Green tea contains loads of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds making it perfect to protect our skin. One of the main benefits it has is the ability to support the process of differentiation and maturation of our keratinocytes, ensuring a strong Stratum corneum that will protect the more vulnerable layers beneath.

Drinking green tea also boosts the levels of the Natural Moisturising Factor chemicals in the corneocytes, reducing the loss of water from the skin and improving the hydration levels.

EFA’s like omega 3 and 6 also reduce skin inflammation and ease dry skin problems like eczema and psoriasis that leave the skin more vulnerable to wrinkling and premature ageing.

INGREDIENTS
• 2-3 very ripe avocados
• ½ cup raw cacao
• ¼ cup agave, maple syrup or a few drops of liquid stevia to taste
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ to ½ a cup water, add slowly to getconsistency of mousse
• 2 dessertspoons of Bestow Beauty Oil
• Pinch of salt or chilli
• 1 vanilla pod scraped (optional)
• 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted (optional)
• Berries of your choice (optional)
• Acidophilus yoghurt (optional)

DIRECTIONS
Blend all ingredients in a food processor except for the berries and yoghurt. Layer berries in individual glasses then follow with the chocolate mousse mixture. Allow to sit in fridge for an hour, then top with yoghurt and serve.

NOTE: The coconut oil will set the mousse more firmly but it is not advisable to use if you have blocked skin.

The Otago University did a study that showed two Brazil nuts a day increased blood serum selenium levels better than supplements. But remember, only two a day, as high selenium levels are toxic.

Brazil nuts also contain good amount of zinc, an amazing skin mineral and one that I always consider when working with skin conditions or preventing skin ageing. Zinc helps heal our skin and ensures proper keratinisation of our Stratum Corneum.

Zinc is also a vital component required to make healthy collagen. Unfortunately it is also the building block we are most to be deficient in so most of us need to boost our levels.

Lately it seems that more and more of our commonly eaten foods are managing to find their way onto the growing list of ‘super foods’ due to their powerfully protective health-giving properties. Even the good old cabbage has been bestowed with an exciting little phyto chemical, indole-3-carbinol. Studies have shown that people who eat cabbage once a week slash their colon cancer risk by a whopping third.

From a beauty perspective many foods that we eat contain phyto-chemicals that keep our skin looking gorgeous. It is important for us to remember that while it is great to have anti-ageing ingredients in our skin care ranges, nothing can beat delivering these protective chemicals directly to the fibroblasts (the skin’s anti-ageing cells) through our blood supply. This is the art of dermo-nutrition.

Dark Berries
Dark red and blue berries such as blueberries, blackcurrants, raspberries and cranberries, all help your body make strong collagen, keeping your skin supple, smooth and healthy. This action is due to the anthocyanidins found in dark berries. These stabilize the collagen fibres making them more resistant to being broken down by collagenase, a process that gets out of control as we age or are exposed to UV rays.

Another benefit these fruits offer is their ability to help protect our skin from the sun. Blackcurrants in particular reduce the ageing effect of UV rays by neutralising free radicals.

I buy frozen organic berries, defrost them in the fridge and add them to my porridge every day.

So what are the chances you fall into the low vitamin D risk category?
There is actually a good chance as 30% of the population have been found to be deficient in vitamin D and this is especially true if you avoid the sun or use lots of sun protection.

In the past it was very difficult to get a blood test to measure your vitamin D levels unless you suffered from a bone disease. Luckily this has recently changed and your doctor is able to order a test or you can simply turn up at your local laboratory and pay for a test, you don’t even need a script from your doctor. Our local laboratory is Pathlab and it costs $30 to be tested with the results being reported directly to you and your doctor.

So what blood serum levels do you need?

• Levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D of below 25 nmol/L are considered deficient.
• Levels of between 25-50 nmol/L are sub-optimal
• Levels of over 50 nmol/L are optimal however some literature advises you whould aim for above 75 nmol/L to help prevent disease
• Although no safe upper level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D has been identified, treatment to levels above 125 nmol/L is not recommended.

So get yourself checked if you think you could be low. It might be one of the best things you do all year to ensure a long and healthy life!

My good friend Liz delivered these fantastic little crackers she made using her Sedona dehydrator, you can use any brand of deydrator or a fan oven.  They are delicious and so good for you.  Liz added a ‘skin food’ twist by adding some Bestow Beauty Powder to the mix!  We topped them with some homemade hummus for extra goodness.

Raw Cracker Recipe

3 cups of linseeds soaked in cold water for 24 hours
2 organic carrots, scrubbed and roughly chopped
2 cups of sunflower seeds, soaked for 24 hours, drained
1 large red capsicum
2 courgettes
2 tbsp unpasteurized miso (optional)
A splash or two of tamari or shoyu
2 tbsp garlic granules or 4 cloves chopped garlic
1 small red onion
1 tbsp dried oregano (optional)
2 tbsp of Bestow Beauty Powder
2 tbsp of chopped sundried tomatos
1 tsp Himalayan salt
½ to 1 cup water

Place all ingredients in a food processor starting with one cup of water and blend into a smooth paste.  If it is too thick add more water until it is easy to thinly spread.

Place 1/4 of mixture onto baking paper and spread, place another sheet on top and roll out the mixture using a rolling pin until it is ¼ inch thick. Carefully peel back the top sheet using a knife to smooth the mixture down.  Lightly score the mixture into cracker sizes and carefully place onto a baking tray. Repeat with the process with the remaining mixture.

Dehydrate in a fan oven at 50 degrees celcius for 8 to 18 hours until crisp or use a dehydrator.

Add these two wonderful therapies to your detox programme.

1. Detox Mineral Bath
Take a detox mineral bath made from simple ingredients to feel refreshed and awakened.

1 Cup Epsom Salts
1/2 Cup Regular Sea Salt
4 Tablespoons Baking Soda

2. Dry Skin Brushing
Dry skin brushing is a wonderful detoxification aid as your skin is your body’s largest eliminative organ and is responsible for one quarter of the body’s detoxification each day (that’s why it’s also known as our third kidney). If you dry brush regularly your skin will be noticeably smoother with an improvement in colour, texture and clarity and you can improve conditions such as cellulite and water retention.

Dry skin brushing stimulates your circulation, boosting the blood flow that delivers oxygen and other nutrients to the skin, and helping the skin appear more radiant and glowing and warm to touch. Dry skin brushing also stimulates the flow of lymphatic vessels, indirectly aiding the immune function and improving lymphatic drainage throughout the body.

The basic tool for dry skin brushing is a firm, natural bristled, with a head about the size of the palm of the hand.

Chicken and Mushroom Patties with Thai Dressing

1 chicken breast, roughly chopped
Half onion, roughly chopped
1 tbs mixed herbs (dried or fresh)
1/2 cup of lightly fried mushrooms
Crushed cornflakes to coat the patties
Salt, pepper
Rice Bran Oil

Thai Dressing

Serves 2.

DO:
Include these great detoxifying, beautifying foods and vitamins in your diet:

• Brightly coloured fruit and vegetables such as capsicum, carrots, tomatoes, beetroot watercress, berries, papaya and melon contain lots of beneficial anti-oxidants such as Vitamin C, E, beta-carotene and phytonutrients to protect our liver.
• Adequate levels of B vitamins, selenium, zinc and glutathione is also required by your liver. Brown rice is an excellent source of B vitamins and it also contains zinc, selenium can be found in Brazil nuts, and garlic, asparagus, watermelon, papaya, avocado and mushrooms all increase the levels of glutathione, a most important anti-oxidant.
• Garlic, onions, eggs, watercress are all sulphur-containing foods, which assist liver function.
• Members of the Brassica family like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and kale are very helpful.

DON’T:

• Do any taxing exercise that promotes the secretion of stress hormones. Instead, it’s a great time to replace high impact exercise with rebalancing, breath-based exercises, like yoga or Pilates.  Gentle walking is also a good option to stimulate the lymphatic system but not overtax your body.
• Burn the candle at both ends! Instead, try to be in bed asleep by 10pm.  Your liver begins it daily washing cycle between 10pm and 2am (it’s like a cleaner that comes in every evening), so it’s the best time to let your body rest and recover.

DO:

• Ensure you get enough rest during the detoxification period.  Rest and relaxation aid the liver by eliminating the need to detoxify stress hormones.
• Dry brush your skin every day before your bath or shower to help support circulation and encourage the passage of toxins from your lymph glands.
• Include a detox mineral bath from time to time – a wonderful way to promote the detoxification process dry skin brushing has started.

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