So began my love affair with green juice. Every morning I toss handfuls of parsley, kale, spinach, cucumber and celery into my juicer, along with a green apple, a lemon and some fresh ginger. The delightfully tarte, nutrient-loaded, dark-green elixir that comes out has been life changing.

The detoxifying and anti-aging effects of the juice were noticeable right from the start. I was sleeping better, eating less and felt way more energized than any working mom of a four year old has a right to. As if that wasn't amazing enough, then came the icing on the cake. My hair became shinier, my nails stronger and best of all, my skin took on a gorgeous, blemish-free glow that my face hadn't seen since high school.

The Beauty of Dark Greens

Never before had the direct connection between what I eat and how I look been more obvious. Perhaps the most concentrated source of nutrition of any foods on the planet, dark leafy greens are an incredibly rich source of vitamins, minerals and age-fighting phytochemicals. This translates to a host of beauty benefits.

Here are a few of the ways that dark leafy greens function to improve the state of your skin.

  • Greens are high in vitamin A, which can help combat acne by slowing down the production of sebum. This skin-loving nutrient also helps flush out toxins and strengthens the skin’s protective tissue.
  • The vitamin E found in leafy greens protects skin cells from free radical damage.
  • Greens contain folate, a vital nutrient for DNA repair, which also helps produce and maintain new cells.
  • Green leafy vegetables are rich in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant known for its ability to renew and repair the skin. It may also protect skin against sun damage.
  • Leafy greens are loaded with disease-fighting phytochemicals, like chlorophyll which provides protection against free radicals that can cause your skin to age. The darker the green the more chlorophyll it contains.
  • Greens are rich in lutein, a powerful antioxidant which boosts hydration levels, helps to improve elasticity and protects against sun damage.

The vitamin C found in many green leafy vegetables helps the body produce collagen, a key factor in maintaining healthy skin and hair as you age.

By Cindy Fedida
DERMAdoctor Staff Writer

This content is sponsored by DERMAdoctor. The author receives compensation for its creation. All content is the legal copyright of DERMAdoctor, Inc, and it may not be used, reprinted, or published without written consent. The information provided is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to provide medical, legal or other professional advice.