Tag Archives: Skin

Acne, Healing Foods

Skin is made up of: Protein, Vitamin A (retinol), Vitamin C and Zinc. So it stands to reason that daily nutritional intake should be planned and followed so that skin remains healthy. Follow this link for Home remedy for acne topical treatment

This article reviews:

  1. Understanding the structure of skin
  2. What behaviors to monitor
  3.  Foods to reduce and eliminate
  4. Active ingredients important to skin care pharmaceuticals
  5. Which foods to include in a dietary intake

The  integumentary system comprises of: Skin, Hair, Nails and various Glands. The largest organ of the body is skin, having two layers, the epidermis and the dermis.

The Epidermis is the outer layer of skin that is visually seen and is made up of dead skin cells.  Caution is often given to scrubbing and facials, as to not negatively effect the epidermis, in which these dead skin cells monitor protection to the body from pathogens i.e. bacteria and virus, toxins, injury and water.

The Dermis is new skin, that is a deeper and thicker layer housing: blood vessels, sweat and oil secreting glands, nerve endings and hair follicles.

The appearance of skin, hair and nails are important to understanding the health of the individual, or any present deficiencies. Dry skin means that the body is dehydrated and needs water.

Research has shown that the presence of Acne is associated with, but not limited to: Anger and Stress, Nutritional Intake, overproduction of Androgens and Type 2 Diabetes. PCOS  is acne commonly found in overweight women, who are told to follow a diabetic diet, obstaining from trans fat, saturated fat and to consume a diet with OMEGA 3.

Skin creams sold over the counter or are prescribed to heal acne contain vitamin A and zinc. Vitamin D is also critical to a skin’s health, but needs to come through nutrition and activated by the sun.

In many studies, the common link to reducing, or eliminating acne lesions are Nutrition Related and reduction of acne is evident within one week to 3 months.

  1. Eliminate trans fats
  2. Reduce, or eliminate for a period of time saturated fats: Butter, cream, ice cream, cheese, pork, salami, ham, sausage, red meat, cookies, chips, white breads, sugar, chocolate candy, carbonated drinks and processed grains

Introduce into your diet:  Protein, Vitamin A and C, Zinc, Omega 3. This can be easily done by preparing meals made up of:  multi-grains, fruit, vegetables, nuts and fish for omega 3 Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  Additionally, following a Low Glycemic Index Diet, according to research, is just as critical.

The following foods contain minerals and vitamins that are needed for flushing excess sodium, toxins and metals out of muscles and organs.

  • Protein, Vitamin B: oatmeal, multi-grain breads, egg, skim or 1% milk, lean red meat, chicken
  • Zinc: Wheat germ sprinkled onto salads and soups, pumpkin and sesame seeds, red meat, lamb,liver, oysters, peanuts, cocoa powder, watermelon
  • Omega 3 for reducing inflammation of skin: 4-6 oz or 112-168g of Fish / Salmon. walnut, almonds and flaxseed 2 tbsp.
  • Green Tea contains ployphenols and flavenols which are two antioxidants that promote cellular DNA and membrane structure, ( Great for Acne!). 
  • The listed fruits vegetables have the highest Vitamin A (RE value).

Foods high in Vitamin A (RE)

Vitamin A Fruits:  Apricots fresh or dried, Avocado, Cherries, Guava, Grapefruit, Oranges, Cantaloupe melon, Mango, Plantain, Pomegranate, Watermelon

  • Vitamin A Vegetables: Raw, or cooked, for no more than 7 minutes. Carrots, Broccoli, Dandelion Greens (chard) Mustard Greens, Cooked frozen vegetables no salt, Turnip, Squash, Spinach, Pumpkin, Tomato Sauce, Peas, Sweet Potatoes and Yams
Lastly, drink water 6-8 times a day and for an extra benefit of expelling excess sodium, toxins and metals out of muscles and organs, drink lemon water (1/2 lemon with it’s contents squeezed into glass of water  twice a day).
A home remedy to heal acne: Combine in a bowl 1/2 tsp water, 1/4 tsp turmeric and 1/8 tsp salt. With a cotton ball gently dab a small amount of paste onto acne and allow skin to absorb ingredients overnight. In the morning, gently cleanse to remove and refresh skin.

Servings Defined:

  • Fruits and Vegetables 1/2 cup = 1 Serving
  • Fats/ Oils 1 tbsp = 1 Serving
  • Lean Meat, Fish, Poultry 4 oz = 1 Serving
  • Glass of Milk or Water 8 oz =1 Serving

Recommended Daily Nutritional Intake

3 servings (use sparingly) fats, oils, sweets
2 servings (6 – 9 ounces) meat/protein
2 servings dairy
4 servings fruit
5 servings vegetables
4-6 servings bread/starch

Thank You to Pubmed for making available the research needed for this article.
By: K. Crocker-Scardicchio

References

The Olive Tree

A handful of olives each day improves the health of the body.

The history of the sacred olive tree’s goodness extends from peace offerings between “The Powers” of countries and cities, to its fruit’s medicinal benefits.  Before presenting how the olive is processed, enjoy some trivia on the olive tree and it’s influence on society.

  1. Genesis states that Noah received an olive branch from a dove once the flood waters receded. Christians continue with the tradition of exchanging small olive branches as a sign of peace one week before Easter.
  2. The name Athena is said to bare the name of the Olive Tree with the Olympic Crown being made of olive branches.
  3. Olympians  and other individuals used olive oil to make their skin more supple.
  4. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is used as a medicine in order to improve healthy cholesterol (HDL) and reduce the bad cholesterol (LDL). The quality of nutrient’s work as a hammer and chisel, helping to reduce plaque build up in veins and arteries.
  5. Thousands of  years of history and research have shown the importance of olive oil. World history indicates that in 2000 b.c. Egyptian’s imported Olive Oil from Crete, Syria and Canaan.

Generations of farmers and their  knowledge on handling of the fruit is passed down through time and right to our kitchens where the tree of life provides us with vitamins and minerals that satisfy our bodies keeping them healthy and strong.

EVOO a.k.a. Liquid Gold

Homer called it “Liquid Gold” and so the name stuck since Greek times. Extra Virgin Olive Oil, a name from “Oleum” (oil ) Gk and “Elaion” (olive tree ) Gk, originates from “El’yon” (meaning superior) Gk. Todays largest producers of Olive Oil are: Spain, Italy and Greece. Spain & Italy perform multiple presses on olives, while Greece is the number one  producer of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (a single first press).

Olive trees are pruned yearly. The height of fruit production is 20-25 years per branch and then it is removed. By alternating the cultivation of branch shoots, olive trees can live 300-600 years.

Olives await their press

In late fall and early winter, large nets are spread around the tree, olives are combed from the branches with rakes, combs or shakers, then placed into a large wagon. They await their press within the first 24 hours of being collected. The olives are removed from the wagon and elevated into a wash bin, separated from leaves and insects, ready for press.

Old olive press

Olive presses have evolved over time! Two stone wheels once stood vertically to each other with a large pole balancing them in the center. A donkey was roped onto the pole and would walk in circles, causing the wheel to rotate and press the olives, resulting in a beautiful green ribbon oil streaming from the attached siphon. Archaeologists found 100 olive oil presses dating back to 1600 b.c. in “the fertile crescent”, the stomping grounds of Lebanon, Israel and Palestine. The ancient presses would have produced between 1,000 to 3,000 tons of olive oil per season.

Once in press, the water and oil are separated from the olive.

Today olives are more easily pressed with their oil extracted and water being separated from the fruit. There are 3 presses performed on a single olive in modern times. Description of “Cold Press Oil” is reference to when the olives were obtained and pressed; November-January for most countries north of the equator! Looking through the screen, one can observe the pressing of the olives! The filaments are an earth color, soon to come out yellow-green as the pits and olive skin are sorted from the oil.

Olives endure 3 presses. The virgin press has the highest quality of nutrients and is dark yellow-green in color.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a color of dark yellow-green and holds a superior quality in vitamins and minerals. It is preferred to NOT HEAT EVOO, but instead use it on fresh on salads, vegetables and breads. Second press, a pale yellow oil, is used for low-heat sautéing of garlic & onion, a precedent to sauce making. Third press, yields clear oil, considered a poor quality with very few nutrients, often combined with a pat of butter for frying. Understanding olive oil and how or why it is used in various recipes provides one an opportunity to achieve the best dietary results in keeping a  family healthy.

1 serving a vegetables= 4 olives. Replace butter intake with EVOO to improve skin

Europe has many wonderful olive orchards.  A special thanks to Villa Maiano (Florence, Italy) and an opportunity to visit to their Olive Orchard and access to their farm.  http://www.fattoriadimaian​o.com/en/

Recipes

Recipes for Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
DRESSING or DIP:

  • Whisk together 1 Tbsp EVOO, 1/2 Tbsp balsamic Vinegar, pinch of salt and pepper, 1 tsp parmesan cheese and serve on baguette or salad.
  • Vegetable salad. 1 tomato diced, 1 cucumber peeled and diced, olives, 1/2 c. arugula leaves. Combine with 1 Tbsp EVOO, pinch of pepper and oregano.
  • Salmon and Mozzarella
  • Cucumber Guacamole Dip

Recipes for Second Press Olive Oil

Recipes for Third Press or Light Olive Oil

OLIVE OIL can be used by itself  in place of facial creams.  Please read more and learn how to save money be making your own home remedy; a daily application before bed time is enough to improve skin.  Home Remedy Facial! Stimulate Your Skins Collagen & Elastin
Written by Kimberly Crocker Scardicchio

Vitamin “H” for Haar and Haut

European spa’s know it and sell it at their Benessere Resorts (well-being)!  The style toted by european women is practiced weekly as they go to local salons and focus on their natural beauty. When referencing the body it’s as simple as name dropping, just say the German words “Haar and Haut” and you have “Hair and Skin”.

Vitamin H derives its name from Haar and Haut (also known as  Biotin/B7) therefore, this vitamin  is critical in the making of:  skin, hair cells, breaking down fats and producing fats metabolized from protein/amino acids as it assists key enzymes (carboxylase) to produce what is necessary for life.

Carefully understanding the word metabolism allows for easier comprehension on how and why we can better do better in improving or maintaining a lean machine.   Metabolize comes from the Greek word Metabole meaning Change.

We count on our metabolism, to break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into smaller units; those units are reorganized as tissue building blocks (or as energy sources) and then waste products are eliminated and removed based on what our body cannot use.  In order for a body’s enzyme’s or hormone’s to do all this work, it needs an assistant  (referred to as co-enzymes) like biotin so that principle enzymes can participate in the production and building of healthy bodies.

Foods rich in Biotin

Improving  daily intake of vitamin H  is easy to do by choosing one of the following foods and including it into a well rounded diet.  Best foods for Biotin/Vitamin H/B7  are:  cooked egg yolks and whites, liver, fish, peanuts, peas, cauliflower, corn and grains. Biotin is produced in the intestines through bacteria as well. Vitamin B7 is also found in synthetic form.
Interference of proper uptake of vitamin B7 can happen through consumption of alcohol, which limits or prohibits the co-enzyme to function, as well as eating of raw eggs.  Research shows  that the raw egg white holds the  protein Avidin which can  interfere with Biotin which is found in the egg yolk.  Therefore, it’s advised that if biotin deficiency is determined in an individual, that one should cook the egg so that avidin is denatured upon cooking, while biotin remains intact.  Those who are pregnant, lactating, or athletic may need extra vitamin B7 and should consult their doctors to have their levels of biotin checked.
Biotin/B7 deficiency can be noted by causes of skin rashes (dermatitis), nail and hair (alopecia) loss, conjunctivitis (pink eye) and tingling in extremities.  It may also result in weakness, depression, hallucination, numbness, fatigue, irritation, rashes, loss of appetite.
We can still enjoy the care of “Haar and Haut” at our local hair salons for cuts, pedicures and manicures! However, with accurate dietary information in hand, knowledge and proper care of oneself  can improve lifestyle and attention to what will bring about physical success.
By:  Kim Crocker-Scardicchio
References

Home Remedy Facial! Stimulate Your Skins Collagen & Elastin

Our skin is able to play an important role in maintaining the body’s homeostasis. Skin has the ability to cool or keep warm through proper release or conservation of water, assists in maintenance of body temperature and protecting us from disease. Skin is made up of two important proteins that keep the connective tissues from deteriorating; collagen provides firmness to the skin while elastin gives flexibility. Foods that we eat contribute to building a meshwork of important collagen and elastin at the dermis. As we age the skin loses its moisture becomes dehydrated, wrinkled and sagged, both exercise and a healthy diet promotes the longevity and overall health of the skin.Collagen is made through the presence of Vitamin C and while zinc maintains both collagen and elastin.  Include these foods in your diet: Tomatoes, Oranges, Guava, Berries, Kiwi, Red Peppers, Brussel Sprouts, Cantaloupe, Nuts, Olives, Dark Chocolate.

Fish for Omega-3 come in a variety with salmon and  tuna  leading the way as excellent foods for building collagen and elastin in the body, keeping the health of cells strong so that proper blood flow is promoted throughout the body.

Prunes and Blueberries are chocked full of antioxidants excellent for combating free radicals which could otherwise work against the body so that illness could be more prevalent.  Prevent these damaging free radicals by eating ¼ cup of berries (blueberries), or 6 prunes, both which are ideal to optimize antioxidant intake.

Likewise Vitamin K is equally critical to healthy skin, it is a fat soluble vitamin stored in the liver and can be consumed in a variety of foods without exaggerating the serving size.  In most cases a daily serving of ½ cup of a dark green is sufficient for what your body needs.

Vitamin K1: Dark green vegetables (Asparagus, Broccoli, Cauliflower), Leafy Greens (Kale, Collards, Spinch), Green Tea, Cantaloupe, Banana’s, Kiwi, Berries, Apricots

Vitamin K2: found in chicken, salami, ground beef, hard and soft cheese butter.

The list and purpose of Vitamin K show’s why this important vitamin needs to be a part of our daily intake.

  1. Restores health of skin. If topically absorbed, helps to build up the skin around the wrinkle or line to actually erase the sight of them.
  2. Combined with topical vitamin A reduces:  bruises, scars, skin burns, rosacea and dark circles under the eyes.
  3. Promotes Prothrombin then thrombin for proper blood clotting and wound healing.
  4. Aids in curing osteoporosis. Blood is made in the bone. By having vitamin K present bones become stronger, aids bone formation and repair
  5. Prevents certain kinds of cancers that affect the inner linings of the organs, promotes flexible organs, fights against hardening of the arteries.
  6. Important role in the intestines as it helps to change glucose into glycogen(carbohydrate) thus promoting healthy liver function.  (If not present it would result in abnormal or internal bleeding.)
  7. Eat fresh salads, fruits and vegetables in order to optimize on the quality of food and vitamin. Cooking foods high in vitamin K causes the compounds to be leeched and reduces the overall benefit of both food and vitamin.

EASY TO MAKE TOPICAL FACIAL:

  • ¼ cup Rose Water
  • 2 Tbsp Sea Salt or try brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp Honey

Combine all ingredients.  With a soft cloth apply mixture to face working in small circles. Rinse your face with warm water and pat dry with a towel, do not rub dry.  Skin scrub only twice a week for optimal skin health.

Homemade Facial Ointment (Cream)

  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • ½  tsp Honey
  • 1 tsp Green Tea (tea water squeezed from wet tea bag)
  • 6 drops Lemon Juice
  • 1 tsp Rose Water

Combine all ingredients.  The  apply  to face and neck, or entire body.  After 5-10 minutes rinse face with warm water and pat face dry with clean towel. This routine can be done once a day. Complete routine with a moisturizer. For sensitive use less time and if a rash appears use only 3 times a week.

HOME REMEDY FOR EYE SERUM

  • 6 drops Lemon Juice from fresh lemon  
  • ¼ tsp Honey
  • ½ tsp Rose Water

Combine all ingredients and apply under eye on orbital where dark circles and wrinkles are most prominent. Can be used once a day.

  • Honey is utilized to draw in moisture.  Add 1/2 tsp more if your skin is “Dry” and 6 drops of lemon juice.
  • Rose water softens skin.
  • Olive oil provides vitamin A and E to promote building of skin proteins.
  • Green tea has antioxidants to fight against free radicals that come in contact with your skin.
  • Lemon juice is high I vitamin C which stimulates new collagen and elastin in the skin.

Skin cells are rejuvenated every 30 days, utilize the homemade facial cream and see immediate results, noticeable softening and fading of facial lines within 10 days.