Summer is a time for cookouts, picnics and alfresco dinning. Fresh fruits and vegetables are plentiful, as well as fresh seafood, especially on the east coast. Thankfully, the foods of summer are not only good for your health, they are also good for your healthy skin!
Dr. Wilcox hosted a lecture on August 1st at the Capital Grille to discuss some of the healthy foods of summer and how you can benefit from them, inside and out. The menu was full of nutrition packed foods you can feel good about eating. They will go a long way in keeping you looking and feeling great!
Clam Chowder Soup – Clams are a great source of Omega 3 fats. They are high in lean protein, rich in iron and B12, and low on contaminants.
Carrot-Ginger Soup –Provides high doses of vitamin A, B6, B5, potassium, cooper, magnesium and the essential oils gingerol and zingerone.
Beef Tenderloin – Red meat provides a quality protein source with a high nutrient density; small serving packs a big nutrient punch. It is a great source of B vitamins, especially B12. Red meat also provides trace elements iron and zinc, as well as essential fatty acids ALA and linoleic acid. Grass fed beef is your best choice and it provides healthy doses of the essential fatty acid CLA.
Lobster Roll – Lobster is a high protein, low fat power house. Rich in omega 3 fats, potassium, selenium , zinc, phosphorus, copper and vitamin B12.
Sea Scallops – Scallops are another great lean protein source that is a good source of B12, phosphorus, omega 3 fats, magnesium and potassium.
Green Beans – This little veggie is very high in fiber and low in calories. They contain excellent levels of vitamin A, B and C, and many health promoting flavonoid antioxidants such as lutein, zea-xanthin and ß-carotene. In addition, beans contain healthy amounts of minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and potassium.
Tomato & Watermelon w/Feta – The Tomato, which is actually a fruit, is high in anti-oxidants, especially vitamin C and lycopene. Watermelon is an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, B6, and the highest amount of lycopene of all fruits and vegetables. It is also an excellent source of astaxanthin and that is where watermelon gets its deep pink and reddish color.
Here are just a few ways that all of those nutrition packed foods can influence your well being and keep your skin looking healthy and radiant.
Omega 3 Fats and Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA)
For your health – reduces inflammation and lowers the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer and arthritis, lower blood pressure and keep the brain sharp.
For your healthy skin – increases the radiance of your skin by helping to keep skin hydrated and plump.
Vitamin A
For your health – plays a vital role in healthy vision, reproduction and encourages normal cell division. It helps to fight cancer by slowing the growth of tumors and prohibits the production of DNA in cancer cells.
For your healthy skin – ensures the proper maintenance, repair and turnover of skin cells. Topical vitamin A (retinol) has been known to dramatically improve the appearance of skin by encouraging cell turnover, revealing smooth, clear skin.
Lycopene
For your health – vital anti-oxidant that helps fight cancerous cell formation. Cancers of the prostate, colon, stomach, esophagus and even cervical cancer are shown to be staved off by taking in high levels of lycopene.
For your healthy skin – powerful anti-oxidant properties protect from UV damage and gives skin a little extra protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
Astaxanthin
For your health – one of the only carotene compounds where 100% of its anti-oxidant strength is reserved for fighting free radicals.
For your healthy skin – with prolonged use, studies have shown astaxanthin is incredible for supporting skin health and elasticity. It has even been shown to visibly approve the appearance of skin by reducing the signs of aging such as dry skin, wrinkles and age spots.
Vitamin C
For your health – vitamin C is one of the safest and most effective nutrients. It boosts the immune system, protects against heart disease, cancer and stroke.
For your healthy skin – protects skin against harmful free radicals and encourages the production of collagen. It also helps skin retain its youthful appearance by protecting and promoting healthy elasticity.
Zinc
For your health – zinc strengthens the immune system, protects cells against free radicals, prevents cell structural damage and repairs damaged DNA. Zinc also is instrumental in healing wounds and supports the stabilization of blood glucose.
For your healthy skin – zinc is like a 24 hour on-call skin mechanic. Destroys free radicals and protects skin from internal damage. It also helps repair skin damage and heals wounds.