Tasty and Beautifying Fall Foods

With the holidays rapidly approaching, you are probably thinking about sweet potato and pumpkin dishes around the dinner table. I know I am. The next time you are at the store, throw a few extra sweet potatoes and cans of pumpkin in your cart. These colorful antioxidants not only serve as comfort food during the holidays, but they also provide magnificent benefits to your skin.

Eat Two Sweet Potatoes a Week

You’ll get more beta carotene, an antioxidant that promotes collagen production, out of one sweet potato than you will out of any other fruit or vegetable. Research suggests that two servings a week will motivate your skin to block UV rays on its own and reverse sun damage.

Make Your Own Pumpkin Facial

Pumpkin contains enzymes to exfoliate, zinc to heal inflammation, and vitamin C to ward off free radicals. One pumpkin facial a week will leave your skin supple and bright. Try this recipe:

• 4 tsp. canned pumpkin
• 1 tsp. milk
• 1 tsp. honey
• 1 tsp. brown sugar

Dampen your skin and apply the mixture for up to ten minutes. Remove with cool water, pat dry, and moisturize.

Source: Women’s World, October 2010