Drink your Way to Better Skin

By: Shamaila

If you are reading this article, then you are probably looking to improve your skin. As a person who suffered from active acne for around five years, I know how frustrating acne is. Also, I am sure we have all heard how certain foods can cause or aggravate acne. However, I am not here to tell you what not to eat. In fact, I believe that with the right nutrient intake daily, we can help our skin repair itself as well as control future breakouts. But, I also know how busy everyone is and not everyone has time to whip up fancy, nutrient-rich meals all the time.

So, taking a cue from the rising popularity of smoothies, I decided to write something for all those who are battling acne (whether active acne or old scars and blemishes). The easiest way to load your body with the necessary vitamins, minerals, and essential fats is through smoothies. In just one glass, you will be able to meet your daily target of important nutrients easily.

Ready to drink your way to better (and healthy) skin? Let's get started!

1. Green smoothie

If you hate green smoothies, then you must be like, not another one! But hear me out, this green smoothie is neither bland nor boring. In fact, this recipe incorporates lots of tasty things to satisfy your taste buds and give your body all the healthy goodness that it needs.

Here's what you need:

- Greens of some sort (half a cup of either kale, spinach, celery etc.)

- Fruits (feel free to use a frozen banana, mango or peach) The frozen fruit allows you to get a colder smoothie without adding ice that might dilute the taste.

- Yogurt (half a cup)

- A tablespoon of coconut oil or flax seed

- A tablespoon of protein powder

Add all this to a blender and blend away!

The good stuff you will be getting:

The greens in this smoothie contain tons of minerals and fiber. The fruits are loaded with vitamins. The yogurts act as a probiotic that helps to increase healthy bacteria in the body. The protein powder is self-explanatory (gives you a protein boost and is great for increasing skin elasticity) The addition of oil helps to provide you with Vitamins A and E which are both crucial for healthy skin.

2. Berry Smoothie

For all the berry lovers, this one's for you! I know how a lot of people go crazy for berries so I just had to add one such recipe.

Here's what you will need:

- Frozen berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries etc.)

-Yogurt (half a cup)

- A tablespoon of coconut oil or flax seed

- A tablespoon of protein powder

- 2 tablespoons of uncooked oats

Blend everything together until creamy.

The good stuff you will be getting:

Apart from a delicious moment in smoothie paradise, here is what this recipe will provide you: Berries are popular antioxidants and good sources of vitamin C. Antioxidants= better skin and vitamin C helps the skin to repair itself faster. The addition of oats helps to boost the fiber content. Our body needs fiber to get rid of waste materials from the body. Also, oat is a well-known anti-inflammatory agent. This helps to get rid of any inflammation in the body.

3. Papaya smoothie

If you want the taste of tropical paradise, then this smoothie is for you. A quick and easy way to add fiber, protein, and vitamins to your body.

Here is what you will need:

• Ripe papaya chunks (peeled)
• Almond milk
• A tablespoon protein powder

As usual, blend all this together with ice. If you don't have ice at hand, then refrigerate this for a much better tasting smoothie.

So, did any of the recipes give you intense smoothie cravings? If yes, then which one will you be trying out? Also, Comment below your favorite smoothie recipes as well as any food hacks for better skin.