• Facial Cleanser

If you are often exposed to pollution, this formula is for you as it is effective against grime that interferes with normal skin function. You can prepare this facial cleansing formula every other day and refrigerate between uses.

Ingredients: egg, ½ cup milk, half-ripe peeled avocado (mashed)

Beat the yolk of an egg until light and frothy. Add ½ cup milk and mashed half of a ripe peeled avocado. Using a blender or fork, beat to a thin cream or lotion-like consistency. For dry or sensitive skin, apply with cotton squares as you would any cleanser. For normal skin, you may also use after cleansing with soap and water.

• Facial Mask

Say goodbye to dry skin by preparing your own facial mask. Mash half avocado and apply it on your face. Keep it for 15 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water.

Here is another recipe to help revitalize dry and sensitive skin. Beat the yolk of an egg until light and frothy. Blend in the mashed pulp of ½ ripe avocado till smooth and creamy. Cleanse your face and neck thoroughly, pat dry and apply the mixture evenly.

• Mask for Oily Skin

If your oily skin bothers you, avocados are ideal for you because of the monounsaturated fat that won't clog pores. The prepare this skin mask, you would need the following ingredients: egg, 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, mashed pulp of ½ ripe avocado.

Blend the white of an egg with one teaspoon fresh lemon juice and the mashed pulp of ½ ripe avocado until frothy green.  Cleanse your face and neck thoroughly, pat dry and apply mask evenly. Lie down and relax for about 20 minutes. Remove with clear tepid water and a soft face cloth, followed by a cold astringent or skin tonic.

• Facial Scrub

You would need 2 tbsp. flax seeds, 1/2 mashed banana and 1/2 avocado peel. Use a small bowl to mix flax seeds and banana. Scoop the banana and flax seeds by using avocado peel. Massage this scoop on your face in circular motion, slowly and gently. Rinse it with warm water.

• Puffed Eyes

• Eye Cream

Ingredients: almond oil, 3 ripe slices of avocado

To make an eye cream mix 5 drops of almond oil in 3 ripe slices of avocado. Blend this mixture and dab it around your eyes. Keep it for five minutes then rinse.

• Avocado moisturizer

Don't throw the avocado peel as you can use this to make moisturizer. The inside of the peel contains humectants - these are precious oils that help your skin hold in moisture. Here's how:

For daytime use, lightly massage your face with the inside of the peel using gentle upward strokes. Allow the residue to stay on your skin for about 15 minutes. Gently rinse your face three to four times in tepid water and pat dry. You won't notice the oil, but its presence is assured in your skin. This will hold your foundation or powder in place for hours.

As an overnight moisturizer, apply the residue on your skin. Lie down and relax for about 20 minutes. Remove with clear tepid water and a soft face cloth, followed by a cold water rinse or a mild skin lotion.

Smooth and beautiful hands

Ingredients: ¼ peeled and mashed avocado, 1 egg white, 2 tbsp. oatmeal, 1 tsp. lemon juice.

Make a paste by mixing 1/4 peeled and mashed avocado, 1 egg white, 2 tbsp. oatmeal and 1 tsp lemon juice. Apply this paste on your hand and leave it for 20 minutes. Rinse it with warm water and pat it dry. You would be thrilled by the results by using it regularly.

Avocado is rich in magnesium that reduces risk of excess belly fat, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar.

Some of you might not know that you can also blend an avocado pit in your smoothie. It is packed with very good nutrients. It has the life force. It is very high Qi food! It’s also the highest in soluble fiber. This soluble fiber binds to the fat and excess cholesterol. Then we can lower cholesterol and improve heart function naturally. We can improve the blood circulation by pulling out all the fatty deposits in our circulatory system with the soluble fiber of the avocado seed. Soluble fiber is very difficult to get in our diet. Oatmeal has some, but it cannot compare with the avocado seed. Any heart disease patient must eat the avocado including the seed.

AVOCADO BANANA BERRY SMOOTHIE

Half a ripe avocado
1 to 1 1/2 frozen bananas
4 to 5 frozen or fresh strawberries
Splash of nut milk
Pinch cardamom
Pinch allspice

PEAR AVOCADO SMOOTHIE

1 large pear, chopped
1/2 cups green grapes
1/4 avocado
2 teaspoons honey
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Blend and top with chopped pecans.

If you are a fan of wheatgrass, you will love this recipe! Comes out pretty thick.

wheatgrass
1 whole avocado with a pit
blended it together
then add 3 bananas
2 large handfuls of a mango/peach frozen blend
soaked chia seeds
flax oil
water.

GREEN ENVY AVOCADO SMOOTHIE

1 avocado
2 bananas
2 cups orange juice
1 cup of strawberries (preferably fresh, but frozen will do)
1 cup of orange or strawberry sherbet
1 cup ice

GREEN GOBLIN'S POTION

1 medium or large ripe avocado
1 1/2 cup fresh pineapple
1 Tbs honey
1 1/2 cup orange juice
2 tsp lime juice (optional)
1/4 tsp coconut meat
2 ice cubes

APPLE AND AVOCADO SMOOTHIE

1 Granny Smith apple, cored, skin on
1/2 ripe Hass avocado
1/2 apple juice
1/2 cup ice
3 sprigs mint leaves
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice

Combine all ingredients together in a blender like Vitamix (http://www.vitamix.com and enter 06-005636 to get free shipping) and pulse until ice is incorporated. Then puree until smooth.

AVOCADO BERRY SMOOTHIE

1 medium avocado, peeled and pitted
1 tablespoon cashews, raw
1/2 teaspoon stevia (or 1 tablespoon honey)
1 cup water
1/2 cup blueberries, frozen
6 ice cubes

Blend the avocado, cashews, stevia, water, blueberries, and ice together until smooth. Serves 1-2

More than 11 million Americans are estimated to have food allergies, which occur when the immune system reacts poorly to certain food. If you have an allergy, you know: Within minutes of eating the offending food, you may experience hives, swelling or have trouble breathing.

Less obvious and more common are food intolerances, which can be digestive issues that don't involve the immune system. Symptoms may include cramps, gas and bloating. Unlike with food allergies, you may be able to eat small amounts of problem foods.

But don't torture yourself. Instead, try some of these lower risk alternatives to the most common food allergies, including milk, eggs, peanuts and soy.

Apples and applesauce

In addition to vitamin C, pectin (a soluble fiber), potassium and important phytochemicals, apples contain high amounts of quercetin, which can help reduce allergy symptoms, according to a study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. German researchers recently showed organically produced apples have a 15 percent higher antioxidant capacity than conventionally produced apples.

Try this: Lightly saute slices from one apple with one diced potato and onion.

Cruciferous vegetables

Some people with allergies have trouble removing toxins through the liver and kidneys, said nutrition expert Bonnie Minsky. If the toxins back up into the body, it increases the chances of inflammation, which leaves an allergic person even more sensitive. Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and cabbage greatly assist the process, she said.

Try this: Eat broccoli steamed and mixed with fresh garlic and olive oil.

Quinoa

Probably the least allergenic of the grains, quinoa's high protein content (12 percent to 18 percent) and balanced set of essential amino acids make it a complete source of protein, according to chef Lisa Williams, who has allergies to wheat and dairy and sensitivities to sugar and gluten. Quinoa is a good source of dietary fiber, phosphorus, magnesium and iron.

Try this: Since breakfast is often problematic for people with allergies, try quinoa in the morning; add nuts and fruit if you can.

Lentils

Food can be expensive when you're on a specialized diet, which makes relatively cheap lentils a superfood on all fronts. Lentils are loaded with iron, protein and folic acid. One cup has 16 grams of fiber. They're also versatile and easy to store. If you're allergic to peanuts, you have a 5 percent chance of having an allergic reaction to other legumes such as lentils, according to allergy expert Dr. Lee Freund, author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Food Allergies."

Try this: Combine two cups of cooked lentils with two oranges cut into cubes and two chopped sweet peppers, suggests naturopathic doctor Michael Murray in "The Condensed Encyclopedia of Healing Food." Season with salt and your favorite herbs and spices.

Sweet potato

Nutritious and rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber, sweet potatoes are a member of the morning glory family. They are brimming with carotenoids, vitamin C, potassium, fiber and vitamin B-6, which all contribute to reduced inflammation, Minsky said.

Try this: Make sweet potato fries by slicing and lightly coating with olive oil and your favorite spices. Bake until crispy (about 20 minutes) at 300 degrees.

Avocado

Avocados can be an ideal source for healthful fat. It's also a natural anti-inflammatory because it has a high amount of vitamin B-6 and magnesium, Minsky said. "Avocado is also a blood sugar stabilizer and liver cleanser which further lowers the risk of allergic inflammation," she said. If you have a latex sensitivity or are allergic to melons, you may have a reaction to avocados.

Try this: Mix a cup of corn, a cup of tomatillo salsa and one diced avocado. Top with cilantro.

Dulse

A red seaweed that is salty when it's dry and slippery when you start to chew. It's high in iodine, which is good for the thyroid. It also has calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron and other vitamins and minerals.

Try this: Use it like a condiment; sprinkle the powder on broccoli or potatoes or add to salad dressings. Add big leaves to soup.

Rice milk

Rice is a standard hypoallergenic food. Though rice milk is low in protein, it's a popular alternative for those who avoid cow's milk because they are lactose intolerant.

Try this: Make a smoothie with two cups of plain rice milk, a cup of juice, a few chucks of frozen fruit and a shot of omega 3 fish oil (unless you have seafood allergies), as suggested by Robyn O'Brien, founder of Allergy Kids and author of the book "The Unhealthy Truth."

Salba seeds

A light-colored version of chia seeds, salba seeds can be found as a whole grain, in ground powder or in some snack products. Unlike flax seeds, they are digestible in whole seed form, Doherty said. They're rich in omega 3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, antioxidants, magnesium, folate, calcium and iron, as well as vitamins A and C.

Try this: Sprinkle the seeds in smoothies, cereal, yogurt or casseroles.

Figs

Packed with potassium and containing more calcium than orange juice, high in soluble fiber, which can relieve constipation. Dark figs have a stronger taste. Eat them fresh, if you can.

Try this
"Use a fig puree as a sweetener," said nutrition expert Jonny Bowden. Combine 8 ounces of figs with a quarter-cup to a third of a cup of water in a blender. Pureed figs also can be used as a sandwch filler.

Found at http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/food/chi-tc-food-health-0529-0603jun03,0,1694733.story?

The skin is the largest organ of the body, and our overall health is reflected on it. No matter what our age, we can make changes in our lives that will show up on our skin.

Here are 7 steps to beautiful, glowing skin:

1. Avoid Food Intolerances

If you are intolerant to certain foods, it may show up as bags or dark circles under the eyes. Sugar is one of the most aging toxins, since fluctuating blood sugars are highly aging. Cow's milk is linked with acne and poor skin quality. Excess alcohol and other toxins that make the liver overworked can make the skin look overworked. A healthy diet that is filled with foods that nurture is the key to radiant skin.

2. Avoid Free Radicals and Eat Loads of Antioxidants

Free radicals such as house hold chemicals and cigarettes cause aging. The irony is that all of these expensive creams and potions that promise to turn back the years, along with botox and other processes cause free radical damage that will eventually appear on the skin, no matter how much they seem to work in the short term.

But despite our efforts to avoid toxins, we are still going to come into contact with free radicals. Even exercise causes free radicals. Consuming as many antioxidants as possible is the natural antidote. Kale, cabbage, chilli peppers, parsley artichokes and Brussels sprouts are some of the most powerful vegetables. Berries, pineapple, pomegranate, prunes and kiwis are some of the fruits with the highest antioxidant activity. Raw chocolate, bee pollen, goji berries, and spirulina are just a few of the new super foods shown to dramatically reduce aging, as well as most other health issues.

3. Find Your Optimum Weight and Stay There

The endless cycle of losing weight, gaining it back only to go on yet another diet is terrible for the skin, not to mention dangerous for the body and exhausting for the mind. This constant rise and fall of weight can potentially cause wrinkles and saggy skin. Maintaining your optimum weight keeps skin firm and youthful. Cutting out or at least dramatically reducing the amount of "dead" food such as bread, pasta and rice while significantly increasing the amount of living food like fruits and vegetables is a simple change you can make to find your ideal weight and enjoy optimum health.

4. Limit Intense Sun Exposure

Excess sun exposure can cause skin damage. Yet this fact has been taken to the extreme, making people scared of getting any sun at all. The key is to get short bursts of sun so that you don't get sun burned. Eating plenty of antioxidants will actually make you less likely to get sun burned.
On the other hand, sunscreen has been shown to cause aging and disease, so covering up when the skin has had too much sun is far more effective. Research indicates that broccoli sprouts are an especially good natural sunscreen food, and scientists are attempting to create a sunscreen out of them.

5. Moisturize with Nature's Most Perfect Oil

Coconut oil keeps the skin strong and supple, preventing sagging, wrinkled skin. It protects from free radicals and is a natural sunscreen. It prevents dry skin, blemishes and liver spots. It even has the ability to restore and rejuvenate damaged skin. It heals and repairs, leaving the skin radiant and youthful.

Coconut oil has been used for centuries by people all over the world. It is nature's oldest and most popular moisturizer and youth restorer. Who needs botox and toxic skin creams when there is nature??

6. Ensure you Get Plenty of Essential Fats

Omega-3 fatty acids are a key ingredient for beautiful skin. Most people are seriously lacking in these fats that are vital for vibrant, healthy looking skin. Eczema, dry skin, cracked heels and premature aging are all signs of omega 3 deficiency. Omega-3 fats prevent dehydration in the cells so that the skin cells are strong and full of moisture. Fish oil and Alaskan wild salmon are good sources of omega 3. If you are a vegan, you can use hemp, linseed and chia seeds.

7. Relax Your Facial Muscles

Be aware of your facial expressions. If you frown a lot, try to relax the muscles. This is actually a good form of meditation. Go around your face and discover where there is tension or holding. Breathe into the area and feel it let go. Focus on all of the key muscles groups and feel them melting into relaxation.

You can also improve your skin with superfoods. Superfoods are natural foods that are high in antioxidants, packed with age-busting properties and fight cell damage from free radicals. Another great thing is that you can find most of these natural weapons against aging in your local grocery store:

1. Flax Seed - The high concentration of healthy Omega 3 & 6 oils, as well as vitamin E found in flax seed helps the skin look youthful. Even though some fats are high in calories, the oil in flax seed is actually good for you. 2 tablespoons of flax seed contain only 70 calories and can be incorporated into any recipe. It can work wonders for dry skin and help reduce inflammation. For those with psoriasis and eczema, adding flax seed - preferably ground flax seed to the diet - would be ideal.

2. Avocado - can boost moisture levels in dehydrated skin and is great for the fight against wrinkles. The antioxidant properties of vitamin E found in avocado helps in keeping the skin soft and smooth. Avocado also contains sterolins which plays a role in reducing age spots and heals sun damage. The emollient properties of avocado make it the perfect ammunition for skin regeneration.

Tip: Be on the look out for unblemished avocados with smooth shiny green skin, when shopping for fruit and vegetables.

3. Carrots - The carotenoids found in this vegetable when consumed, build up in the skin and provide protection from the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays absorbed by the skin. Nibbling on just one carrot a day will give you your vitamin A needs for the day.

Tip: Buy organic carrots for extra health benefits.

4. Apples - A study conducted by Monash University, in Melbourne, showed a link between eating a Mediterranean-style diet and showing less skin wrinkling than those who maintained a less healthy diet. One of the beneficial foods found to be responsible for fewer skin wrinkles were apples.

Green apples especially, contain lutein that is good for the elasticity of the skin and the strengthening of cell membranes. Apples eaten with the skin on, have more flavinoids which are beneficial to our health.

5. Watercress - This green leafy plant with a peppery taste, is known to improve the complexion of the skin. The iron content in watercress is enough to encourage sufficient blood flow to the skin for a glowing healthy complexion.

Eaten regularly, these super-foods will help you look and feel radiant and youthful. Remember, good nutrition and radiant skin go hand in hand.

Sources:
http://www.naturalnews.com/025493.html
http://kaplinskyreport.com/?p=4160

Great article about 6 most important superfoods for age-defying beauty. Everyone should be eating them!

1. Goji Berries

Goji berries, Hollywood's hottest new food, are one of the most nutritionally dense foods on earth and house a staggering concentration of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, phytochemicals and essential fatty acids. With such an awesome constitution it is not surprising they are reputed anti-aging marvels. Originating in Tibet and greatly favored in traditional medicine these dried berries have many noted health benefits including boosting immunity, lowering cholesterol, enhancing vision, fighting cancer cells, relieving depression and aiding weight loss.

Goji berries contain 500 times more vitamin C than oranges by weight and more beta-carotene than carrots making them a superb source of vitamin A. Together with vitamin E and essential fatty acids, these berries are ideal for any anti-aging and beauty regime. They also contain polysaccharides, one of which has been found to stimulate the secretion of the rejuvenating human growth hormone by the pituitary gland, as well as B vitamins, 21 minerals and 18 amino acids.

The most well documented case of longevity is that of Li Qing Yuen, who lived to the age of 252. Born in 1678, he is said to have married 14 times with 11 generations of posterity before his death in 1930. Li Qing Yuen reportedly consumed goji berries daily.

A study cited in Dr. Mindell's book "Goji: The Himalayan Health Secret", observed that 67 percent of elderly people that were given a daily dose of the berries for 3 weeks experienced dramatic immune system enhancement and a significant improvement in spirit and optimism.

2. Aloe Vera

Forget botox, Aloe vera increases collagen production 100% naturally for a youthful, wrinkle-free complexion and plump, beautiful skin. The ultimate botox alternative!

The inner gel of the aloe vera leaf contains around 200 active compounds with over 75 nutrients. These include 20 minerals, 18 amino acids and 12 vitamins (even vitamin B12, one of the very few plant sources of this vitamin). Aloe vera also has anti-microbial properties fighting fungi and bacteria and houses anti-inflammatory plant steroids and enzymes. Aloe vera is known to aid digestion and elimination, boost the immune system, and be highly effective at healing, moisturizing and rejuvinating the skin, naturally stimulating the production of collagen.

Aloe vera is best eaten fresh when possible (you can order large aloe vera leaves which last a few weeks refrigerated). Scrape out the inside gel, avoiding the outside of the leaf which is a strong laxative, and blend with fruit for the ultimate beautifying smoothie. Aloe vera has a mild flavor though a slight bitter edge, hence is best combined with fruit.

3. Avocados

Avocados are smoothing and softening for the skin and easily absorbed; compared with almond, corn, olive, and soybean oils, avocado oil has the highest skin penetration rate.

Avocado also contains vitamin E (excellent for the skin), antioxidant carotenoids and the master antioxidant glutathione that is exceptionally powerful and has anti-carcinogenic potential. High levels of glutathione are found in the liver where the elimination of toxic materials takes place.

Glutathione is effective against pollutants such as cigarette smoke and exhaust fumes as well as ultra-violet radiation. Research is currently exploring the potential benefits of glutathione for numerous conditions including cancer, heart disease, memory loss, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, eczema, liver disorders, heavy metal poisoning and AIDS.

4. Chlorella

The nucleic acids RNA and DNA in Chlorella (one of the highest known sources of such) direct cellular growth and repair and enable our bodies to utilize nutrients more effectively, eliminate toxins and avoid disease. The production of nucleic acids in the body declines progressively as we age, which is no doubt why their intake is recommended. Paul Pitchford in "Healing With Whole Foods" writes that insufficient nucleic acid causes premature aging as well as weakened immunity, Research at the Medical College of Kanazawa in Japan found that mice that were fed chlorella had a 30 percent increase in life span. Replenishing RNA and DNA can be key to overall health, immunity and longevity.

In addition to nucleic acids, chlorella is jam-packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes and amino acids, making it an incredibly rejuvenating and health-promoting superfood. Spirulina is a virtuous equivalent.

5. Bee pollen

When it comes to young and beautiful skin, bee pollen has outstanding gifts. Swedish dermatologist Dr. Lars-Erik Essen uses bee pollen to successfully treat acne and other skin conditions and observes its beautifying and anti-aging effects. He reports that bee pollen seems to prevent premature aging of the cells and stimulates growth of new skin tissue. It offers effective protection against dehydration and injects new life into dry cells. It smoothes away wrinkles and stimulates a life-giving blood supply to all skin cells. He believes its skin rejuvenation properties are due to its high concentration of nucleic acids RNA and DNA, as well as its natural antibiotic action. Bee pollen has a host of other health-promoting benefits that include fighting infections, lowering cholesterol, strengthening the blood, Boosting the immune system, increasing physical strength and stamina, aiding longevity and enhancing libido! It has been called a ‘prefect food’ because it is so nutritionally complete.

6. Coconut oil

Coconut oil speeds up your metabolism and can actually help you loose weight. It is also incredibly beautifying and moisturizing for the skin and has antioxidant properties which protect against free-radical damage, keeping the skin youthful and healthy. Taken internally or externally coconut oil is a great ally for any beauty skin care regime. It also contains lauric acid, an anti-microbial fatty acid that kills bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Found at http://healthconsultive.com/nutrition/6-superfoods-for-age-defying-beauty-2.html