Want clear, glowing skin? Certain foods, like matcha and green tea, may be the key.
Dairy and Acne
Believed by some to be skin's worst enemy, dairy may not be a huge culprit when it comes to acne flare ups. While there is data to the contrary, some dermatologists still think there is a need for some folks to dial back on the dairy intake. For some people who are more susceptible, the spikes in insulin caused by dairy consumption can exacerbate acne — and skim milk may actually be worse than whole milk.
Green Tea and Clear Complexion
Sip on modest amounts of green tea and other matcha products to help promote skin health. Drinking more fluids, including tea, can help promote a well-hydrated complexion, plus caffeine promotes circulation and compounds in the tea leaves are potent anti-inflammatories.
Heart and Kidney Health
Promote the health of these vital organs with wholesome fish, berries and oils.
Cranberries and UTI Prevention
Once thought to be an old wives’ tale, eating more cranberries actually can help protect against urinary tract infections. Get more cranberries from juice and add fresh and dried cranberries to smoothies, baked goods and trail mix.
Salmon and Heart Health
Salmon continues to be the "it" fish since it is low in mercury and high in protein and healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fats that are known to promote heart health.
Plant-Based Oils and Heart Health
The monounsaturated fats in olive oil are superstars for heart health. On the other hand, coconut oil may not deserve its health halo entirely. Since coconut oil is high in unhealthy saturated fats, there’s good reason to consume it in strict moderation. But, when used topically, small amounts of coconut oil can help moisturize and remove bacteria from the skin.
Tummy Woes
Soothe your stomach with wholesome carbohydrates, fruits and yogurt.
Prunes and Digestion
Yup, it’s true — prunes do a body good, especially when things are backed up. The type of fiber in dried prunes and even prune juice can help stimulant the gut and treat constipation.
B.R.A.T. (Banana, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) and a Stomach Bug
Mom may have been on to something. Whether it’s a stomach bug or bout of food poisoning, eating a bland diet is a good way to ease back in to eating. Though some docs may have called this method outdated, this classic acronym for Banana, Rice, Applesauce and Toast is an easy-to-remember list of foods that are easy on digestion.
Yogurt and Gut Health
Getting a daily dose of yogurt provides probiotics to help keep your microbiome at its best. Gut health has been linked to not only better digestion, but improved immunity as well. Yogurt and other cultured dairy products like kefir contain these healthy bacteria. As an added remedy bonus — yogurt also contains compounds that help promote sleep.
Ginger and Nausea
While it might not work well for everyone, there are plenty of tasty ways to see if ginger tea, candies and ginger ale can help fight nausea and motion sickness.
Cold and Flu
Give your immune system a boost with powerful antioxidants and comforting soups.
Orange Juice and Immunity
We’ve all been told to flood our system with hefty doses of vitamin C when we feel a cold coming on. While the "immune boosting" qualities of OJ and other vitamin C rich foods are overhyped, the antioxidant power of vitamin C can fight inflammation and may shorten the duration of a cold.
Chicken Soup and the Common Cold
The steamy combo of high protein chicken, mineral rich broth and health carbs from vegetables and noodles (or rice) creates a slurpable mixture to cure many of the symptoms cold and flu sufferers dread. Each soothing spoonful can help thin mucous, fight inflammation and help replenish many of things your body is low on when feeling under the weather.
