-Eat SMART-

This rule has been passed down from mother to daughter in my family. MEALS must always consist of;
1. One leafy vegetable
2. Mixed vegetables ( capsicum+ carrot+ beans or cauliflower)
3. Salad
4. One meat dish ( Options: Chicken, Fish, Shellfish, Squid)
5. Beverages ( Options: Water, Soya Bean, Fruit Juice)
It is easy to follow a simple square that my mother usually prepares but what kind of food is appropriate to be included in order to redefine skin? I researched a little and what are the foods that I needed to consume and what I needed to avoid. I was curious to know why my mother avoided cooking red meat. To my surprise, a study conducted by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association indicates that red meat could increase the chances of having cancer. Some studies have linked consumption of large amounts of red meat with breast cancer, colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, bladder cancer and prostate cancer. When red meat is consumed, the digestion process triggers the formation of carcinogens. Apparently, when red meat is cooked, these carcinogenic compounds are then known as heterocyclic amines, a compound that increases the risk of having cancer. Red meat is also associated with cardiovascular disease because of its high content in saturated fat.
Fish should not be consumed all the time, which is the reason mother always prepares it twice a week. It is said that fish absorbs mercury. Mercury is metal found naturally in the environment. Human activities such as farming, burning coal, and using mercury in manufacturing increases the mercury cycling through the air, water and soil. In water, mercury changes its form and becomes methyl mercury. Eating fish with high levels of mercury can be very harmful. Mercury leaves the body over time through urine, feces and breast. The advisable amount of fish to take is 340grams (2 average meals) of a variety of fish and shellfish in a week. Fish should not be consumed more than that amount.
To maintain a healthy diet, women should consume 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day; 2 fruits and 3 types of vegetables. It is important to have a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables in a diet. Variety is important because no one color group provides all the phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals and fiber one needs for healthier skin. Choosing a variety of fruits and vegetables is easy. Just keep the 5 colors in mind: red, yellow/orange, white/tan/brown, green and blue/purple.
I usually substitute water with a glass of soya bean simply because it is really, very refreshing. Little did I know the health benefits of drinking soya bean. Does it have any effect on skin? Read more to find out:) Researchers say that soya bean is esteemed for its high food value. It also contains Vitamin B complex, biotin , folic acid, panthotenic acid and Vitamin E. Vitamin E is essential for skin rejuvenation. According to a website, BestHomeRemedies, states that soya bean is regarded as a valuable food remedy for eczema and other skin affections. It renders unnecessary use of animal protein, that is, meat, eggs and milk and thus reduces inflammatory activities in the skin and is fee from the tendency to produce sensitive or allergic reactions. When soya bean is taken, intense itching diminishes almost immediately and disappears completely after a few days. Amazing isn’t it?? The skin lesion also vanishes after some days. Improvement in skin health presumably occurs due to its skin lecithin content- a natural emulsifier which helps dispose fatty and cholesterol from vital organs.

So what’s the issue about fruits? Should it be taken before are after a meal? I personally love to eat fruits, especially when I know that it is essential in repairing my skin, but when is the appropriate time to eat them?? The BIG question is about to be answered. Natural Hygienist states that the reason why fruits should not be taken after food simply because fruits contain simple sugars that require no digestion. Thus, they will not stay for a long time in the stomach. Other foods that are rich in fat, protein, and starch will stay in the stomach for a long period of time because it requires more digestion. If the fruit is taken after a meal, the fruit sugar will stay for too long in the stomach and fermentation will take place. So, the BEST way to take a fruity bite is to eat the desired fruit, wait for about 5-10 minutes, then make way for the hefty meal that is about to be indulged.