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Category Archives: Skin Care

Foods That Make You Instantly Sexier

The foods you choose can influence, uh, certain physical aspects of your bedroom life. And we’re not talking about love handles here. 

Ask any cheesemonger: What tastes and smells fantastic to one person may not be enticing to someone else. In other words, what’s “good” and “bad” is nothing if not totally subjective—especially when it comes to physical attraction and sex. 

But did we let that stop us from compiling a list of foods that are likely to have a positive effect on these biologically important senses? Hell no! We did a little digging, pored over some fascinating research and, with the help of some leading nutritionists, came up with 25 foods that will render your various parts both pleasingly fragrant and delicious. 

White Fish 

Cod, halibut and tilapia are all types of white fish. “Eating white fish doesn’t make you smell better, but it doesn’t make you smell. White adds that in contrast, the breakdown of red meat may give off a body odor. His assertion is backed up by several studies, including one from the Czech Republic and published in the journal Chemical Senses that showed that red meat is associated with bad body odor. However, the same unpleasant odors are not released when the human body metabolizes fish. 

Apples 

An apple a day may help keep the doctor away, but it’s just as likely to encourage friends and colleagues to get a little closer as they are a powerful ally in the fight against bad breath. This due in part to their natural detergent properties. Furthermore, when by biting into an apple, you’re pushing plaque away from your teeth as well as any food matter that could cause bacteria in the recesses of your mouth. 

Apple Cider Vinegar 

If foot odor is a problem reach for this panacea of the pantry. “Apple cider vinegar kills bacteria and dries excess sweat, the two main causes of foot odor,. “It’s a really good, effective and cheap cure.” This stuff has plenty of acetic acid and phenolics. Add a half cup of apple cider vinegar to a quart of lukewarm water and soak feet for 20 minutes. 

Citrus Fruits 

“Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and pineapples are absorbed by the body and eliminate smells that are on our skin. “The acids in these fruits cause water to flush throughout our body eliminating the smell and causing us to smell pleasant and fruity. “The acids in citrus fruits help flush water through your body. And because citrus also contains fiber, they move through your system slowly and flush out toxins that contribute to body odors. 

Celery 

Nutritionally, there’s a lot to be said for celery. It’s high in fiber, and digesting it causes your body to work harder and expend more calories than most foods. It’s also a great source of vitamin K, folate, potassium and manganese. But beyond all that, every stalk is packed with androstenone and androstenol. “When you chew a stalk of celery, you release androstenone and androstenol odor molecules into your mouth. They then travel up the back of your throat to your nose. “Once there, the pheromones boost your arousal, turning you on and causing your body to send off scents and signals that make you more desirable to women.” Men, you could do worse than ordering a Bloody Mary at brunch, and you won’t have to wait long before the celery takes effect. The pheromones are released immediately. 

Limes and Lemons 

Packed with a good amount of vitamin C and electrolytes, lemons are also good for improving body odor according to White. He explains that these zesty citrus fruits have a “high antioxidant capacity and help detox the body as they are strong, acidic, and have disinfectant abilities.” Some people go as far as using this bacteria-killing juice topically and swipe their pits with a lemon directly. 

Water 

“Water is not only good for us because it keeps us healthy, but it also keeps us smelling better,” says Kaufman, adding that drinking water helps to flush out our bodies eliminating some of the things that cause us to smell. (It’s no wonder these detox waters are so effective!) She recommends eating foods that have a high water content like fruits and vegetables help to reduce our body odor. 

Rosemary 

Work a little rosemary into your life, suggests a Chef. He says that, when it comes to nixing body odors, the herb can be really helpful. “Not only is this is a wonderful spice and a great treatment for skin, but it also helps annihilate body odor,” Chef says. 

Fresh Herbs 

“Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and mint can help mask bad breath with the strong oils that they contain. She explains that the strong oils contained within them help to overpower nose-offending scents. “Try incorporating fresh herbs into your dinner or have a fruit salad with basil or mint for dessert to help combat the smells you may get from dinner,” she says. 

 “These herbs can act as a mouthwash to temporarily mask odors,” she says. It’s well worth remembering that chronic bad breath may be a sign of periodontal disease. Doctors recommends seeing a dentist if the problem won’t go away. 

Ginger 

Upset stomachs can lead to halitosis. While ginger great for settling the stomach, it also has the powerful effect of neutralizing bad breath. Pressed ginger combined with lemon juice and warm water creates a great rinse to keep the unpleasant odors at bay. 

Truffle Oil 

There’s a reason that pigs hunt for truffles: They’re especially affected by androstenone and androstenol. In 1981, German researchers discovered that androstenol is produced by many varieties of the subterranean fungus considered a delicacy. Truffles themselves are devilishly pricey — selling for about $100 per ounce — but truffle oil also contains the pheromones, and it’s part of the esteemed Mediterranean diet. Give it a whirl yourself, but be warned: 25 percent of people can’t detect androstenone, and 40 percent of people are too sensitive to androstenol and find it foul smelling. But hey, the remaining 35 percent may find you wildly attractive. Research from Rockefeller University revealed that this is mostly due to genetic variations in a single odorant receptor called OR7D4. So now you know. 

Whole Milk 

“We found that drinking beverages with high water and some fat content, like milk, may help reduce garlic breath and mask the garlic odor during eating. It was found that both fat-free and whole milk reduced the sulfur compounds in garlic that are the cause of its strong smell, but whole milk got the best results. It’s thought that this may be because fat is more effective at neutralizing odors. 

Fennel Seeds 

A bad breath remedy in India is to chew on some fennel seeds. The act of doing so not only increases saliva that washes away bacteria from your mouth they also help neutralize offensive odors and aid digestion. But that’s not all: fennel oils have antibacterial properties as well, fighting germs that cause bad breath. 

Green Tea 

We’re already big fans of green tea because of the belly blasting catechins it contains but now we have even more reasons to love it: first off, green tea contains polyphenols. These are antioxidants that fight the growth of bacteria and also help reduce sulfur compounds that can improve breath. Green tea, like most teas, can stain teeth, however. Luckily, green tea extracts can be taken as a supplement, which has been proven to fight oral bacteria. While green tea is working on keeping your breath smelling fresh, brew up another, much larger batch and dunk your dogs in it. The tannic acids found in both green and black teas will help keep your feet dry, thus preventing the root of your foot odor problem: perspiration. As the tannins in tea are less drying than the acids in vinegar, you can try this remedy once a day. 

Pineapple 

Very little scientific study has gone into the effect of food on the taste of semen but the internet is rife with intel about pineapple’s sweetening effect on a man’s ejaculate. Considering fresh pineapple is pretty delicious on its own, we’re more keen believe the rumors. 

Kombucha 

Kombucha, like yogurt, is alive (literally) with probiotics. For that matter, so is homemade sauerkraut. (Store-bought sauerkraut is usually pasteurized — a process that kills all of the good bacteria that was in it.) These probiotics can restore a balance of bacteria in your body and could by consuming it, you may discover that your vagina tastes and smells better to you and others. 

Strawberries 

Like many other fruits, strawberries are high in water content and therefore can prevent dry mouth. But that’s not all; their high vitamin C content helps to create an environment hostile to bacteria and germs in the mouth. It also speeds up the healing process in the mouth, and boosts your immune system, too. Feeling a little under the weather? Do double-duty by slurping up some nutritious ingredients while keeping weight gain at bay with some fat-burning soups! 

Parsnips 

The third food with high concentrations of androstenol (the naturally occurring steroid that can drive some female mammals wild with desire) are parsnips, the long, ugly, light brown veggies that taste like a carrot-potato hybrid. Far cheaper than truffles, parsnips have the added advantage of containing boron, which has been shown to help the body metabolize and use estrogen and enhance blood levels of testosterone. Plus, root vegetables like parsnips are rich in folate, as well as vitamins A and C, and studies have found they boost blood flow to the brain. 

Cardamom 

“Known as a great breath freshener, cardamom also permeates the body quickly, leaving behind a fresh aroma,” says Seth Santoro who adds that the spice is also good for your immune system. 

Yogurt 

Probiotic yogurt is great for your digestive health, but that also means it’s effective bad-breath neutralizer. Why? Well, eating yogurt with live active cultures lowers the amount of odor-causing sulfite compounds in your alimentary canal that begins in your mouth. What’s more, probiotic yogurts are a potent source of vitamin D, which fights mouth bacteria. Bonus: “Probiotics are microorganisms that are similar to the bacteria that we naturally have in our stomachs. “The probiotics in foods such as yogurt help with digestion and excessive gas.” 

Melon 

Fact: Bacteria cannot thrive in environments high in vitamin C and melons (along with berries and citrus fruits) can provide a good deal of it. Fruits also have a high water content, which hydrates the mouth and keeps bacteria at bay. Even more to smile about: Vitamin C also helps fight gingivitis, too. 

Lavender and Pumpkin Pie 

Neither of these items contains androstenone or androstenol, but if you want to get the most out of the man in your life, you may want this combination of scents wafting around you. Doctors found that their combined scents increased penile blood flow in study participants by 40%. The second most arousing scent combo was black licorice and doughnut, which increased penile blood flow by 31.5%. 

Green Leafy Vegetables 

Spinach, lettuce, and kale are great for your health and good for oral hygiene. They keep your internal pH levels balanced and alkaline levels low, which in turn help prevent dry mouth, another cause of bad breath. Green leafy vegetables also contain a high amount of chlorophyll that acts as a natural deodorizer. 

Corn-starch 

“The feet have about half a million sweat glands, and this can lead to a whole lot of sweat. “When you wear socks and shoes, the sweat gets trapped inside. Bacteria and fungus can thrive in this type of warm, moist environment, and can produce odor.” Cornstarch can fix the problem of stinky feet because the powder absorbs excess moisture and neutralizes odor. 

Naturally Moisturizing Foods To Eat When You Have Dry Skin

Stock up on these picks to keep your skin supple all year long. 

Washing your hands excessively? Doing the dishes more frequently? Dealing with breezy cold weather? All of these factors (and more) can leave you with dry, itchy skin. If you’ve tried various beauty regimens and still find it difficult to lock in moisture, it might be time to switch things up with your diet. (There’s a reason the trite-but-true saying goes, “You are what you eat.”) What you put into your body affects its appearance, including your skin. So when you eat certain hydrating, moisturizing foods, you can soothe and nourish dry skin. 

Here’s what food for dry skin you should stock up on to heal, soothe, and smooth it. Your metabolism and waistline will thank you, too. 

Coconut 

We usually hear about the benefits of applying coconut topically via coconut oil, but eating the fruit can be beneficial as well. “Coconut’s healthy fats and antibacterial nutritional make-up keep acne flare-ups away and help keep your skin moisturized, which is key for looking healthier and younger. 

Avocado 

There’s a good reason we can’t stop singing the praises of avocado (even if you’re sick of seeing it on your Instagram feed). The blend of healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins make it a powerhouse for your body inside and out. “The protein helps support the structures of collagen and elastin in your skin, while the fat keeps your skin moisturized. 

Oatmeal 

Oatmeal is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals but, most importantly, it’s also a fiber-rich food. “Fiber is essential in helping prevent dead skin and alleviating redness,” says Alpert. The indigestible part of a carbohydrate that adds bulk to food, fiber also works to keep you feeling fuller longer (it swells in the stomach), meaning you’re less likely to snack on the sweets and salty foods that are often associated with dry skin and breakouts.  

Sweet Potatoes 

Sweet potatoes help lock in moisture, give your skin a healthy glow, and protect it from damage thanks to their abundance of vitamin A. “Vitamin A can help with skin renewal and decrease dry, flaky skin. Sweet potatoes are a great option in the winter. Alpert also recommends sweet potatoes to her clients because, aside from their nutritional and aesthetic benefits, their high vitamin C content helps fight off winter colds. Check out these sweet potato recipes for some yummy ways to add more of the root veggie to your weekly diet. 

Wild Salmon 

“Salmon is an amazing food for dry skin as it’s full of omega-3 fats, which strengthen skin cells, can protect against cancer and help reduce inflammation,” says Alpert. “Certain fish like halibut and yellowfin tuna also contain selenium, which preserves elastin in the skin, helping your skin stay supple, smooth and tight.” If you’re not a fish eater, look for other foods that are rich in omega-3 (like chia seeds, walnuts, flaxseeds, egg yolks) to help preserve collagen, fight inflammation, and keep skin firm. 

Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

The vitamin E and good fats of olive oil help moisturize skin, which is why it’s a popular skincare ingredient. Luckily, using the fat in your cooking will reap the same benefits. 

Carrots 

“Carrots are loaded with vitamin C, which is a precursor to collagen production,” explains Alpert. Collagen is essential for skin elasticity. “In addition, the vitamin A found in carrots attacks free radicals and can prevent wrinkles and uneven skin tone.” Vitamin A also stimulates fibroblasts, the cells responsible for developing the tissue that keeps skin firm and healthy. 

Dark Leafy Greens 

“While much of dry skin is affected by environmental factors (cold, dry, windy winter weather, long hot showers), there are foods that can help support your skin health. Foods high in vitamin C help boost immunity as well as collagen production. Look for foods like kale. Foods high in antioxidants, like leafy greens, help fight free radical damage in the skin. 

Nuts & Seeds 

Nuts and seeds are power foods that host omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, B, and E, monounsaturated fats, minerals, and antioxidants. “Foods full of vitamin E … such as nuts help retain moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. Alpert also recommends nuts and seeds because of their nutritional density, ability to hydrate the skin, promotes its elasticity, helps regenerate cells, and protects against pollutants and free radicals.  

Water-Rich, Low-Sugar Fruits 

Fruits are a great way to hydrate and protect your skin because they’re full of water. In fact, eating your water is just as effective — or more so — than drinking water, given the extra nutrient boost you get with fruit. “Most fruits contain high levels of vitamins A and C, and powerful antioxidants that replenish nutrients in the skin, promote collagen production and help keep your skin supple and firm,” says Alpert. While all fruits are a positive addition to most people’s diets, opt for low-sugar fruit like berries (raspberries, cranberries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries) and kiwis versus high-sugar ones such as figs, cherries, mangos, and grapes. 

Eggs 

Eggs are high in protein, promote cell regeneration and supply sulfur and lutein, which hydrates skin and elasticity. They’re also low in fat. Studies have found that omitting the healthy fats found in foods like nuts and avocados, high-fat diets increase the chances of developing wrinkles. 

Tea 

Not only is green tea loaded with skin-nourishing antioxidants, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can heal damaged skin and prevent blemishes. “It may help increase blood flow to the skin since it’s rich in epicatechin, an antioxidant found in red wine. Oolong tea is also beneficial. “It has been shown to help eczema sufferers. “It’s also a slight metabolic booster.” 

Tomatoes 

Tomatoes contain high levels of lycopene, an antioxidant that keeps skin fresh and has anti-aging properties. The nutrients levels are higher in canned and cooked tomatoes. “Lycopene in tomatoes gets absorbed more easily when tomatoes are cooked (as in the canned version), and when eaten with a little oil, meaning that winter is a good time to have pizza or pasta with marinara sauce. 

Soy 

Soy may be controversial, but as far as soothing dry skin, it’s a winner. “It might be a good time to try some soy milk in your latte or go for a tofu scramble,” says Taub-Dix. “Soy is rich in isoflavones that may protect against sun exposure and preserve skin-firming collagen to curtail wrinkles and prevent skin dryness.” 

Citrus Fruits 

“Citrus fruits help provide vitamin C, which promotes collagen formation and slows the effects of free radicals, helping to maintain firm and youthful skin,” says Taub-Dix. “Pink grapefruits also provide lycopene, an antioxidant that helps skin stay resilient and smooth. “ 

Collagen Powder 

“Collagen peptides contain the same amino acids as gelatin, which are identical to the protein found in skin, nails, hair, bones, cartilage, and joints,” says Slayton. “You can mix it into smoothies but also coffee, scrambled eggs, and more.” It’s versatile, tasteless and effective, according to Slayton, who recommends collagen powder from Vital Proteins. 

Sea Buckthorn 

Slayton singles out sea buckthorn as her favorite moisturizing food for dry skin. “If you want luminous skin, think of this pretty orange berry that tastes like a Sour Patch Kid.” You can get shots of it at many juice purveyors like Juice Generation, or you can buy unsweetened Sibu puree. “It’s rich in omega-7 oil, beta-carotene and vitamin C, all of which help the skin conditions associated with dry skin. 

Pumpkin Seeds and Shellfish 

Vitamin A is considered one of the best anti-agers and skin moisturizers. It’s also been proven to help smooth roughness. Zinc helps vitamin A do its job, which is why Slayton recommends eating shellfish and pumpkin seeds as foods to alleviate dry skin symptoms. 

Water 

Don’t underestimate the power of water. Water hydrates the skin and helps prevent wrinkling to keep your skin from cracking and flaking. Hate the flavor of H20? Try making some of these refreshing detox water recipes! 

Sardines, Herring, And Mackerel 

“Eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids is one of the best choices to combat dry skin and to keep skin well-hydrated. Cold-water fish that are wild-sourced are an excellent source of Omega 3s. Best choices include salmon; eat the skin which is packed full of nutrients; [as well as] sardines, herring, and mackerel. Farm-raised fish are generally fed grain instead of the small fish that normally eat plankton, hence the reason that farm-raised fish are generally not packed with the same nutrients as wild fish. 

Flax Oil 

“Flax oil has nutrients that can combat dry skin,” Nutritionists tell us, referencing the oil’s high omega-3 content. “Take the pills or get the oil and sprinkle on salads, or mix in yogurt or smoothies.” 

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