June is finally upon us and so is the countdown for the summer season to begin! If you're like us, when it's a trillion degrees outside we all crave foods that are refreshing, light and good for our skin. A few favorites include watermelon, pineapple, cucumber, basil and, for a light punch of protein, feta cheese. Read on to discover the benefits these foods offer your skin and how to mix them together to create a deliciously refreshing dish.
Pineapple: Pineapple has mega amounts of vitamin C and manganese, both working as antioxidants to fight free radicals, all the while promoting anti-aging. Pineapple also contains vitamin B-1, which is a terrific energy booster. More energy can only equal more physical activity. Eat more of this delicious fruit and you'll soon be radiating from the inside out!
Watermelon: The pinky-red hue of the fruit of a slice of watermelon contains lycopene, an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that helps to neutralize all the excess free radicals. The more antioxidants in your diet the more you skin is protected from not only pollutants but pre-mature aging as well!
Cucumbers: Cucumber are loaded with silica, which is essential to build and maintain strong nails, bones, teeth and healthy hair. Let's not forget that cucumbers contain 96% water. This extra hydration is a huge bonus for your skin, especially after a long day in the sun!
Basil: Who can avoid these awesome green bunches of goodness, especially come summertime? Eating raw basil can help purify your body from toxins. This is particularly beneficial if your skin is blemish prone.
Feta Cheese: The crumbly, salty, tangy taste of feta is a healthy option any day! Feta is much lower in calories than many other cheeses and is a fantastic option to blend into many summer dishes. One ounce of feta provides your body with calcium, riboflavin, vitamin B12, B6, selenium and zinc. These vitamins and minerals are very nourishing for your skin and body alike!
Now that you've read all about these delicious ingredients it's time to sharpen your knives and start chopping! Dice each ingredient as small as you can and add to a bowl or plate. Blend together and enjoy this refreshing fruity salad all summer through, your skin will thank you!
