This is a very simple dip that packs a big flavorful punch. Your taste buds won’t know what they hit them, even after you’ve taken 10 to 12 bites. There is just one thing that you have to remember to do for this recipe: make sure that you use the sun-dried tomatoes that are not in oil. These are also known as dry-packed tomatoes, which have a similar texture to dried fruit and come in sealed packages. Traditional oil-packed tomatoes are dried in the same way, only they are submerged in oil and flavorings after being dried.

What Is In This Dip?

To make a quick clarification, there are no olives in this dip, despite what you see in the picture. Additionally, you cannot enjoy this dip with bread if you are cleansing. Now, if you are not cleansing and want to enjoy this dip with a fresh piece of naan or pita bread, knock yourself out! As far as the dip goes, it is made from the following ingredients:

• Raw cashews: These are great in dips because they are very creamy when blended. They are rich in iron, healthy fats, fiber, magnesium, zinc, and other nutrients.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Remember, only purchase the dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes for this recipe. They pack a ton of concentrated tomato flavor, making them great for dips, sauces, and spreads.
• Garlic: If you are making a savory dish, it would be a shame to omit garlic. It’s great in both raw and cooked preparations, and works impressively well with the flavors in this spread. Garlic offers manganese, selenium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, fiber, and antioxidants like alicin.
• Lemon: Yet another favorite ingredient of ours, the mighty lemon provides a lovely acidic flavor to this dip. It is also rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and enhance immune function.

In addition to these ingredients, sea salt, paprika, and olive oil help make this dip come to life. Don’t forget that you can add a little water at a time if you need a little assistance blending.

SHARE:

The post Cashew And Sun-dried Tomato Spread appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

It may come as a shock to you, but different fruits contain protein. They are great sources of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, natural sugars, a bit of fat, and even some protein. An apple, for example, does not offer the same amount of protein as a piece of salmon, but it comes with a diverse mix of micro and macronutrients. 

Protein is having a moment, to say the least. This is partially due to the popularity of the carnivore, Paleo, keto, and other high-protein diets. We aren’t here to talk about those diets, though, as many of them discourage the consumption of fruit. That’s because fruits contain carbs and less sugar than animal-based foods. An egg, for example, has about six grams of protein, whereas fruit may only offer a couple grams per cup. 

If you are trying to up your protein intake and diversify your fruit consumption, the fruits in this article may come to your aid. Whole fruits offer key nutrients that support other aspects of total bodily health, so don’t neglect them. They are relatively low in calories and high in water and fiber, two things that benefit gastrointestinal health. So if you are looking to snack healthily and get a little protein in the process, consider the fruits listed below.

Passion Fruit

Passion fruit is a lovely tropical fruit that grows on a vine. The fiber content in one cup of passion fruit is very high, exhibiting a whopping 24.5 grams, which is nearly 88% of the daily value (DV). Fiber works to regulate digestion and promote healthy cholesterol levels. The same cup of passion fruit provides five grams of protein.

Blackberries

One of the great things about blackberries is that they are very high in antioxidant compounds. They also happen to be the berry with the highest amount of protein, exhibiting about two grams per cup. Blackberries are low in calories, rich in fiber, and high in anthocyanin, a phytonutrient that has demonstrated abilities to influence immune function and improve gut microbiome. 

Avocado

Although avocado seems like a vegetable, it is actually a fruit of the savory variety. Avocados offer three grams of protein per cup, in addition to lots of healthy fats that help you feel full. You can enjoy avocado with a spoon and some sea salt, transform it into guacamole, or add it on toast. Just keep in mind that avocados have more calories than other fruits, with one cup of avocado containing 234 calories. 

Kiwi

Didn’t think a kiwi would have protein did you? Well, one cup of kiwi has nearly two grams of protein, which is not bad! Kiwi is also naturally rich in vitamin C, offering about 167 milligrams per cup. That amount is nearly double the DV of vitamin C! Several studies also found that kiwis work to improve digestion and promote bowel regularity, which researchers attribute to their fiber content. 

Guava

Yet another vitamin C superstar, guava is a tropical fruit that offers a lot of protein, especially for its size. One cup of guava has a little over four grams of protein and nine grams of fiber, which is about one-third of the DV. Research continues to find that increasing your fiber intake can reduce blood pressure and promote healthy cholesterol levels, especially in people with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome. 

Apricot

Unlike other fruits, apricots are not typically available year-round, but you can find them in dried form at all times. They typically show up in grocery stores or at farmer’s markets in late spring and summer. Each half-cup of dried apricot halves contains a little over two grams of protein. Dried apricots do not have water, so they are more calorically dense than fresh versions. That same half-cup, then, has about 157 calories, so just keep that in mind when snacking on dried apricots. 

Jackfruit

We are rounding out this article with the largest fruit on the list, the mighty jackfruit. Exhibiting a stringy texture, jackfruit is a common meat substitute for plant-based eaters. If you are swapping jackfruit for chicken, though, keep in mind that one cup of jackfruit offers three grams of protein compared to the 35 grams you’d get from chicken. Because it is not very sweet, it takes on whichever seasonings or flavors you cook with it, but you can enjoy it raw if you like.

SHARE:

The post These Fruits Can Help Boost Your Protein Intake appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Bananas are some of the most readily available and relatively inexpensive fruits. You can commonly see them hanging from the top of a kitchen fruit basket in most homes. Bananas happen to be an excellent choice if you want to include more potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, magnesium, and various antioxidants and polyphenols. This article aims to cover some of the many health benefits of bananas. 

Nutritional Profile

Bananas offer a fair amount of fiber, water, antioxidants, and complex carbohydrates, but they are low in protein and fat. One medium banana offers the following nutrients:

• Calories: 112
• Protein: 1 gram (g)
• Fat: 0.4 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Carbs: 29 g
• Riboflavin: 7% of the daily value (DV)
• Niacin: 5% of the DV
• Vitamin C: 12% of the DV
• Potassium: 10% of the DV
• Folate: 6% of the DV
• Magnesium: 8% of the DV
• Copper: 11% of the DV

May Support Heart Health

Because one banana offers 10% of the DV of potassium, enjoying a banana day may help regulate blood pressure levels. Potassium is a vital nutrient for blood pressure management. In fact, a potassium-rich diet can help lower the risk of hypertension. A 2021 study found that people who consumed more than 3,000 milligrams (mg) of potassium per day had a 25% lower risk of cardiovascular disease than those who did not consume potassium. Bananas also contain magnesium, which is a mineral involved with heart health management. 

May Improve Kidney Health

Although potassium is vital for blood pressure regulation, it also plays a role in kidney function. A study from 2019 included more than 5,000 people with early stage chronic kidney disease. Study authors linked the consumption of potassium to lower blood pressure and a slower progression of kidney disease. That said, some people who have late-stage kidney disease or those on dialysis need to restrict their potassium intake. If you fall into either of those categories, consult your healthcare professional before you increase your potassium intake. 

Rich In Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin that is necessary for normal brain development and keeping the nervous and immune systems healthy. The vitamin B6 from bananas is easily absorbed by the body and can help with:

• The production of red blood cells
• Metabolizing amino acids
• The removal of unwanted chemicals from the liver and kidneys
• Metabolizing carbohydrates and fats for energy
• Maintaining healthy nervous system function 
• Benefitting fetal development in the womb (for pregnant women)

May Improve Blood Sugar Levels

Bananas contain soluble fiber, which dissolves into a liquid to form a gel during the digestive process. Unripe, or green, bananas also contain resistant starch, a type of fiber that the body does not digest. Together, resistant starch and soluble fiber can help regulate blood sugar levels after meals. Additionally, they may help regulate your appetite by slowing the rate at which the stomach empties. Even though bananas have a higher carb count, they may not cause blood sugar spikes in people with diabetes. A 2021 study noted that the glycemic index of bananas is 47 (low) and the glycemic load is 7 (low). 

Respectable Source Of Vitamin C

It’s not common to associate bananas with vitamin C, but a medium-sized banana provides 10% of the DV. Just keep in mind that a banana doesn’t offer the same amount of vitamin C as a kiwi, guava, or bell pepper, all of which offer an impressive amount. Vitamin C can help with:

• Better absorption of iron
• Protecting the body against cell and tissue damage
• Collagen production, which is an essential protein necessary for optimal skin and bone health
• Supporting serotonin production, which has an affect on sleep cycle, overall mood, and the ability to deal with stress and pain

SHARE:

The post The Top 5 Health Benefits Of Bananas appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Five ingredients…that is all you need to make your next favorite smoothie. It’s beautiful when a recipe such as this comes together and tastes better and better with every sip. Adding nut butter to your smoothie can be a real game changer, especially if you are cleansing. Not only does it add healthy fat and protein, but it also adds a nutty flavor that gives your palate a break from fruits and vegetables. It’s that new guest at the party that is a hit with everyone!

The banana is a classic smoothie ingredient, but we feel that it gets used without much thought. It’s as though people add bananas to smoothies just because. It’s an easy ingredient to incorporate into a smoothie, with the added benefit of making a smoothie creamier and naturally sweet. Bananas happen to be great sources of vitamin B6, vitamin C, fiber, manganese, potassium, and magnesium. The vitamin B6 is easily absorbed by the body, and one banana can provide nearly 25% of your recommended daily intake. Vitamin B6 help the body metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and amino acids, and helps maintain a healthy nervous system.

That means that the banana can help your body metabolize the fats and protein from almond butter and use them for energy efficiently. Additionally, the dietary fiber in both banana and almond butter can help keep you full for longer. That’s why we encourage you to make this smoothie for breakfast. You may just avoid unnecessary snacking before you eat lunch! 

SHARE:

The post Spinach, Almond Butter, And Banana Smoothie appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

When you think of a crisp, freshly made juice, fennel is probably not the first ingredient that tops the ingredient list. Most people think of freshly squeezed orange juice or carrot, apple, beet juice. There are countless recipes, many of which are in our Smoothies and Juices recipe section, but we wanted to stray from the path well-traveled today and offer something new. This is a fantastic green juice recipe that has a mild anise flavor with the zing of fresh lemon and ginger, while the apple provides a lovely sweetness.

As a whole, this juice may help combat inflammation in the body. Fennel is naturally rich in valuable plant compounds, including quercetin, limonene, and chlorogenic acid, to name a few. Various studies indicate that that a diet rich in plant compounds such as these can help reduce the risk of chronic health conditions, including obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Because fennel contains beta-carotene (another beneficial compound) and vitamin C, it may support collagen production and tissue repair. These two processes help maintain healthy looking skin, as well as mucus membranes that protect the respiratory tract.

While we could go on about the health benefits of fennel, it isn’t the only ingredient in this juice. You’ll thank us for that once you drink it! Green apples offer pectin, which has demonstrated an ability to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. They also have a crisp flavor when compared to Red Delicious or Fuji apples. Lemon is packed with vitamin C and helps promote alkalinity within the body. Consider using a Meyer lemon for a sweetly tart flavor. Finally, ginger adds a lovely kick with numerous antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. This is a juice you’ll grow to love; we’re certain of it!

SHARE:

The post Fennel Apple Ginger Juice appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Most chefs agree that spring is the season they most look forward to. Winter embraces root vegetables, hearty stews, and dense plates to warm the body. With warmer weather and the scent of blooming flowers in the air, springtime signals lighter, brighter, and more colorful fruits and vegetables. 

Buying and cooking with seasonal produce ensures that your food offers the most flavor and freshness. If you buy seasonal produce from local grocery stores or farmer’s markets in your area, then you support the community. The great thing about conversing with farmers is that you can ask them about seasonal items you aren’t familiar with. They may give you helpful tips that lead to flavorful creations in your kitchen. 

Eating seasonal fruits and vegetables is a great way to increase your nutritional intake. The transportation time and distance is much less, so the produce items don’t lose as many nutrients. Plucked from the plant and straight to the farmer’s market they go! Additionally, you add more variety to your diet by adjusting your grocery list to the season. You may even save money because you’re eating produce at its peak availability. Let’s explore some of the best fruits and vegetables to eat during spring. 

Leeks

Say hello to the onion’s sweeter, milder cousin: the mighty leek. Leeks are powerful sources of essential nutrients, including vitamins A, C, K, and folate. They exhibit quercetin, an anti-inflammatory compound that promotes a healthy heart. You can braise or sauté leeks or incorporate them into stews, soups, stir-fries, and more. Some people even blend them into salad dressings!

Strawberries

Strawberries exhibit an impressive nutritional profile, boasting lots of folate, manganese, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants. One cup of strawberries provides 149% of your recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin C. The anthocyanins give strawberries their beautiful red hue, and these antioxidants help reduce free radical damage. Strawberries may also assist with blood sugar regulation during meals, which researchers attribute to their polyphenols. Eat them fresh, add them to smoothies, or throw them into desserts.

Mustard Greens

Mustard greens are the leaves from the mustard plant, which originated in the Himalayas over 5,000 years ago. They are rich in glucosinolates, compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. One cup of cooked mustard greens offers 500% of your RDI of vitamin K, and 175% of your RDI of vitamin A, and 60% of your RDI of vitamin C. They also contain fiber, folate, manganese, calcium, and potassium. Enjoy them in salads, soups, stir-fries, or even smoothies if you love green concoctions. 

Mangos

Many people see mangos year round, so it may not seem like they have a season. During the spring, however, you’ll find the freshest and juiciest varieties. Their season lasts from March through June, and they tend to be popular in sorbets, salsas, smoothies, and fruit salads. Rich in folate, fiber, copper, vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B6, riboflavin, and more, there’s no reason not to eat mangos during the spring.

Asparagus

These beautiful green spears may make your pee smell, but they are some of the most nutritionally-dense things you can eat. One-half cup of cooked asparagus offers two-thirds of the RDI of vitamin K and one-third of your RDI of folate. Asparagus also offers lots of dietary fiber, B vitamins, vitamins A & C, and it even exhibits anti-cancer properties. You can roast, grill, sauté, steam, and puree asparagus, so that means that there’s no shortage of recipes!

Fava Beans

Fava beans are an ancient pea variety with a distinct nutty flavor and buttery texture. They exhibit an impressive amount of fiber, but they also contain folate, manganese, thiamine, copper, iron, magnesium, and potassium. Fresh fava beans require more preparation, as you have to shuck and peel them. Once you tackle that step, you can cook them and add them to salads, soups, risottos, or blend them into a puree. 

Radishes

These beautiful red golf ball-looking cruciferous veggies have a spicy flavor that some people find off-putting. Others, however, find them incredibly addictive and love to add them to salads,  tacos, and root vegetable purees. One cup of radishes supplies you with one-third of your RDI of vitamin C, but they also offer fiber, folate, potassium, and B vitamins. Radishes contain isothiocyanates, which have been studied for cancer prevention. They also contain an anti-fungal protein called RsAPF2, which may be effective at treating Candida albicans. 

SHARE:

The post 7 Spring Fruits And Vegetables You Should Be Eating appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

The body requires magnesium to carry out hundreds of functions, yet nearly 50% of American adults do not consume enough on a daily basis. Failure to consume the recommended daily intake (RDI) of magnesium can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis. Magnesium primarily exists in your bones, muscles, and non-muscular soft tissue. It’s involved in:

• Regulating blood pressure
• Energy production
• Bone density
• Muscle and nerve function
• Synthesizing protein
• Repairing DNA
• Controlling blood sugar

According to dietitians, your daily magnesium needs depend on age and gender. Typically, adult males need 400-420 milligrams (mg) of magnesium per day, while adult females require 310-400 mg per day. Signs of magnesium deficiency vary from minor to severe, but severe magnesium deficiency is quite rare. Common signs include loss of appetite, fatigue, vomiting, and weakness.

Although there are many food sources of magnesium, this article highlights magnesium-rich fruits. Eating these fruits on a regular basis can help you boost magnesium levels. 

Durian

Now, this is a fruit that you’ll either love or hate; there is no straddling the line with this one. The reason for this is because it emits a smell reminiscent of rotten onions and sulfur. Lovely, we know, but it does have health benefits despite the foul aroma. Native to Southeast Asia, durian is a large spiky fruit with a creamy center. Durian is naturally rich in potassium, vitamin C, B vitamins, and magnesium, with one cup offering 17% of the RDI. 

Avocado

Unlike a lot of the other fruits on this list, avocado is relatively low in carbohydrates, which is why many keto enthusiasts enjoy them. They are rich in healthy fats, potassium, fiber, and magnesium, with one cup offering 10.35% of the RDI. Due to their high-fiber content, avocados may help control blood sugar by slowing the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream. The omega-3s also work to promote healthy heart and brain function. 

Prickly Pear

The prickly pear is the fruit that is produced by the Opuntia, commonly referred to as the prickly pear cactus. The oval-shaped fruits have a sweet flavor that is similar to berries. They are naturally rich in vitamin C and potent antioxidant compounds. For reference, one cup of prickly pear provides 23% of the RDI for vitamin C, which supports immune function. Additionally, these fruits are some of the richest fruit sources of magnesium, with one cup offering 30% of the RDI. 

Jackfruit 

This is potentially the largest fruit that you’ll ever see, but you usually have to visit specialty markets to see it in its raw form. Canned jackfruit is available, but it doesn’t compare to the fresh version. Native to India, jackfruit is the largest edible fruit in the world and can weigh up to 110 pounds. One cup of raw jackfruit, which has a subtly sweet taste, contains 11% of the RDI of magnesium. The same serving also provides 16% of the RDI of potassium, which aids blood pressure regulation. 

Bananas

Similar to avocados and jackfruit, bananas offer both magnesium and potassium. One cup of sliced banana offers 9.6% of the RDI of magnesium. Bananas also offer a much-needed vitamin for metabolism, immune function, and neurotransmitter production: vitamin B6. This B vitamin is necessary for encouraging healthy brain development and keeping the nervous and immune systems functioning optimally. 

Papaya

Papain isn’t the only great thing about papaya! As a quick note, papain is a proteolytic enzyme in papaya that helps break down proteins in the digestive system. The papaya is a tropical fruit that also contains carotenoid antioxidants, vitamin C, and folate. Their rich orange color and many of their heart-protective properties are attributed to lycopene, a carotenoid pigment. Now, papaya wouldn’t be on this list without offering up some magnesium. One cup of papaya offers 8.2% of the RDI of magnesium. 

Passion Fruit

This tropical fruit blooms on a vine native to South America. The flower on the vine is one of the most stunning purple and white flowers you’ll ever see! If unripe, the fruit is highly sour, but it is incredibly sweet and highly addictive when perfectly ripe. Some people are averse to the seeds for textural reasons, but they are edible. One cup of passion fruit offers a diverse mix of nutrients, including 16.2% of the RDI of magnesium. It also offers vitamin A, which is necessary for healthy immune function, reproductive health, vision, and normal growth and development. 

Dried Figs

To round out the list of the top eight magnesium-rich fruits, we have dried figs. One cup provides 24% of the RDI of magnesium, in addition to 50% of the RDI of fiber. Dried figs also provide vitamin B6, calcium, and an assortment of polyphenol antioxidants, which offer protections against cellular damage.

SHARE:

The post The Top 8 Magnesium-Rich Fruits appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

It’s the middle of March, which can only mean one thing: St Patrick’s Day is nearly here. There is a certain food establishment that serves the classic Shamrock Shake annually. You know the one, right? There are golden arches, or something like that (wink wink). The main thing we want is for you not to succumb to the temptation. Don’t let curiosity get the better of you because one of those small shakes contains the following nutrition:

• Calories: 500
• Total carbohydrates: 82 grams (g)
• Protein: 11 g
• Total Fat: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 55 milligrams (mg)
• Calcium: 380 mg
• Potassium: 500 mg
• Sodium: 160 mg

For reference, the shake is made with vanilla ice cream, a sugary processed syrup, and whipped cream. This recipe doesn’t contain any of those things, because we actually care about your health. The good news is that there are many different ways to create your own shamrock shake. You just have to keep an open mind about your food, and all that you can do with it.

This shake is not really a shake; rather, it’s a smoothie. Avocado contributes to the green color, but so does the spinach and mint. Avocado is a great smoothie ingredient because it helps make it more creamy, while also adding protein, healthy fats, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C. Don’t worry…you won’t taste it at all, especially since this smoothie also contains bananas, which provide natural sweetness. The touch of raw cacao powder is optional, but it provides the classic mint chocolate combo that a shamrock shake is.

SHARE:

The post Healthy St Patrick’s Day Shake appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

This could be the prettiest salad/slaw you make throughout the winter. It is very crunchy, crisp, refreshing, and slightly tangy. Filled with purple cabbage, carrots, pears, and pomegranates, there is no shortage of nutrients in this slaw. Plus, the vitamin C-rich citrus vinaigrette keeps you coming back bite after bite. If you love a dish that has texture and different levels of flavor, this is the slaw that will satisfy your taste buds. All other slaws will bow to this one!

A slaw is very versatile because you can enjoy it as an entree salad, side dish, or put it on sandwiches. Because of the sweet and slightly tart flavors, this slaw complements numerous entrees and sandwich toppings. As a quick note, the sandwiches are only for people who are not cleansing! This slaw may be cleanse-approved, but a sandwich is not. That said, you could roll up this slaw in a collard leaf to make a raw vegan wrap. Use one of our many nut meat mixtures or nut cheeses in the wraps for for added sustenance.

The slaw is as tasty as it is beautiful. The sweetness of the pear goes great with the tart and juicy pomegranate arils and slightly bitter purple cabbage. The citrus vinaigrette takes it to another level, though. In the words of Guy Fieri, “You could put that on a flip flop!” It’s so good that you could drink it! Save the dressing recipe because you may want to use it on other salads in the future. And as a last piece of advice, you can let the slaw sit in the dressing for an hour or two before serving so that the ingredients can soak up that citrus flavor.

SHARE:

The post Crunchy Winter Slaw appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

If you are looking to support the health of your skin, joints, and hair, you will need collagen. Many people purchase collagen powders or supplements and add them to their teas, coffees, smoothies, and more. Although collagen products are incredibly popular, most people are unaware of what collagen does and how they can preserve it. 

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in animals. A structural protein makes up the structure or framework of both cells and tissues. There are 28 types of collagen, but type 1 collagen accounts for nearly 90% of all collagen in the human body. Collagen is mostly composed of the amino acids proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline. These amino acids form strands that make up the triple-helix structure characteristic of collagen.

The body naturally produces collagen, but collagen production starts to decline some time during your twenties at a rate of about 1% per year. UV exposure, inflammatory diets, lack of sleep, harsh products, and stress can exacerbate this decline. For this reason, many dermatologists encourage a skin care routine that helps preserve collagen. Use vitamin C serum, experiment with retinol if the skin can tolerate it, and wear sunscreen if you go outside. 

Although there are things you can do to help protect collagen, one of the best ways to care for it is through a healthy diet. The food you eat can influence collagen production. Certain foods, especially those with antioxidants, can help protect the skin from free radicals and support the skin barrier. Continue reading to learn about five antioxidants that help keep the skin firm.

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid phytonutrient and powerful antioxidant that has demonstrated an ability to protect skin cells. Other studies confirm that astaxanthin can help preserve the collagen layer because it has impressive photo protective and anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers note that astaxanthin’s free radical fighting powers are five times more powerful than beta-carotene. It’s about 6,000 times more potent than vitamin C! Although vitamin C, which we will get to next, is a powerful antioxidant, it should not be the only one you rely on to encourage collagen production.

Vitamin C

You cannot talk about the skin without having vitamin C in the conversation. Vitamin C is a cofactor in the collagen production process. The skin’s fibroblasts rely on vitamin C to synthesize collagen. According to many studies, fibroblasts cannot effectively make collagen when vitamin C levels are low. Vitamin C works to stabilize the collagen molecule and preserve existing collagen by neutralizing free radicals. For this reason, researchers believe that ingesting vitamin C is the best way to support overall skin health. 

Blood Orange Extract

Blood orange is not in season all year, but it’s very popular during the winter months. What is even more popular, especially in the world of skin care, is blood orange extract. It contains numerous antioxidants, including anthocyanins and flavanones, vitamin C, and hydroxycinnamic acids, which are non-flavonoid phenols. That means that you get all of the benefits of those compounds in one extract. Due to the antioxidant power of blood orange extract, it helps reduce oxidative stress, which causes collagen breakdown. A 100-milligram dose of blood orange extract is effective at reducing proinflammatory levels of cytokine TNF-a in the body. Additionally, one study found that it was able to improve skin elasticity by 5.9% in just 14 days, and 13.9% in 56 days. 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an oil-soluble antioxidant that helps support vitamin C inside the body. Vitamins C and E have a synergistic relationship, with one study confirming that vitamin E increased vitamin C’s efficacy eightfold. On top of that, vitamin C regenerates vitamin E after vitamin E scavenges for free radicals in the body. Finally, vitamin E can help protect against collagen cross-linking, a process during which collagen becomes hard and stiff. That process can cause the skin to appear hard and stiff, and it contributes to accelerated aging. 

Polyphenols

Polyphenols are plant compounds that are types of antioxidants commonly found in fruits and vegetables. According to research, polyphenols can help boost digestion, improve brain function, and protect against several chronic diseases. Additionally, polyphenols have proven effective at helping the skin manage UV exposure. That is particularly important because UV damage is one of the leading causes of collagen breakdown. Although sunscreen is the most effective way to protect the skin, eating more foods rich in polyphenols will help that process.

SHARE:

The post These Antioxidants May Preserve Your Collagen appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.