One of my favorite things about this time of year is the Farmer’s Markets that crop up all over! With the plethora of fresh fruits and vegetables abounding it is the perfect time to clean up my diet and start eating healthier. Eating raw is getting more and more popular. I am seeing green smoothies on Pinterest daily now! Besides whittling away at your waistline, eating raw also has some big benefits for your skin that you may not have known about.

• Orange and Yellow fruits are high in beta-carotene an ingredient in Vitamin A which is good for your skin and your eyes. They are also rich in Vitamin C, zeaxanthin, lycopene, and other antioxidants that fight the aging process in our skin.
• Spinach and other green leafy vegetables are rich sources of iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium as well as vitamins A, C, E, K, and many of the B vitamins. The high fiber content helps the body eliminate toxins and carcinogens. Elimination is by far one of the most important things for clear skin.
• Red fruits and vegetables are rich in lycopene which is a carotene that protects from ovarian and prostate cancer as well as heart disease. Lycopene has also been shown to reduce sun-related skin damage.
• Purple fruits and vegetables are known for their flavonoids which are a class of antioxidants. These have a positive effect on the skin structure and protect against UV rays. Flavonoids are also known to improve elasticity by increasing collagen production.
• Kale if you haven’t heard, is the new wonder veggie. Yes, I know it is green but I am giving it, its own category as it is being hailed as the “new superfood”.  This superfood helps to detoxify enzymes in the liver that plays an important part in neutralizing carcinogenic substances. Another key element in kale is isothiocyanates. These have been linked to inhibiting carcinogenesis that causes cancer cells to actually shrink. Kale also ranks highest among all vegetables in its concentration of carotenoids, beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Want to read more? I know without a doubt when I am being good and I fill my plate with 75% fruits and veggies and leave only 25% or less for the meat and carbs… I lose weight. But now upon further examination, the fact that they all benefit your skin so much is just an added bonus!