“Raw” food is getting a lot of buzz these days, but exactly does it mean to eat “raw”?  Well for starters, the term “raw” indicates that the food has never been heated above 118 degrees (this includes heating through pasteurization) and thus retains all of its enzymes, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The Raw Food Diet is rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and small amount of sprouted grains.  In addition, raw foodies avoid animal products (aside from bee pollen and honey), pasteurized foods and chemicals.  Because “raw food” is so rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants it works wonders in nourishing your body, your organs and your skin.  Here are top 5 picks for raw foods for healthy, glowing skin:

Kale: Kale is high in vitamin K, which keeps bones healthy and contributes to healthy blood clotting. Kale is also high in sulfur, a mineral that is essential for healthy skin. 

Pineapple: Pineapple is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory foods known and contains bromelain, a powerful enzyme which aids in digestion.  Good digestion and as little inflammation as possible are 2 important keys to healthy skin.

Hemp Seeds:  Hemp seeds contain the perfect balance of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids.  The ideal balance is 4 to 1 and today most peoples ranges are around 25 to 1.  A diet with too much omega 6 will increase bodily inflammation.  Eating hemp seeds helps keep this ratio balanced and reduces bodily inflammation.  Less inflammation= healthier skin.

Coconut Oil: Traditionally coconut oil has been prized for its moisturizing and anti-aging properties. When applied topically, coconut oil softens the skin, regenerates skin tissue and protects skin from premature aging. When taking orally, coconut oil nourishes and moisturizes the skin from the inside-out. 

Sprouts: Sprouts are a highly concentrated form of nutrition and support cellular regeneration and detoxification. In addition, sprouts protect cells against free radicals and alkalize the body.