Healthy Style Guide, By Lisa D Liguori-
Of course we want healthy & youthful skin from the inside out. Naturally. So, I have an anti-aging tip for you. Eat a brazil nut.
In my quest for health and beauty that radiates internally, I will sometimes choose a vitamin or mineral to learn more about and implement more fully into my families diet.
Selenium is my current pick.
Though not often considered a 'skin' mineral, I found myself doing a bit of research around it when I heard that it could help with inflammation.
In truth, we need all essential minerals in our diet for optimum health and beauty.
So, go pop a brazil nut and read on.
Selenium is a trace mineral (there I go again, talking about minerals. Minerals in food, minerals in makeup, LOL), that has strong antioxidant properties that protect cells and tissues from damage and infection. It is now being recognized as a strong anti-aging player due to it's defense against free radicals.
Anything in relation to anti-aging, gets my attention!
It is also being linked to cancer prevention and prevention of thyroid disease. Low levels of selenium puts you at risk for an impaired immune system, enlarged heart, and can worsen symptoms of arthritis.
The primary dietary source for selenium is plants, as in whole grains, since the mineral is found in healthy soil, and the plant takes it up from its' root system. It is also found in fish and poultry.
And Brazil nuts.
Brazil nuts top the list. Just one brazil nut can give you your full day supply of selenium. I just pop one in my mouth along with my other vitamins and I am done; tasty with a breakfast of fresh fruit too.
Keep in mind that organic produce is the way to go since the soil can be depleted of this mineral with traditional farming practices of pesticide and herbicide usage. Selenium is picked up by the root system of the plants from healthy soil.
Because it is a trace mineral only small amounts are needed, and it is difficult to take in toxic levels as most foods have such low levels of the mineral.
If you are eating a rich, varied, organic, whole food diet, you are most likely getting a good supply of selenium.
If you decide to supplement your selenium intake, your best choice is a brand that is made from whole foods, as opposed to a synthetic version. Also, keep in mind it works best in conjunction with Vitamin E to keep us youthful and healthy.
One Brazil nut a day. Pretty easy!
(For more information on selenium click here.)
Would You Like Personal Attention & Care When Choosing Eco-Friendly Mineral Makeup, Organic Skincare & Unique Handcrafted Jewelry? You Got It!
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