We all want to feel and look good, no matter our age. For help with feeling your best, scroll through these slides to receive advice from the ancient wisdom of Maharishi Ayurveda. This post has been adapted from an article on the Maharishi Ayurveda Products International (MAPI) website. Visit MAPI for more information on maintaining good health the Maharishi Ayurveda way.(www.mapi.com)
You have heard this your whole life, but it’s true! So now is the time to eat more fruits and vegetables. Besides being rich in minerals and vitamins, fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants that help eliminate free radicals that can damage our cells.
Get Your Vitamin C
Expand your range of vegetables. Try fennel, which has a unique flavour and is high in thiamine and riboflavin. And ditch regular potatoes for sweet potatoes. Besides being delicious, sweet potatoes are very high in vitamin A.
Antioxidants are beneficial, because they slow down the production of free radicals, prevent aging, dark spots, and lines, and save you from the harmful effects of pollution and UV rays. More Foods High in Antioxidants
These days, stores are flooded with skin-care products containing antioxidants, which promise to give new life to your skin. But now that you know better what to eat for both health and beauty, on your next grocery shopping trip you can purchase foods that go a long way in providing that healthy glow from within.
Buying organic food is increasing in popularity, with 80% of families reporting buying some organic food for their families (organic trade association The Value of Organic | OTA ). Organic food has fewer toxins, and because free radicals increase in our nervous system when fed by toxins, choose organic foods whenever possible. It is also wise to stay away from packaged or processed foods,
as these contain chemical additives that damage our cells and skin.
Not all fats are bad for you. Choose your fats wisely. Recent research shows that hydrogenated oils, which are heavy in trans-fats and are found in most processed foods, cause inflammation throughout the body, damaging skin cells and accelerating aging. Common Sources of Trans-fats:
Mono-unsaturated oils, however, are healthy for our body. Extra-virgin olive oil is a mono-unsaturated fat that benefits the heart and skin. Olive oil can be used as a dressing for salads, extra flavouring on vegetables, or as an oil in which to sauté vegetables and spices at low heat.
An even better choice for cooking is using ghee, also called clarified butter. Ghee helps the body absorb nutrients and has a purifying and nourishing effect on the skin’s cellular level. In urban centres, chain grocery stores often carry ghee. If you can’t find ghee where you normally shop, visit a local Indian food store. Or click here to learn how to make your own ghee.
To keep your body free from toxins and your skin looking healthy, stay hydrated. Be sure to drink plenty of water. Ayurveda recommends sipping warm water throughout the day.
Staying hydrated has been shown to
help
As for your skin, “A lack of water means less radiance and more sag,” says Dr. Mona Gohara, a dermatologist in Connecticut. She suggests choosing cleansing, moisturizing, and anti-aging products that have hydrating formulas. (See slide 9 for instructions on how to make a facial
cleanser that is right for your skin type)
It is essential to watch out for the sun. Sun exposure can harm your skin
by damaging the elastin, causing the skin to sag and stretch.
Too much sun can also
Don’t just watch out for the sun! Getting too close to heaters and fireplaces can also wreak havoc on your skin. “It causes inflammation and collagen breakdown. I recommend staying at least ten feet away,” explains Dr. Debbie Palmer, a New York dermatologist. So, take a step back next time you’re roasting chestnuts or s’mores over an open fire.
Free radicals increase in your body when you skip sleep, are under stress, smoke, or consume too much alcohol or processed sugar. Maharishi Ayurveda recommends a daily routine that balances your activity with yoga, meditation, and exercise to keep stress in check. Particularly effective is the Transcendental Meditation technique. It’s a simple, natural, effortless technique practised 20 minutes, twice daily, while sitting comfortably, with eyes closed.
During the practice of TM, the mind settles into a state of deep silence, also known as restful alertness. Like the ocean’s surface, the mind can be choppy and tumultuous. TM allows the mind to settle down to naturally silent, still depths, such as are found on the quiet ocean floor. After your meditation, the peace and calm of the meditation stay with
you during the day.
Research has shown that regular practise
of TM can:
Click here for more information on the benefits of TM (tm-women.ca).
General Directions: Choose the recipe that matches your skin type. Stir
all the ingredients together and gently apply them to your face with
your fingertips. Let the scrub set on the skin, then flake the mask off
with very slight pressure into the basin. If the mask feels too sticky, use
warm water to rinse it. Finally, dab your face with a soft towel and a
good moisturizer.
For Oily (Kapha) Skin:
For Dry (Vata) Skin:
For Sensitive (Pitta) Skin
Detoxifying Spice Water
Boil 1 liter (about 1 quart) of water. Remove from heat, then add
immediately:
Steep for 20 minutes then strain. Put the spice water in the thermos.
Drink after meals.
Yogurt drink (Lassi) to aid digestion (Drink at lunch only.)
Mix Well with hand mixer or blender. Do Not just Stir!
Energizing Date Shake
Place 5-10 dates in enough water to cover and soak overnight or for 4
hours. Next morning, remove dates from water and remove pits. Add 1-
2 cups of water or milk, as preferred. Cardamom and saffron can be
added, to taste. Blend mixture in a blender until smooth. Can be taken
for breakfast or in the afternoon, as desired.
