Anti-Aging Carrot Smoothie

This anti-aging carrot smoothie will not only make you happy it will also help reduce the signs of aging and help stimulate collagen production too! This smoothie has a tropical taste and boost a powerful antioxidant punch with a dose of wrinkle-fighting beta-carotene.

The Benefits of Carrots

Carrots could be your fountain of youth go-to-food. This root vegetable contains high doses of the powerful antioxidant beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body. They also contain fibre, biotin, vitamin K1, potassium and other antioxidants. Biotin is great for protein metabolism and plays an important role in the health of your skin, hair and nails. Vitamin K1 promotes bone health, while vitamin B6 helps with energy production.

Carrots also have a low glycemic index, which means they don’t raise blood glucose levels. Root vegetables are great for low carb diets and those watching their sugar in-take. The fibre found in carrots is pectin, a soluble fiber that can help stimulate the growth of healthy gut bacteria – also known as probiotics. Soluble fiber can also reduce absorption of bad cholesterol, lowering blood cholesterol levels.

What is Beta-Carotene & Why Do You Need It:

Beta-carotene converts into vitamin A in the body. This nutrient plays an important role in eye health, immune function, and also the health of your skin. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that converts to retinol by the liver. It can be stored or transported and used in the body. Retinol stimulates the production of new skin cells and without it our skin can become dry and wrinkly!

Applying retinol to the skin is effective for stimulating collagen production and reducing wrinkles, but also eating a diet high in carotenoids such as beta-carotene from carrots can help prevent cell damage and premature skin aging. In addition to your daily skin routine of applying retinoic acid or retinol creams, consider upping your intake of orange foods in your diet! Carrots, sweet potato or any vegetable or fruit that is orange in color will provide beta-carotene.

Other antioxidants present in carrots include alpha-carotene, which is partly converted to vitamin A, lutein, lycopene, polyacetylenes and anthocyanins. These antioxidants have been linked to improved immune function and reduced incidences of diseases.

A good diet is also essential when it comes to sexy skin! Here’s a few foods, to keep your skin glowing – go here!

What’s in this Anti-Aging Smoothie:

Sweet and delish, this sexy anti-aging smoothie will have you feeling good and looking even better. Here’s what you’ll need.

Carrot Juice – if buying pre-made carrot juice, be sure to check the label, make sure it doesn’t contain added sugar, colors or juice from other sources.

Pineapple – this fruit will add bulk, fibre and the digestive enzyme bromelain, which will help digest the other ingredients in this shake.

Mango – this yummy fruit will add to it’s tropical taste but it’s also a source of the antioxidant mangiferin, which has shown to have immune function, glucose lowering and fat reducing benefits in the body.

Collagen Protein – collagen stimulates the production of collagen in the skin and joints. Use marine collagen if you want a skin boost. Choose one that is unflavoured. Collagen protein is bitter, compared to your regular protein, but the carrot and fruit sweetness will cover it up nicely!

Banana – will provide a creamy smoothness removing the need to add dairy. Bananas are also high in potassium, perfect for a post-workout electrolyte boost.

Fresh Citrus Juice – Lime and orange juice, will add a boost of vitamin C, which is critical for collagen production. Be sure to use fresh, with no added sugars or preservatives.

Ginger – adds a zingy flavour, plus provides an immune boost and can settle a stomach too!

How to Make This Anti-Aging Smoothie for Skin:

You can use a small blender to make this magic happen. Take all ingredients, add lots of ice, place on high for 20 to 30 seconds, depending how icy you like it! Enjoy!