10 Beauty Tonic Superfoods for Healthy Glowing Skin

Posted by Daniel Whitechurch on March 25, 2018

The famous axiom “beauty starts from within” is one of the truest statements when it comes to the health of the skin.

A healthy diet consisting of foods rich in naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, good fats, fibre, antioxidants, and amino acids can make all the difference towards creating radiant glowing skin compared to tired, sagging, and wrinkled skin.

What we eat and put on our skin has a direct effect on the health of the skin.

Most people ignore this fact.

By the time we’re rushing out the door in the morning, we've covered our bodies in hundreds of toxic chemical ingredients from our “natural” skincare products and chowed down on some high carb, sugar-loaded, nutrient-depleted processed food that does nothing to serve our overall health and wellbeing.

Over time, poor beauty habits such as these can lead to many undesirable skin symptoms. The look and health of the skin is a reflection of deeper processes that are happening in the body.

Poor skin health is a sure sign that something is off-balance in the body.

When all the body's systems and organs are functioning at their best and working efficiently, our body thrives and rewards us with beautiful radiant skin, glowing complexion, lustrous hair, and bright shining eyes.

Keep reading to learn more about the factors of beauty, how to maintain beautiful skin and the best superfoods that promote youthful skin and longevity.

Factors of Beauty

There's a direct correlation between beauty and the foods we eat, which we will explore, but there are other factors that can lead to damaged skin and accelerated aging.

Over-stress, poor diet, hormone imbalances, dehydration, lack of sleep, exhaustion, and adrenal fatigue (Jing depletion) are all factors that can cause rapid aging of the skin. We must address the negative influences in our lives to help preserve our youth and promote longevity.

Teelixir Manage your stress with adaptogens

Stress Management

Stress is the silent killer that disrupts most (if not all) physiological processes in the body.

Stress elevates cortisol which promotes inflammation, hormone imbalances, and immune dysfunction.

You might not know it but too much anxiety and stress in your life can wreak havoc on the health and appearance of the skin. Therefore, we must integrate stress management practices into our lives to help combat the destruction that stress causes for the skin. Meditation, conscious breathing, yoga, and other forms of exercise and mind-clearing techniques are all wonderful for relieving stress.

What kind of stress management practices did you participate in today?

There’s also a class of herbs known as “adaptogens."

These powerful superfoods help modulate our stress levels and improve the body’s response to stress. This allows us to better "adapt" and handle the stressful circumstances in our lives, with more ease and grace.

Adaptogenic herbs provide increased power and energy to bounce back quickly after any stressful event.

Adaptogens promote allostasis, the process by which the body responds to stressors in order to regain homeostasis.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), stress is considered one of the major factors of leaking Jing.

Jing is the deep foundational energy reserves of the body. This life-force energy is held within the kidneys and determines one's ultimate vitality and the length and quality of their lifespan.

Jing is considered a highly valuable and precious substance that needs to be protected, nourished and preserved. Beauty health is extremely compromised if we are leaking Jing. Jing deficiencies promote premature aging, hair loss, and greying.

Balance Hormones

Our planet is being bombarded with toxic chemicals in staggering numbers every day. This toxic overload is showing wide-ranging health effects in humans including major hormone imbalances.

How bad is it?

According to facts from Worldometers, "each and every second 310 kg of toxic chemicals are released into our air, land, and water by industrial facilities around the world. This amounts to approximately 10 million tons of toxic chemicals released into our environment by industries each year."

The intense onslaught of harmful pollutants we’re exposed to is literally mind-numbing. The environments we live and work in, the electromagnetic pollution (EMF, wi-fi, blue light etc.), the toxic food supply, skincare, cosmetics, cleaning products, and children's toys all contain harmful levels of toxic chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, preservatives, and endocrine-disrupting plastics that ravage our health and promote accelerated aging.

It’s critical that we minimize our exposure to toxins to nourish our cells and improve hormone health.

Toxins cause rapid inflammation in the body.

When our bodies become overloaded, the toxins attach themselves to cell membranes, inflame the cell, and disrupt the receptor sites ability to receive chemical messages coming from hormones such as thyroid and pituitary etc.

This significantly undermines the functioning of all cells in the body.

When the broken cells can no longer communicate correctly with hormones it drives further inflammation in the body, damages the mitochondria, and inhibits the cell from making energy (ATP). As a result, we feel sluggish, inflamed, fatigue, and brain fog.

The inflammation caused by environmental toxins has detrimental effects on the hormonal system, contributes to weight gain, digestive disorders, and skin issues ranging from acne, eczema, and dry skin.

Support Detoxification

It may not be the “sexy” way to cultivate beauty but supporting the body’s detoxification systems is critical.

Taking part in periodic detox cleanses throughout the year is great but detoxing is something that should be considered every day.

In today’s toxic modern world, detoxifying the body has become more important than actually “nutrifying" the body.

We must consume foods and herbs on a daily basis that help effectively detox the barrage of pollutants that are contaminating our home and work environments.

Activated charcoal is a great detox superfood. Charcoal is one of the world’s oldest detoxification remedies and rejuvenating foods.

This powerful whole body cleanser has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine to rapidly absorb and flush out harmful toxins, chemicals, increase energy levels, and improve digestive function.

In one animal study, Russian gerontologist Dr V.V. Frolkis demonstrated that the use of activated charcoal in the diet increased their maximum lifespan by approximately 34%.

Charcoal can increase longevity! Researchers concluded that the process of binding and locking up toxins in the intestinal tract before they are absorbed and circulating into the systems helped the rats live longer and healthier.

Zeolites are another powerful detox superfood that binds to toxins in the gut.

The strong negative charge and “honeycomb” structure of the zeolites have the ability to electro-magnetically trap and hold positively charged particles like heavy metals and other nasty toxins.

Through a process called cation exchange, zeolites can safely and gently remove these heavy metals and other contaminants through normal excretory processes, allowing the immune system to operate more efficiently.

Teelixir Sleep more drink spring water go outside in the sun vitamin D

Get more sleep. Drink more water. Spend time in the sun

Yeah, yeah, yeah, we’ve all heard that before. But seriously, we still need to mention this.

Drink more water now to help flush out toxins, keep the cells and organs healthy, and body hydrated so the skin remains bright and shining. Skin is the last organ to receive nourishment from the water we drink. Keep that in mind.

Spend time every day in the sun to increase vitamin D levels. Vitamin D, even though it is called a vitamin, is actually one of the most important hormones in the body that regulates many physiological functions, relieves stress, and improves skin health.

Getting quality sleep is the best thing for beauty health. A lack of sleep can create a whole range of health issues.

Sleep is the time when the body recovers, regenerates and repairs itself. Get between 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night. Turn off or remove all electronic devices in your bedroom while you sleep, avoid blue light before bed, and keep the room as dark as possible for better quality sleep.

Eating Tonic Superfoods for Beauty

For centuries, tonic herbs and superfood mushrooms have been highly valued as sources of natural bioactive compounds to maintain and support beautiful skin.

Many of the superfoods on this list are also utilized in the beauty and cosmetic industry. The potent skin and restorative benefits they possess are used in premium skincare brands in anti-ageing moisturizers, serums, and face mask products to improve the health and appearance of the skin.

These tonic superfoods have been used for centuries to nourish and moisturize the skin naturally, build, cleanse, and enrich the blood with essential vital nutrients, gently detoxify, boost skin-protective antioxidants, balance hormones, reduce stress, and support the lungs, liver, and kidneys.

These incredible natural substances are touted as being the best ingredients for maintaining beauty, preserving youth, and increasing longevity.

Make sure these items are stocked up in your pantry in some form. Having easy access to these beauty superfoods will make all the difference in setting up and sticking to positive eating and skincare habits.

The 10 Best Beauty Tonic Superfoods (Tonic Herbs and Mushrooms)

Pearl

Pearl is highly regarded in China as the most beautifying and spiritually grounding (Shen) tonic herb.

Pearl has been one of the best-kept secrets of beautiful Chinese women for centuries. Pearl is a highly dense mineral substance packed with amino acids (including eight essential amino acids) and other nutritional minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, silicon, selenium and more.

Pearl contains mucopolysaccharides which have collagen-like properties that help maintain the health of the skin by producing skin that is softer, smoother, more fine, elastic, and naturally beautiful.

These compounds promote the regeneration of new skin cells, clear toxins, and remove blemishes and discolouration on the skin. These mucopolysaccharides also help promote the production of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the body.

SOD is an important antioxidant enzyme that works to protect the skin and prevent wrinkling and sagging of the skin.

Consistent use of Pearl powder will ensure soft, smooth, and glowing skin that will age much more slowly and will not be easily damaged by the elements.

Tremella Mushroom

Teelixir Tremella fuciformis mushroom extract Powder

Tremella mushroom is one of the great superfood mushrooms and longevity tonics in Traditional Chinese medicine.

Known as the “beauty mushroom”, this jelly fungus resembles a loofah shower sponge which is appropriate given its incredible beauty enhancing properties.

Tremella is an incredible youth-preserving mushroom that has the ability to rejuvenate and moisturize the skin naturally. Tremella contains unique polysaccharide compounds that show remarkable water retaining properties. Its water holding capacity is nearly five hundred times its own weight. This is greater than hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring carbohydrate found in the body that is commonly used in expensive skincare products to retain the skin’s moisture.

Tremella also stimulates the production of superoxide dismutase (SOD), one of the most important antioxidant enzymes in the body. SOD helps to protect and regenerate the skin.

Yang Guifei (719-756, Tang Dynasty) was one of the “Four Great Beauties" in ancient China and is considered one of the most beautiful women in Chinese history. She was so beautiful that she was referred to as having a “face that would put flowers to shame.” It was reported that one of Yang Guifei’s secrets was to use Tremella mushroom regularly to maintain her glowing complexion and youthful skin.

Try Tremella fuciformis Australia.

For a deeper discussion about Tremella, learn more about the 'Ancient Beauty Secrets of Tremella mushroom' here.

Tremella can be used topically. Try this DIY Skincare recipe: Detox Clay Mask with Tremella Mushroom.

Schizandra Berry

Schizandra berry is among the most revered longevity promoting and beautifying tonic herbs of all time.

The ancient women of China used Schizandra regularly for its incredible beauty enhancing qualities.

Consuming Schizandra consecutively over one hundred days is said to purify the blood, rejuvenate the kidneys, strengthen the lungs, and change the appearance of the skin completely by making it softer, smoother, more elastic and radiantly beautiful. Schizandra berry naturally moistens the skin and protects it from the harmful effects of the sun and wind.

Schizandra berry is considered a youth-preserving and all round life-enhancing tonic herb. Those that consume Schizandra berry regularly notice their skin glowing and looking clearer in just a short period of time.

Goji Berry

Goji berry is a delicious fruit and longevity promoting herb that is known to make the skin more radiant.

Goji’s youth preserving qualities are used as an excellent Yin Jing and blood building herb, and a great tonic to the kidneys and liver. Like all Yin Jing herbs, Goji promotes the production of fluids in the body which helps balance and support hormones, nourishes the skin, and boosts libido.

Regular consumption of Goji is said to improve and maintain healthy vision and brighten the eyes.

Goji is the highest source of carotenoids, a group of phytochemicals that research shows have the power to slow down the aging process of the skin. It’s rich in vitamin C and B-vitamins - B1 and B2, contains eighteen amino acids and numerous trace minerals including zinc, iron, and copper.

It also contains significant amounts of calcium, germanium, selenium, and phosphorus, and many flavonoids which protect cell membranes due to their antioxidant activity.

Goji is a potent antioxidant which has shown in studies to increase the production of SOD (superoxide dismutase), our body’s most important antioxidant enzyme by 48%. SOD helps to protect and regenerate the skin.

Longan Fruit

Longan is a delicious fruit and potent blood tonic. Longan is a great beauty superfood that adds radiance and lustre to the skin and eyes, especially the delicate skin underneath the eyes.

Longan fruit also helps minimise cracking and peeling of the skin and improves skin tone.

Longan is an excellent Chi (Qi) tonic that boosts and maintains long-term energy levels. It’s an excellent tonic to fight fatigue and relieve stress.

Longan benefits the heart and spleen systems, promotes proper blood circulation and provides a calming effect on the central nervous system keeping the body relaxed and in balance.

Pine Pollen Powder

Pine pollen is a powerful nutritive superfood boasting over 200 bio-active nutrients.

Pine Pollen is high in antioxidants (including SOD), vitamins, minerals, MSM, and is a complete protein containing over twenty amino acids including all eight essential amino acids. Pine Pollen boosts energy levels, supports immunity, increases overall well-being, and supports anti-aging.

In China, Pine Pollen has been consumed by men and women internally and externally for thousands of years. It is considered one of the best beautifying superfoods and can also be used topically. Pine Pollen helps nourish skin and contains certain compounds that support elastin and collagen.

Reishi Mushroom

Reishi mushroom is most famous for its stress relieving properties and liver strengthening benefits.

A major component of beauty is having a strong liver in order to detox and purify the blood. Blood is stored in the liver while we are at rest.

Toxins are removed from the blood in the liver and either eliminated through the bowels or stored in the liver to prevent further harm to the other systems in the body.

Reishi mushroom is one of the great longevity promoting herbs and Shen (spiritual health) tonics. Its various bio-active nutrients effectively work to combat premature aging and harmonize all aspects of mind-body-spirit.

Stress is one of the biggest negative influences on poor hair and skin health.

Reishi mushrooms natural rejuvenating qualities helps calm the mind, reduce stress, and enhance the body’s response to stress. Its adaptogenic power allows you to manage stress more effectively without negatively influencing or harming the body.

Reishi mushroom has a high content of polysaccharide compounds that promote cell regeneration, boost immunity, and enhance the body’s natural ability to retain water and keep the skin hydrated.

Reishi mushroom boosts skin-protective antioxidants, promotes blood circulation which improves the tone and elasticity of the skin, and helps clear up any skin problems.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is an incredibly versatile beauty superfood. It can be used internally and externally and is suitable for sensitive and dry skin.

Aloe is loaded with vitamins A, C, E, B12, and minerals- calcium, zinc, magnesium, selenium, and chromium. Aloe is rich in antioxidant enzymes, amino acids, and polysaccharides, healthy long-chain sugars that offer incredible immune-supportive benefits.

Aloe has a very high content of water (over 99% water) which can provide deep hydration, moisturising, and rejuvenating qualities to the skin. Aloe is also high in sulphur compounds which help maintain skin elasticity and flexibility.

Aloe vera aids digestion by acting as a prebiotic. It improves the effectiveness of probiotics and helps support an overall healthy gut flora. Aloe is also a gelatinous plant food that promotes proper elimination and normal detoxification processes in the body.

Dang Gui

Dang Gui is one of the greatest internal tonics for beautifying the skin.

Dang Gui is a potent herb for building and enriching the blood and supporting hormones. Both men and women benefit from strong blood when consuming Dang Gui.

Dang Gui is a popular beauty tonic for benefiting the complexion by improving circulation and detoxifying the skin.

Dendrobium

Dendrobium is a Yin Jing herb with superb moistening and naturally moisturising effects of the skin.

Dendrobium is commonly used to replenish fluids in the body and relieve symptoms of dryness. Dendrobium helps keep the skin moist and radiantly beautiful. Dendrobium also increases energy, nourishes the Kidneys (Jing), and supports the Lungs.

Bonus: Asparagus Root

Asparagus root is highly revered as one of the best Shen (spiritual health) tonic herbs. It's also a potent Yin Jing tonic that increases fluids in the body and improves dryness of the skin by naturally moistening and moisturizing the skin.

Beautiful skin results when the blood is clean and the lungs are healthy.

Asparagus root is a powerful lung tonic that effectively moistens and purifies the lungs, removes toxins, enhances breathing, and improves all respiratory functions.

Regular consumption of Asparagus root will nourish the skin and make it softer, smoother, and more radiantly beautiful.

Asparagus root is also beneficial to the Kidneys and Heart. It stabilizes the emotions and nourishes the heart by allowing it to open up and manifest feelings of love, happiness, peace, excitement, and goodwill.

Asparagus root is highly popular among individuals looking to attain spiritual growth and fulfilment. It is said to allow us to “fly” or rather, grant us access to states of our higher self.

Honourable Mention:

Chaga Extract for Skin Health.

"A thing of beauty is a joy for ever…"
~ A Poetic Romance (excerpt) by John Keats

This beauty list only just scratches the surface. There are many more beauty superfoods including turmeric, Chaga extract for skin health, collagen, gynostemma (jiaogulan), chia seeds, coconut oil and more. Try adding as many of these superfoods into your diet to support a healthy clean lifestyle and keep us looking our very best.

What are your favourite superfoods that you use to nourish your beauty?

The importance of internal preservation and self-care

The perpetual desire to maintain one’s youthful beauty and appearance is extremely prevalent in our culture today.

The idea of eternal youth and everlasting beauty has become ingrained in our psyche from the continuous social stream of photoshopped images, and false advertisements that mislead us into believing what is possible.

The societal depiction of what “beauty” looks like has set an impossible standard and collectively brainwashed the minds of women and men to believe in this illusion.

We all want to look younger and feel attractive and beautiful, inside and out. We all work very hard at it, particularly women. However, many of us only focus on our external appearances, and unfortunately, overlook the importance of internal preservation and self-care.

A healthy inner body is essential to maintain one’s beauty and prevent premature aging.

Men need to focus on self-care just as much as women do. Taking responsibility for the nourishment of our own health forms habits of self-love and a deeper connection with oneself. This is the cornerstone of maintaining a beautiful life.

Beauty must be earned

Most people are out there trying to “get beauty" by focussing on their external appearances and neglecting within. But beauty is not something that we can “get” but rather, it must be earned through actions and positive lifestyle choices.

The road towards the attainment of beauty must be walked willingly with the intentions of becoming a better human being on the inside.

We must decide to become a person who can be beautiful. This requires cultivating habits of behaviour that are attractive in the eyes of others. Not to please others but to make us feel great all over!

You have the power. The source of true beauty comes from within

Merriam-Webster describes “beauty” as: "the quality or aggregate of qualities in a person or thing that gives pleasure to the senses or pleasurably exalts the mind or spirit."

Notice the words that are used- “aggregate of qualities in a person” not the aggregate of qualities that was showing on the outside of the person. People are attracted to the inner qualities of a person.

When you speak about the people in your life that you love the most and what makes them beautiful, you’re always speaking about their character, personality, attitude, kindness, confidence, passion, energy, and spirit.

This is the reflection of their inner beauty.

You’re never concerned about their physical attributes- height, weight, clothes, hair colour, or how smooth their skin is. What’s most important to you is how they are on the inside.

Here’s the news: your loved ones think and say the same things about you!

The truth is, if you love who you are and feel happy and confident in your own skin, that inner happiness will shine bright and radiate so much positive energy into the world that no one will even notice the minor blemishes on your skin. The more you cultivate that inner radiant beauty, the fewer imperfections will show up. You’ll probably be feeling so good that you won’t even notice them yourself.

And with that, a healthy diet along with positive lifestyle choices will reward us with gorgeous glowing skin.

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