The woods_ recipe for radiant and healthy skin:
- 1 banana
- A handful of strawberries
- A handful of blueberries
- A handful of blackberries
- Half an avocado
- Squeeze half a lemon
- A spoonful of ginger
- 1-2 pieces of dark chocolate
- A pinch of Himalayan salt
- A squeeze of coconut milk/water
- A pinch of cinnamon
Blend and enjoy!
A deep dive into the ingredient list
What lays behind the enriching flavors of every ingredient? Let’s investigate the properties that go beyond the taste.
Bananas: A treat for your skin and tastebuds
To many, bananas are all-year stables, providing a rich source of potassium which helps maintain fluid balance and keep skin hydrated. Additionally, bananas contain the antioxidant vitamin C, renowned for its ability to support immune function, collagen synthesis, and protective properties. When it comes to your smoothie-experience, they add a smooth texture, making it a creamy delight that is perfect for a hot summer day.
Berries: The antioxidant powerhouses
Strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries are small fruits with massive benefits. Packed with antioxidants, these berries assist your skin in fighting free radicals, which are harmful molecules that can cause premature aging signs and skin damage.
Also, they are rich in vitamin C and E, both of which are essential for collagen production and maintaining skin elasticity. Their natural sweetness and vibrant colors make the smoothie a visual and sensory treat, while their protective properties help keep your skin glowing all summer long.
Avocado: Tasty and vitamin rich
Avocados are known for their high content of healthy fats and vitamin E, which are critical for skin moisture and antioxidant protection. The creamy texture of avocado complements the smoothie, giving it a rich, velvety feel that is both satisfying and nourishing.
Lemon: A multipurpose boost
A squeeze of lemon not only adds a refreshing tang to your smoothie but also brings a burst of vitamin C. This vitamin is a potent antioxidant that helps brighten the skin, reduce the appearance of scars and age spots, and boost the body’s natural detoxification processes.
Ginger: The anti-inflammatory agent
Ginger is a powerful root known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. As an ingredient, ginger is known for its ability to reduce skin inflammation, helping to soothe various skin concerns. Its spicy kick invigorates the taste, providing a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the fruits, and supports overall digestive health, ensuring you’ll feel as good as you’ll look.
Dark chocolate: A delicious defender
Dark chocolate, with its rich flavor, not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also offers various skin benefits, as it’s loaded with flavonoids, fatty acids, and antioxidants, which assist in promoting a healthy, radiant appearance.
Honey: The natural booster
Adding a teaspoon of honey to your smoothie not only sweetens it naturally but also delivers a nourishing dose of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support your skin's defense towards free radicals. This way, honey can play an effective part in your skin's health and appearance.
Himalayan salt: The mineral enricher
Himalayan salt provides a subtle hint of flavor and a wealth of essential minerals such as magnesium and calcium. These minerals are generally crucial for skin health, helping to balance the skin’s pH and aiding in detoxification. Also, Himalayan salt helps to maintain hydration levels, ensuring your skin stays plump and youthful, even in the summer heat. So make sure to reach for this enriching spice more often than not!
Coconut milk/water: The hydrating base
Coconut milk or water adds a tropical flair to your smoothie, along with hydrating benefits. Rich in electrolytes, coconut water helps to keep your skin hydrated and balances fluid levels in your body. It’s also packed with lauric acid, which contains antimicrobial properties, helping to keep your skin clear and blemish-free. The creamy consistency of coconut milk or the refreshing lightness of coconut water makes your smoothie the perfect thirst-quencher on a hot summer day.
Cinnamon: The blood sugar stabilizer
A pinch of cinnamon not only enhances the flavor with a warm, aromatique touch but also helps stabilize blood sugar levels, which is important for preventing skin concerns such as inflammatory reactions. Cinnamon’s antimicrobial properties also help fight skin infections and improve overall skin tone, making it a powerful yet subtle addition to your smoothie.
Diet not only plays a pivotal role in how we look, but more importantly how we feel. So, grab your blender, mix up this summer delight, and enjoy our glow-boosting smoothie!
Sources:
- Bjarnadottir, A. (2019) Strawberries 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits, healthline.com
- Raman, Ryan (2023) What Does Potassium Do for Your Body? A Detailed Review, healthline.com
- Rukmini, J.N., et al. (2017) Antibacteiral Efficacy of Tender Coconut Water (Cocos nucifera L) on Streptococcus mutants: An In-Vitro Study, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Tashkandi, H. (2021) Honey in wound healing: An updated review, nlm.nih.gov
- Lindberg, Sara (2020) Can Avocados Improve the Health of Your Skin? Medically reviewed by Cobb, C., healthline.com
- Ballester, P. et al. (2022) Effects of Ginger on Inflammatory Diseases, nlm.nih.gov
- West, H. (2023) 6 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Lemons, com
- Jones, J. (2022) 7 Proven Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate, com
- Arnarson, A. (2023) Bananas 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits, healthline.com
