Gut health is directly connected to skin health. Encouraging proper digestion and promoting healthy gut flora with pre and pro-biotics can help skin stay clear and radiant.

Rainforest Yogurt Bowl

Serves 4

Ingredients:

2 cup of full or low fat coconut yogurt
2 kiwi
1 mango
¼ Papaya
¼ Pineapple
¼ cup toasted coconut flakes
¼ cup sacha inchi seeds, chopped or broken into pieces

Directions:

Divide the yogurt at the bottom of 4 bowls. Cut the fruit into various bite size pieces and arrange over the yogurt. Sprinkle with toasted coconut seeds and sacha inchi seeds. Serve

Health Benefits:

COCONUT YOGURT: Coconut milk can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, provide a source of electrolytes and improve digestion. Even though its dairy-free, coconut milk is a good source of bone-building calcium. When fermented with gut-friendly bacteria, usually Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, coconut milk will help to maintain intestinal health. Restored gut health can help resolve skin disorders from acne to eczema. Do make sure you coconut yogurt is sugar-free, and preferably full fat. The simpler the processing and shorter the ingredient list the better. I particularly like Anitas. Its so rich and decadent it can even be loosened with water or coconut water.

SACHA INCHI SEED: The seeds of this Incan super food are rich in Vitamin E and other antioxidants. They are special in that they are regarded as one of the most concentrated sources of plant-based Omega-3 essential fatty acids available and they contain a unique balance of Omega 3, 6 and 9 essential fatty acids not found in other vegetable oils. These fatty acids are essential for brain health, reproductive health, reducing osteoporosis and weight loss.

The seeds also contain all eight essential amino acids and more protein per serving than almonds. They are a delicious culinary treat and also make a luxurious beauty oil. The fatty acids present in Sacha Inchi provide relief of itchy, scaly, irritated skin and the content of Vitamin A is beneficial in the treatment of acne and blemished skin.

PAPAYA : Improves eye sight and reduces macular degeneration. Helps to reduce the arterial plaques that can lead to heart attack and stroke. Papain, a super enzyme, helps to improve digestion, cleanses the digestive tract and when applied topically dissolves dead skin cells.

 PINEAPPLE: A great anti-inflammatory known for improving arthritis, Pineapple can also improves the immune system, improve collagen production, reduce respiratory congestion, improve digestion and tone oral tissues.

MANGO: Mangos provide a great source of iron, which can help eliminate anemia and support women during pregnancy. Mango is also a great source of vitamin B6 which is vital to maintaining healthy brain function. The vitamin c and a in mango help promote collagen production. Applied topically mango masks will help unclog pores.

 KIWI: High in antioxidants, Kiwi has the ability to protect the DNA from free radical damage thereby reducing the risk of associated inflammation and disease. These protective phenols and vitamin C will also protect cardiovascular health. Kiwi facilitates the absorption of iron in the body, contains folate which is beneficial for fetal development, boosts the immune system and aids the digestive system. The content of vitamins C and E additionally protect the skin from ultra-violet light, loss of elasticity and early degeneration.