Forget luxury skin products and expensive treatments, the way to a more radiant you starts in your own kitchen.
With reports of gold facials and bird poo treatments, it is easy to forget that beauty comes indeed from within and it can be as easy as pouring yourself a glass of goodness.
It is a well-known fact that hydration is essential to keep your body happy and healthy, but apart from the humble water there are other tipples full of detoxing, anti-ageing and plumping benefits.
And while you should always aim to drink your guideline eight glasses of aqua a day, check out these beverages with added beauty oomph.
1. Coconut water
Coconut water, especially A-List favourite Vita Coco, has been making waves in the health food market — not least because of its huge celebrity following including Rihanna, Madonna and Matthew McConaughey.
Its benefits lie in the liquid’s high potassium content, which helps to hydrate the body fast and helps to combat fatigue.
“It’s beneficial to our bodies because it contains a lot of natural electrolytes. As a nutritionist, I like it because it’s a low-sugar, fast-hydrating drink. You can compare coconut water to a sports drink but without all the caffeine and sugar in it,” nutritional therapist Susie Perrie explained to British newspaper Metro. However, watch your intake as coconut water can act as a laxative.
2. Pomegranate juice
Pomegranates are branded a super food because of their high antioxidant and vitamin content and has been credited with decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Drinking pure pomegranate juice is said to help burn fat and lower cholesterol levels.
“There are early signs that drinking pomegranate juice can help redistribute fat so it isn’t stored around the stomach area, which can increase risk of diabetes and heart disease. Changing your glass of apple or orange to this may offer health benefits,” nutritionist Angela Dowden told British newspaper The Daily Mail.
3. Green tea
Green tea has become a beauty classic thanks to its multiple health benefits. Named the preferred drink of super models, the tea is packed with antioxidants and has been credited with weight loss and anti-ageing properties.
“Studies in mice show that drinking green tea can slow down weight gain even when accompanied by a fatty diet. The good news is that there is some evidence to suggest this effect on body weight can also be seen in humans,” nutritionist Kate Butler told the British publication Zest.
4. Coffee
While, strictly speaking, caffeine is a toxin, it has some beauty benefits when consumed in its purest form — and in moderation. Forget the cream and caramel concoctions of coffee house chains, instead opt for one or two cups of organic coffee with a dash of organic full-fat milk.
“Caffeine can help the body burn fat and it also boosts your performance when exercising. Organic coffee is also packed with antioxidants and it’s great for your digestion,” celebrity trainer and nutritional expert James Duigan writes in his book Clean & Lean Diet. © COVER MEDIA
