What You Eat Affects How you Look Beauty, as defined by Webster’s Dictionary is “the qualities that gives pleasure to the senses or exalt the mind.” Beauty is predominantly a concern for the female population. There is an old saying that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” However, there are definite social concepts of physical beauty, individuals who are perceived to be beautiful enjoy advantages than their less attractive counterparts. Females in particular always faced pressure to conform to a particular standard of beauty. However, men increasingly face the pressure to look good as well.

Fasting for Rejuvenation Historically, many evidences states that women managed their appetite by rigorous fasting and concentrating more on extracurricular activities. In India, fasting is one of the common practices. Many women were inclined towards ritual based fasting and distanced themselves from the act of eating. They believed only through severe fasting and abstinence one mind exercise and improve. Ayurveda (ancient medical compendium) describes, how to be content with simple food like porridge and soup in order to enhance one’s creativity. Many of our religious rituals are based on scientific principles of good health, although most of them have become so steeped in superstitious beliefs that the original ideas on which they were founded have become lost and forgotten. However, it originated as a means of restoring, rejuvenating and preserving good heath. In Ancient times, regular fasting was followed by enlightened sages as a method of internal purification, based on the idea that one fasts, the body processes are allowed to rest.

Beauty Foods Food is the primary thing that affect us. “You are what you eat” is a concept that has been known in every culture and civilization. People are becoming aware of the link between food, health and beauty. This has made them more receptive to the idea of personal care through proper diet, nutrition supplements and physical activity. Eating right and getting more exercise are the best ways to enhance appearance and restore a sense of well-being.

Eating a nutritious and balanced meal regularly can increase the chances of living a longer and more robust life. And looking good is also an interesting side effect of healthy eating. The good thing is, that many of the same foods that are good for heart, brain, and other vital parts of the body are said to be great for external appearance as well. Nutritional components of specific foods can help one with complexion and overall appearance. A diet rich in “phyto-compounds” can stimulate DNA repair, increase collagen production, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow.

Traditionally healthy cultures, Asian countries such as India, China, Thailand and Japan offers dishes full of rice, legumes and seafood. The Indian meal is delicately balanced with all food groups, mainly based on vegetarian diet. So, being more beautiful could be as simple as having a cup of warm chai (tea). According to Indian Ayurvedic medicine, staying warm burns toxins. Practitioners say drinking hot fluids, eating spicy foods and taking warm showers stave off the sick seasons as well. For the biggest dose of antioxidants, eat five servings of colored vegetables and fruits a day.

10 Popular Beauty Foods

Curry Leaves is loaded with iron. Using mature leaves in cooking promotes healthy and strong hair.

Amaranth Greens Many Ayurvedic texts points out that having amaranth greens along with mung dal (split green gram) will make one’s eyes sparkle.

Fenugreek Seeds are natural body coolants, it also helps to flush the toxins out of body. Using them in sambar and curry regularly will reduce acne and clear the skin eventually.

Gooseberries are rich in vitamin C, which prevents pigmentation clumping and strengthens capillaries so they don’t break or bruise easily. Honey preserved gooseberries are found in every Indian stores, it is an added bonus. Taking one fruit a day would supply all the essential vitamins to the body.

Blue berries (Indian Jamuns) are rich in antioxidants, which decrease aging by lowering inflammation. Antioxidants can also increase collagen production and tighten the skin, making one look younger and healthier.

Cucumber Taking it in juice forms along with other vegetables will make the tired eyes to brighten up. For instant relief one can cover their eyes with cucumber slices.

Almonds Snacking on almonds will be beneficial to cell restoration. It gives skin a more youthful appearance and will in turn help fight the early signs of aging (fine lines and wrinkles).

Poppy Seeds Using poppy seeds in health drinks or applying its paste on dark lips may eventually lighten the pigmentation and leaves one with healthy pink lips.

Pomegranate is rich in antioxidants. Taking one cup of pomegranate juice a day,rewards one with enhanced health, radiant complexion, bright and clear eyes.

Ripe Mangoes are rich in carotene, having a cup of chunks along with warm milk before bed time may help to keep your skin supple and smooth.

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