Tera Warner

Get Your Head Out of the Sand: Raw Foods to Fight Acne

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by Stephanie Gadsden

The fight for clear skin can at times be frustrating for acne suffers. Here are some raw food secrets to get your skin looking great!

Acne Facts

Acne is a common skin condition characterised by pimples on the face, chest, and back. Acne can bare its ugly head at any age, so if you are an adult suffering from this condition, don’t worry, you are not alone. Acne occurs when the pores of the skin become blocked with oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. Factors contributing to acne include excess androgens (the acne causing hormones), a high Glycaemic Index (GI) diet, stress and even your genes.

How a Raw Food Diet Can Help

  • Supports your body’s natural detoxifying powers
  • Balances hormones
  • Is low GI
  • Inhibits insulin-growth factor (IGF-1), a key promoter of acne.

N.B IGF-1 stimulates the body to release more androgens which increases cell turn over and sebum (oil) secretion, resulting in clogged pores and acne prone skin. So if you suffer from acne now is the time to go raw!

Key Foods to Fight AcneChia Seed

These foods are high in the essential fatty acids (EFA’s) omega 3 and omega 6 which decrease inflammation, and in turn promote healing of the skin and reduce scaring. EFA’s balance hormones by supporting liver detoxification and reducing IGF-1. These seeds are packed full of dietary fibre to keep you regular and promote elimination of toxins through your bowels instead of through your skin!

How to include these foods in your diet

Flaxseed is a perfect addition to salads, smoothies or your morning muesli.

Chia seeds can be added to your favourite raw ­­­­­­dishes or eaten alone. My top-tip is to soak the chia in fresh fruit juice and mix through mashed bananas and berries for a delicious sweet snack!

A fresh idea for using hemp seed is to make your own guacamole. Blend two avocados, one table spoon of hemp oil, a 1/ 4 cup of hemp seeds, two teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice and two pinches of cayenne pepper for that extra kick.

Now you have the raw tools to get your skin looking vibrant and healthy, remember that foods high in essential fatty acids are essential to overcoming acne, so include flax, chia and hemp in your daily menu.