Page 52 - Real Style Spring 2017

Beautiful inside and out
loco for coco
As it turns out, when it comes to beauty, dark chocolate is one sweet you can indulge in. “This sweet
treat contains high levels of cocoa avanols—these are plant compounds with antioxidant properties, and they have been associated with softer, more hydrated skin,” says Drayer.
Whether you’re after a more radiant complexion or healthier hair and nails, these kitchen staples will do more than please the palate. Incorporate some of the above into your weeknight menu and you’ll be well on your way to
beautiful, inside and out.
colour your world
There are plenty of reasons to pack your cart full of greens, but if you had to choose just one, you might want to opt for the versatile spinach. “Spinach is a low-calorie leafy green vegetable that is loaded with beauty-enhancing nutrients,” says Drayer. “Spinach is also rich in lutein, beta carotene, B vitamins and iron. And it has only seven calories with one gram of bre per cup!”
As for luscious red tomatoes, it turns out our kitchen’s MVP is also a beauty must. “Tomatoes provide the greatest amount of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may also protect against sunburn,” says Drayer.
While carrots are known as one of the best sources of beta carotene, sweet potatoes are indeed an attractive alternative. “Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta carotene, a powerful antioxidant that protects cells, including skin cells from damage,” says Drayer. “Betacarotene also protects skin from sunburn, and is converted to vitamin A in the body, which keeps skin soft and smooth.”
“If your skin is looking dull and lacklustre, incorporate sweet potatoes, which contain the magical skin brightening combination of vitamins A and C,” adds Snyder. “Vitamin A and C work to replace a dull complexion with a fresh face, while working to neutralize cell tissue-damaging free radicals. Sweet potatoes are also rich in biotin, and vitamins B2, B6 and E.”
52 Real Style Spring 2017
PhotoS, Left: iStoCk, riGht: inStarimaGeS, iStoCk