Raw Foods & Skin Lightening

We've all heard the saying, "You are what you eat". It only makes sense that what you put in your body affects the look and feel of your skin, right? Well...yes and no.

Eating mostly raw foods is an excellent diet/meal plan. It isn't for everybody, but it is proven that raw foods decrease the amount of digestive enzymes the body produces (an excess of digestive enzymes have been linked to many health conditions). Eating foods in their natural state preserves their vitamins and minerals and antioxidants.

We all know (well I hope so) the role antioxidants play on not only our health but of our skin. They defend against free radical damage. Free radicals are everywhere, and they damage, mutate skin cells (and other cells in the body) and destroy collagen, trigger bodily defenses etc. Eating fresh fruits like blueberries, citrus fruits, carrots, apricots have been proven to heighten the level of antioxidant activity in the body. That will most likely show up on the skin in some form, maybe through a more 'even' appearence or a glowy look. Coming from someone who eats a lot of fresh fruits, I can say that is true.

Raw Brocoli and spinach contain CoQ10 which also ward off free radicals and have intense anti-aging effect on cells.

One of the more popular sub-topics regarding raw foods and skin lightening is sulfur. Sulfur is a mineral that is contained in every cell of our body. Certain specialists (Dr. Thienna) believe that sulfur in high concentration has the ability to inhibt the production of the enzyme, tyronaise (producer of melanin). To be honest with you, the studies regarding this topic are a little iffy. I'm one of the people who has not jumped on the MSM wagon. I don't quite beleive this claim yet, but I do believe getting high amounts of sulfur in the body are great. Raw asparagus, brocoli, red peppers, kale, watercrest, onions and hemp seeds are rich in sulfur.

So...after commenting on all the various foods that contain important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, you are probably wondering what is my perspective or final verdict on the notion of raw foods lightening the skin.

I do not believe eating a raw food diet (whether you are 100% raw (and if you are, kudos to you), or 40% raw (like me)) will result in a change in skin color. It may improve the condition of your skin - meaning more suppleness, a glow. But as far as lightening up in shades beyond your natural complexion is a far fetched claim. I DEFINITLEY believe eating many raw foods has the ability to heal sun damage (skin that has been darkened by the sun) over a span of time, but again, that is just reverting the skin back to your original birth color.

I don't believe in any of that bullshit that Dr. Thienna claims about toxins and increased melanin production. Yes, the skin is the body's largest elimination organ and toxins are passed and eliminated through there, but in no way, is that the reason why some people have darker skin tones than others. It really is just an unscientific and might I add, quite racist claim made on her part.

Topical lighteners, topical antioxidants, topical sun protection is, and always will be the best way to get your skin tone where you want it to be. That is not saying that raw foods are useless, they certainly are and I definitley love to eat raw (especially my breakfast, which is all fresh fruit) from time to time, but don't believe the hype when it comes to the link with skin lightening.

=)