

Free Radicals

Scars

Gray Hair

Parasites

Mycoplasms

Nano-Insects

In order to do this protocol, you’ll need:

MATERIALS:

A juicer

INGREDIENTS (organic, if possible):

* Ground Cinnamon

* Beets

* Asparagus

* Apples (any kind)

* Carrots

Robert Von Sarbacher’s extensive instructions can be found online at http://robertvon.com/mbp.html (His web page is best viewed in Internet Explorer; Firefox has a character display issue.) This beauty tip is adapted from the Mini Beet Protocol created by Robert Von Sarbacher. After you try this juicing cure, please send us your feedback at beauty@dclifemagazine.com

Tea-Freshing

The old method of “tea bags on the eyes” might not be anything new, but Moni Schifler of blog Vegetarian on the Cheap, gives reasons to try it again. The next time you drink a cup of green tea, don’t throw out the used tea bag. Instead, put it in the refrigerator until the next time you need some eye relief. “The tannins in tea act as an astringent to help shrink puffy eye tissue,” Schifler says. The cool temperature will also add to the effect.

Cinnamon Lips

I found a great tip for the perfect pout: Get lips moist with a bit of coconut oil (Or your favorite lip balm will work), and then put a pinch or two of finely ground cinnamon in your palm. Generously buff it across your lips in mini-circular pattern to exfoliate. The spice will act as a gentle “exfoliant” and its added benefit–cinnamon naturally brings more blood to the surface, making lips appear more full, red and plump.

Reboot Your Roots

Use the Arm & Hammer for your hair…. yes, your hair. Add a quarter-sized pile to your shampoo (sulfate-free, of course) and the baking soda will help remove any built up residue left behind by styling products (especially if you haven’t fully weaned yourself off the less-than-green brands). The result is an amazing hair day with extra bounce and shine.

Invigorating Coffee Scrub

This recipe is courtesy of Noreen Finneran, “Incredible Edible Spa.”

Ingredients:

3 T Coffee grounds (organic-caffeinated)

1 T Salt (optional)

Brew a fresh pot of coffee. Enjoy a cup, if you like. Put grounds (and salt) in a small bowl. Use grounds within 20 minutes of brewing before oxidation occurs. Scrub mixture over entire body while in the shower. Rinse. Tone. Moisturize.

Whitening Teeth with Strawberries

Procedure: Brushing teeth using mashed strawberries

It is also not advisable to brush your teeth with strawberries long-tern. Strawberries get their power to brighten teeth from ascorbic acid, and acids are harmful to teeth. Be sure to follow up the strawberry mash immediately with fluoride toothpaste, and then floss as usual.

Pumpkin Pulp Facial Mask

This recipe is adapted from one found from Vogue. It is created by facialist Chanel Jenae of Santa Monica. In the article, Jenae says pumpkin is loaded with natural exfoliating acids and antioxidants. She uses pumpkin pulp in her facial peels at her salon “to brighten, calm breakouts, and soften the appearance of fine lines and sun damage.”

Ingredients:

1/2 cup fresh pumpkin pulp

2 eggs

2 teaspoon almond milk (for dry or combo skin)

1 teaspoon honey (for dry skin)

2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or cranberry juice (if you have oily skin)

Purée the fresh pumpkin pulp into a thick paste. Add the egg (this acts as a binder). If your skin is dry, stir in a splash of omega-rich almond milk and the honey. For oilier complexions, instead stir in apple cider vinegar or cranberry juice. Mix well. Apply the mask, leaving it on for 15-20 minutes, depending on your skin sensitivity. Rinse with cool water and moisturize as usual.

Hydrate with Facial Mist

High end spas always have a facial mist to help hydrate skin. This recipe was inspired by the white tea facial mist, and will keep your skin cells healthy and hydrated:

What you’ll need:

1 green tea bag or loose tea leaves

1/2 cup boiling water

1/4 cup Rose Water (available at Wholefoods or you can make your own by following these instructions)

Vitamin E Oil

Optional Ingredients:

Olive Oil

Tea Tree Oil

Apple Cider Vinegar

Lavender Water

Mini Spray Bottle -- you can pick up a cheap one at a local drugstore.

Steep the tea in 1/2 cup boiling water. Although most recipes call for just the usual strength tea I like to make mine extra strong for extra antioxidants! Let the tea cool to room temperature.

Add the rose water. Rose water helps keep skin moisturized, fresh, and balances the pH. Add a couple drops of Vitamin E Oil. Vitamin E Oil acts as an antioxidant which prevents the formation of free radicals on the skin and also has anti-inflammatory properties. In addition it prevents water loss from the skin and helps to retain its natural moisture. Pour into spray bottle. Keep it in the fridge or carry it around in your purse. Spray as needed for a refreshing mist!

Enriching Hair Mask

This recipe is taken from the Organic Authority website and was written by Andrea Manitsas.

A Mask for Overall Hair Greatness

Ingredients:

1 ripe avocado

1/2 cup coconut milk

3 teaspoon olive oil

Mash your avocado completely.  Add the coconut milk and olive oil, stirring rapidly to combine it all. Warm up your mask on the stovetop until it’s slightly warm.  Apply the mask from roots to ends, massaging it into your scalp. Leave on for at least thirty minutes or as long as you can, and then wash your hair.