Today, we delve into the benefits of kale, and why you need it in your beauty routine (yes, you read that right!).
By now, I think it’s safe to say that kale has successfully made its way from inedible garnish to the modern vernacular of healthy cuisine. Over the past several years, our minds have been opened to the potential of kale in our diets… but what about in our beauty routines? High in vitamins and minerals, kale is nourishing both inside and out, infusing our bodies with its high levels of fiber, folate, iron and vitamins K and A, and nourishing our skin with its potent antioxidants. Read on to learn why kale deserves a place on your plate and in your skincare routine… and how to make a skin-soothing kale face water.
What is it? In the same family as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, collard greens, kohlrabi and others, kale is a leafy cabbage group of vegetables with dark green and sometimes purple leaves. Prized for its high levels of vitamins A, C, K, B6, manganese, fiber and folate, kale has become popular as an addition to plant-based diets and has been shown as an effective ingredient in beauty recipes, elixirs and topical remedies. Chock full of antioxidants, when applied to skin, the antioxidants in kale neutralize free radicals while the vitamin C hydrates and nourishes.
What are the benefits? Kale has been shown to reduce dark circles and fine lines and wrinkles, thanks to the high levels of vitamin K present in the plant, while vitamin A repairs skin tissue and oxidative damage. When added to your diet, the high levels of lutein in kale boost the body’s ability to produce collagen. Kale is also high in fiber, which keeps you feeling full, and folate, which plays a critical role in health and development.
How do I use it?
– Eat it! Plain, steamed, in salads… it’s all good
– Blend into smoothies
– Mix into at-home beauty treatments
– Add to juice recipes
Kale Face Water
Ingredients:
1 – 2 cups fresh kale
1 tbsp raw honey
Run kale through a juicer and collect in a small bowl. Whisk in honey. After cleansing face with Youth to the People Kale + Spinach Vitamins cleanser, apply kale water to face using a cotton ball and allow to sit at least 20 minutes. Rinse and follow with Youth To The People Kale + Spinach Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid moisturizer.
Check out more Wellness Encyclopedia posts…
I love kale with lime in salads. Throw in some feta cheese and it’s a yummy lunch! Quick and easy way to stay healthy while I’m travelling and can’t find healthy alternatives.
http://www.secondbreakfast.in
Great post!
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com