Vitamin C is one of the most important nutrients for a luminescent face. This is because this vitamin is a potent antioxidant, which helps to fight free radicals and prevent the signs of aging. It also supports the immune system to fight off unwanted pathogens, replaces damaged tissue to tackle blemishes, is essential for the production of collagen, and helps protect the skin from UV rays.
Want to know one of the easiest ways to up your intake of essential C? Oranges – the kitchen staple that you always have on hand.
The vitamin C in oranges helps your skin in lots of ways:
- Protects your cells from damage
- Helps your body make collagen (a protein that heals wounds and gives you smoother skin) which is a protein found in your skin, bones, and cells
- Boosts the production of hyaluronic acid which helps our body produce more collagen
- The anti-inflammatory properties of oranges help in healing the swelling and redness around acne. The high citric acid content also effectively dries away the acne in addition to combatting oiliness.
- Exfoliating the skin with dried ground orange peel as a scrub will help rejuvenate the skin and remove dead skin cells and unclog pores
No-Bake Chocolate Orange Tart (Dairy, Nut & Gluten Free)
by Food Matters
Super silky, chocolatey, with a zest of orange, AVOCADO!
Serves: 8 to 10 Yield: 8 to 10 slices Preparation time: 15 minutes Cook time: 60 minutes
Ingredients
For the base…
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup mixed seeds
- 1 cup Medjool dates
- 4 tbsp coconut oil
For the choc-orange layer…
- 2 avocados
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Zest of orange
- ½ cup raw cacao powder
Method
1. For the base…In a food processor or high-speed blender, grind the base ingredients until a sticky crumble forms. To make the base, press mixture in a 20cm fluted cake pan. (Or any rectangle dish, 20cm springform cake pan). Smooth with the back of a spoon and place in the freezer to set while you make your chocolate layer.
2. For the choc-orange layer…In a food processor or high-speed blender, process all chocolate layer ingredients until smooth and creamy. Spread layer evenly over base layer and place back in the freezer to set for 1 hour. Remove from freezer 5-10 minutes just before serving.
Sources: WebMD, Saber Health, Skin Beauty