It seems we are obsessed with finding the magic bullet to remain youthful. In contrast to many cultures that embrace age with wisdom and status, we as a society spend billions of dollars on beauty and anti-aging products/procedures in hope to retain our youthful appearance. The latest spark of hope comes from a recent presentation that has stirred up interest among investors, health experts and those seeking the forever fountain of youth. This past September, attendees at the Obesity Society’s...

Skin aging is influenced by many factors including genetics, environmental stressors, hormonal changes and metabolic processes. Combined, these factors, both intrinsic (those which may not be modified) and extrinsic (those that may be changed), lead to cumulative changes of skin structure, function and appearance. Aging skin is at risk of breakdown as a result of a number of processes, which culminate in the adverse of effects of excessive inflammation and oxidative stress. Skin at advanced ages, has a thinner epidermis...

I hope you had a wonderful summer season! Here’s to a healthy, productive and uplifting fall season ahead. Summer Sun Burnout? After the damage is done, some foods can help to get your skin back on track! These include foods high in vitamins A, C, selenium and omega 3 fatty acids. Foods rich in vitamin E include nuts, seeds and plant oils like olive and sunflower oils. Vitamin C is found in a range of fruits and vegetables such as...

This rapidly-growing tree (also known as the horseradish tree, drumstick tree), is said to have been used by the ancient Romans, Greeks and Egyptians for the treatment and prevention of health ailments, cosmetic and beauty purposes. A hardy species requiring little hydration with superior nutritional properties the Moringa tree offers an outstanding source of highly digestible protein, Ca, Fe, Vitamin C, carotenoids and polyphenols. It is their antioxidant/radical scavenging effects observed in vitro that appear to provide justification for their...

Like no other organ, the skin is exposed to multiple stressors from our external environment and within the body. The “brain skin connection” has been a topic of interest among health experts for some time, particularly the influence of stress on skin health and appearance. The Stress Response When we are exposed to a “stressor” the body triggers a reaction in the brain which triggers a cascade of hormonal, immune and nervous system reactions. The fluctuations in hormones with acute...

With the overindulgence of chocolate eggs and bunnies this past weekend I thought I would share some “good news” around chocolate. Although calorically dense, cocoa and high quality dark chocolate can offer many health benefits. Cocoa beans contain polyphenols (similar to those found in wine) with antioxidant properties that are health promoting. These compounds are called flavonoids and include catechins, epicatechins, and procyandins. It also is rich in phenylethylamine that is thought to promote those “feel good” hormones. Cocoa beans...

As we have heard time and time again, to stay healthy eat your fruit and veggies! But what about eating fruit and veggies to improve the appearance of your skin? Fruits and vegetables in their raw form will give you a plethora of nutrients, but two recent human clinical studies have shown the benefits of fruit and vegetable intake and their affect on the appearance of the skin! In a 12-week double blind study published in January’s Skin Pharmacology &...

· Deep coloured fruits and vegetables – blueberries, pomegranate, broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, red cabbage, dark green leafy vegetables, citrus, pears, melons, prunes. · Omega-3 fat (wild salmon, fish oil, walnuts, sesame seeds, or ground flaxseed or oil) Choose high quality olive grapeseed oils for cooking. · Choose high fiber/low-glycemic foods – higher fiber fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, beans, whole grains over white refined foods. Aim to get 30 g of Fiber per day, but start slowly and...