When working to maintain healthy and glowing skin, it makes sense to first think of skincare products. But did you know that the foods you consume are just as important as the products you put on your skin? Wellness begins from within! The practice of Ayurveda emphasizes the connection between our diet and skin health. Read on to discover four Ayurvedic foods that nourish your skin from the inside out, helping you to feel your best while achieving a radiant, glowing complexion.

Turmeric

The Benefits:

Turmeric, also referred to as “The Golden Goddess,” is one of the most well-known Ayurvedic ingredients in the world. Turmeric contains over 300 naturally occurring components including beta-carotene, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) niacin, potassium, and zinc that can promote healthy skin through nutritional support. Most importantly, healthy skin starts with a healthy gut! Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is a powerful all-natural remedy for bloating, stomach discomfort, and other digestive issues which can lead to skin problems, if left untreated.

How To Enjoy:

• Turmeric’s benefits are even greater when combined with a pinch of black pepper. This is because black pepper increases the bioavailability of curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric that reduces inflammation.) Combine a half a teaspoon of turmeric, clarified butter, and a bit of black pepper and consume before your first meal of the day. 
• Turmeric’s earthy, peppery flavor pairs great with roasted vegetables. Toss your favorite vegetables with salt and pepper, olive oil, and turmeric and serve with rice and your favorite protein for a warming, nutritious meal.

Pomegranate

The Benefits

Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, incorporating pomegranate into your diet is a delicious way to help skin glow from the inside out. The high concentration of polyphenols in pomegranates helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, promoting a youthful and radiant complexion. They’re also loaded with Vitamin C, which is essential for collagen synthesis. Our body’s natural collagen production slows as we age, so a diet full of Vitamin C-rich foods helps to keep skin plump while helping to prevent premature fine lines and wrinkles. Pomegranate’s high Vitamin C content also helps to strengthen the immune system, helping to defend the body from the common cold and flu! 

How To Enjoy:

• Start your day with a morning yogurt bowl combining greek yogurt, local honey, whole grain granola, and pomegranate seeds 
• Pomegranate seeds on top of a bed of baby spinach, kale, walnuts, and feta cheese makes the perfect meal-starter. You can also use the pomegranate seeds to make your own dressing with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a dash of salt and pepper!

Holy Basil

The Benefits:

Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is one of the most powerful herbs in Ayurveda. It’s naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial, filled with vitamins A and C, and other nutrients, and most notably, can help to combat the bacteria that contributes to the development of skin blemishes such as acne, promoting clearer and healthier skin. Basil can help to reduce inflammation in the body, alleviating symptoms of inflammatory conditions. It’s also considered an adaptogen, meaning it can help the body adapt to stress!

How To Enjoy:

• Prepare a cup of Holy Basil tea before bed each night to support a glowing complexion. You can purchase prepared tea bags at your local grocery store, or make your own by placing 2–3 tsp of holy basil in a cup of boiling water and letting it steep for 4-5 minutes before drinking.

Purple Sweet Potato

The Benefits

Purple Sweet Potatoes are versatile, easy to prepare, and filled with skincare benefits. One of the most powerful skin-healing benefits of these sweet potatoes is their high content of high beta-carotene, which converts into Vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for skin health, as it promotes cell turnover and helps protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays including fine lines and sun spots. Purple sweet potatoes also hold high water content which contributes to overall hydration.

How To Enjoy:

• Soups and stews are a great way to incorporate purple sweet potatoes, especially in the chillier months. They also pair great with turmeric, another skin savior! 
• Roasted sweet potatoes are delicious on their own and are a great ingredient to keep on hand for meal prepping. Roast a pan of diced sweet potatoes topped with herbs at 425 for 40-45 minutes, checking on them periodically. Once they’re done, enjoy them dipped in tahini, on their own, or keep them in the fridge to use as a side dish or on top of salads throughout the week.

PritTip: Did you know that purple sweet potato contains the highest antioxidant content of any potato? It's one of the holy grail ingredients found in our PaviPure™ Warming Detox Mask. Thanks to its high-concentration of natural polyphenols and Vitamin C, it provides ultra smoothing and conditioning benefits to the skin while combatting inflammation.

By incorporating these nutrient-rich foods into your diet, you can enhance your skin's natural glow and embrace the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda for overall health. Remember, holistic wellness emanates from a harmonious balance between mind, body, and soul.