NEEM Magazine

At last, the wait is over!

The sun is shining and your winter coat has been banished to the far depths of your closet, not to be seen for the next three glorious months.  It’s beach season which can only mean flattering floral skirts, trendy strappy sandals and sunglasses galore!

Unfortunately that also means crash diets, a spike in gym memberships and forlorn sideways glances at your three (ex-) best friends: carbs, fats and ice cream.

When summer rolls around, it seems as though every magazine is shouting out words of encouragement to “ditch that chocolate craving” and “quench insatiable hunger” with little more than water and air in favor of that new bikini body.

But did you ever think that what was in your kitchen could actually help you look great for summer, both inside and out?

Ironically, those very enemies that you shun in the summer sunshine are some of your greatest allies towards a better body.   Don’t believe it? To prove why you don’t have to splurge on the latest treatments, here are some insider secrets on how the foods in your kitchen can give you the very same results.

A few of nature’s  best-kept secrets…

Vitamin-E: Natural vitamin-e is an anti-oxidant that can help protect the skin against harmful UV rays and damaging pollutants in the air.  It is also known to combat ageing skin.

Olive Oil: Not only does olive oil have benefits for your health, but thanks to its rich source of vitamin-e, it can also do wonders for your skin, nails and hair.

Avocado: Avocados contain niacin, which helps sooth red and blotchy skin. One avocado has 3.8 mg niacin – 27% of your daily need.  In addition, avocado oil is also rich in vitamin-e.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids: Almost every skin care product on the market contains AHA’s to prevent aging and wrinkles.  AHA’s can be found in sugar, citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, lactic acid found in milk and yogurt, and also in apples and pears.  Bonus: The use of sugar also acts as natural exfoliation for soft skin.

Honey: Used by ancient Egyptians, honey is known to be a natural Humectant, locking in moisture for soft, hydrated skin.

Lemons: The acid in lemons helps to brighten nails and skin.

Eggs: The protein in eggs helps our hair, which is primarily made up of protein, stay strong and shiny.

— Mahira Sheikh, NEEM Magazine Contributing Writer