Many times skin conditions are a result of diet, but your dermatologist won’t make any money by telling you that. Chronic acne, psoriasis, dry skin, and various skin rashes can all be due to eating the typical Western diet. Even if you think you are eating a relatively healthy diet, processed foods by their nature contain more fat and preservatives (toxins) than they do in their raw state. If you want to nourish your skin, consider going raw.

With massive numbers of people falling ill with diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, raw food is becoming a more palatable choice. Look around you. How many adults do you see with clear complexions? Little to none I suspect. That’s because the skin is a direct reflection of health. Toxins are excreted through oil and glands in our skin.

What exactly is raw food? Raw food is food that is not cooked any higher than 118 degrees, or more often, not cooked at all. Proponents believe that heating food over 118 degrees destroys vitamins and enzymes which are the life force or energy of food. Don’t think it means just carrot sticks and celery. With creativity and a blender you can duplicate many of the tastes you love, and your skin will thank you.

A great benefit of raw food is that you can eat lots of food—three good sized meals a day plus snacks. Since you’re eliminating lots of calories that are a result of preparing food, you’ll probably loose weight as well. In this video, Karen is using nori, a sea vegetable that’s great for skin and hair because it contains iodine. Raw food also saves you money. You’ll find your need for medications like aspirin, hemorrhoid cream, and the like will disappear. Simply stated, you won’t achieve clear skin if you don’t address your diet.