We all know that there is a huge relationship between looking well, and eating well. We also know that many stores are full of health and beauty aids for both of these goals. We are not disparaging the fashion or cosmetic industry, however we believe that the much of secret to your beauty and your health begins with your diet. (Your grandmother was correct when she said, “Beauty is more than skin deep!”)
We thought you might like a practical list of unique foods that work from the inside out, to increase your beauty externally as well as your internal health. So, just for fun, we are presenting each of these foods to you as if we were serving them to you on a beautiful buffet table, set with flowers, china and fine linen. This menu has been “prepared” just for you, our blog readers. Each of these foods will improve your hair, skin, and nails. What could be more beautiful? We also must give Dr. Frank Lippman credit for inspiring this little buffet of beauty foods.
We begin with an “amuse bouche” (little, delicious bite, in culinary language,) which features a tasty morsel of fish you might not even recognize. Did you know that sardines actually come boneless and skinless? That’s right, they are spreadable and edible, on a little healthy cracker with a bit of endive and a pretty slice of cherry tomato.
Sardines have earned a place in a silver tray on our buffet because, “They’re among the group of oily, cold water fish that is well known for high omega 3 content, and anti-inflammatory benefits, making them a must for healthy, supple, clear skin.” The bonus is they can also strengthen your bones!
Next, we move along the buffet table to a lovely selection of seaweeds on a classy white square plate. (In fact we could have crafted a sort of “sushi” recipe, using the sardines with assorted crispy vegetables and some wild rice, wrapped in the seaweed!)
Dulse, Nori or Kelp seaweeds are all sources of major minerals. Just look at the list: iron, copper, manganese, zinc and selenium, and these minerals are important for beauty. Did you know zinc and iron will beautify your hair? …No, not as an external shampoo-conditioner, but as part of your healthy interior, nurtured with good food choices! The bonuses are zinc and iron, which are both are strong hair essentials. Manganese is essential for your bones as well as your connective tissue.
We now come to a warm chaffing dish of steaming leaves of gently rolled cabbage. It has anti-aging phytonutrients and the antioxidant sulforaphane. This vegetable can be used in many recipes, but in all of them it helps your body create another powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant compound: glutathione. What you smell is sulfur, which fights infection, cleanses the liver and—you guessed it, makes your nails, skin and hair strong.
Under a silver dome on our table you will find garlic. The antibiotic, antifungal compound called allicin. In chopped fresh, raw form, garlicpurifies the blood, and strengthens your immune system. It has long been known that garlic will improve your circulation, and increase the glow in your skin and hair.
Instead of the boring and traditional cheese tray, we present you with some mineral packed nutritional yeast. Learn to eat this and your body will thank you for its B-complex vitamins, 18 amino acids, and many minerals. Our experts suggest sprinkling it over air-popped popcorn!
Now we come to a drink to wash down these treats and aid your digestion: We offer you a small crystal goblet containing a silver teaspoon of natural apple cider vinegar. It helps your intestinal flora while it balances your pH. We will dilute it with some frosty spring water if you can’t take it as a shot!
Taken together, these ingredients might be considered a odd buffet! All our foods have another point besides beauty enhancement; they present very strong aromas and flavors. Our lesson is clear; many strong foods bring you beautiful benefits, and today’s buffet is especially categorized for your nails, hairand skin .
As promised for February, we bring you another special recipe from our friends at Nourishing Meals. It accentuates natural, organic, healthy eating, but it also exudes mouth watering flavor. Bon Appetit!
Ingredients:
1 whole organic chicken (about 4 pounds)
Herbamare and freshly ground black pepper
1 large sweet Walla Walla onion, chopped
fresh figs
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup
fresh rosemary sprigs
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Place a clean, fresh, rinsed organic chicken, into a 9 x 13-inch roasting pan. Sprinkle with Herbamare and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Put the chopped onion inside the cavity of the chicken and around it on the bottom of the pan. Place the figs around the chicken.
3. Mix the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and maple syrup and pour over the chicken. Place a few fresh rosemary springs on and around the chicken.
4. Add about ¼ cup of water to the bottom of the pan.
5. Place in the oven and roast at 475 degrees for about 20 minutes to seal in the juices. Reduce heat to 325 degrees and continue to about another 1 ½ hours.
You only need to add a bright salad to this, including some of our beauty foods, featured above. Then you will have the perfect dinner for family or company. We of the Center for Natural and Integrative Medicine thank you for joining our blog buffet for a healthy feast! Welcome back next week!
