Did you know that the Boulder County Farmer’s Market is rated as one of the best farmer’s market in the country?! One visit and you can see why- vendors line up 13th Street selling the freshest produce and food items, all locally grown/made. But the next time you head out to the farmer’s market, keep in mind that some of your finds not only have nutritional value but also reap amazing benefits for your hair, skin, and nails. Below we recommend picking up these four superfoods first- Mom would be so proud you’re getting your 3-5 daily servings of veggies and fruit, and then some! Not to mention your skin will thank you as well.A
ASPARAGUS
These green stalky veggie is a powerhouse of folates, b complex, potassium, vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as iron and copper. But what does that actually mean in terms of the health of your skin? The vitamins in asparagus work to nourish skin and prevents common skin issues such as dryness and blemishes, as well as detoxing the liver.
PRO TIP: for clear and smooth skin, boil asparagus in water, let water cool, and wash face with the water.
MINT
Aside from smelling amazing, Mint is a great little herb for treating severe acne thanks to the amount of salicylic acid found in these small leaves. This yummy herb is also a great anti-inflammatory ingredient to calm dry/itchy skin. Using mint juice on mosquito bites and other skin irritations will help soften and calm skin.
PRO TIP: Can’t get a handle on those blackheads? Try applying a paste of mint leaves to blackhead affected areas for 15 minutes and see them disappear in no time!
SPINACH
Green, leafy vegetables are great for skin, and these little green leaves are no exception. Aside from being a primary source of iron, Spinach is rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C, which help to protect skin from the harmful effects of free radicals, thereby helping keep skin looking young. Spinach also has a high water content, helping to keep skin hydrated and healthy. Moreover, vitamins A, C, E, and K found in Spinach helps improve skin tone as well aid in the repair and growth of skin cells. Because of it’s anti-inflammatory properties, Spinach is great for regulating inflammation and keeping blemishes at bay.
PRO TIP: Try a Spinach based masque to minimize acne and dark eye circles! Simply blend spinach with a little water to form it into a paste and apply to face for 20 minutes.
GARLIC
We know you are probably already using garlic to add flavor to your meals, but did you know that the anti inflammatory properties present in garlic is great for helping soothe rashes and remedy acne? All thanks to the antioxidants in garlic that kill bacteria.
PRO TIP: Next time you have a breakout, rub a sliced clove of garlic on the blemish for an effective, all natural topical treatment!
Now that you know how easy it could be to reap healthy skin with the above food items, don’t forget to head over to the Boulder County Farmer’s Market to support your local farmers AND get beautiful skin in the process!