Eating your five-a-day of fruit and vegetables will not only keep you healthy and slim, but gives your skin a boost too, according to a new scientific study.
German scientists from the Institute for Experimental Dermatology at the University of Witten-Herdecke, discovered that the participants skin condition drastically improved and appeared thicker and more hydrated, when given a fruit and vegetable concentrate.
The study, published in the new issue of Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, involved two groups of 26 health, middle-aged women. Half of the participants were given a micronutrient food supplement Juice Plus +(R), Fruit Blend and Juice Plus+(R) Vegetable Blend make primarily of fruit and vegetable juice powder, for twelve weeks using a monocentric, double-blind placebo and randomised controlled design.
The other half were given a placebo capsule twice a day during the study period.
After the participants finished the course of fruit concentrate and placebo capsules, researchers discovered that those who took the fruit concentrate had a 39% increase of microcirculation of the skin, 9% more hydration, 6% increase in thickness and 16% more in density. Those who took the placebo capsule suffered a decrease in all of these.
The results followed an in-depth look into skin density and thickness, measured by ultrasound, and skin hydration, where scientists used a Cornometer(R) to assess transepidermal water loss.
The study found that the skin benefits from an optimal supply of fruit and vegetable-based nutrients and oxygen to facilitate the skin cell metabolism, producing visible skin improvements in hydration, density and thickness.
Read the full report here.
Find out how you can eat your way to healthy, glowing skin with our top food tips from the experts. Take a look at what fruit and vegetables are best for a clear complexion by director of Forest Secrets Skincare, Dr Barbara Olioso, skin therapist Louise Thomas-Minns and nutritional therapist and medical aesthetician at Wimpole Aesthetics, Robyn Mason.