Necessary Fruit

Fruit is one of the splendors of Gods creation that he gave us to enjoy. Naturally they have many health benefits and they’re beautifying too. I’ve been on the Keto diet, so I avoid many fruits due to it’s high sugar and carb content. Since I started thinking about all those sweet juicy fruits that I have been missing, my taste buds are tantalized by the memory of their deliciousness and Im craving some right now. Hmmm, maybe I should find a different diet.

Now I am going to tell you about nine necessary fruits for exquisite beauty inside and out. Im not talking about the kind of fruit we eat, but rather the fruit we produce from within. Did you know that God created you with the intention of being able to bear fruit that glorifies Him? I encourage you take the time to read and meditate on John chapter 15, verses 1-16. But simply put, Jesus is speaking to his followers, giving them an analogy of a garden with a vine and branches. Our Father in heaven is the gardener, Jesus is the vine and we, his followers are the branches connected to the vine. He explains that any branch that does not produce fruit will be pruned so that eventually it can produce fruit. He goes on to explain that without Jesus we cannot produce fruit that glorifies our heavenly Father. And when we produce lasting fruit, the Father will give us whatever we ask using the name of Jesus.

Cultivating Fruit

So what is this fruit that we produce from within that beautifies us from the inside out? It is the fruit of the Holy Spirit! When we receive Jesus as Lord and savior of our life, He gives us His Holy Spirit to dwell inside our spirit being and help us be fruitful in every way. In this way, the Holy Spirit convicts your heart of areas in your life that you need to turn around. That is the meaning of repentance… to turn around from doing something you ought not be doing, which is missing the mark of God’s perfection, also known as sin. You see God doesn’t expect us to be perfect. He already knows that without Jesus we can do nothing good in his eyes. That’s why He sent Jesus to bear our sin and shame and be reconciled to the Father. The Holy Spirit now dwelling in our inner spirit helps us to be able to bear fruit, and it’s easier than you think. When we start displaying evidence of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, we are changed from the inside out. We become truly beautiful inside and out. That is how the world will recognize a true Christ follower!

If you have been following my previous blogs you’ll see there is a sequence to them. Bearing fruit changes what’s in your heart which then affects your thoughts, actions and physical appearance. The beauty of Christ in your heart shines through your eyes and illuminates your whole being. Please check out the 2 minute abide meditation below.

By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. John 15:9

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

AHA For Skin That Glows

I have previously talked a little about skin care, so this seems like a very fitting place to mention that my favorite night cream of choice, Avon Anew contains AHA which stands for alpha hydroxy acids. These are gentle fruit acids that work well, especially on sensitive skin. They aid in exfoliating the top layer of dead cells that cause your skin to look dull. Once these cells have been exfoliated, your skin takes on a more healthy glow. There are other more aggressive and more effective anti aging products available today that speed up this process, but these often take off more layers at a time sometimes revealing the necessary peeling that is taking place.These frequently require extra moisturizers to conceal and smooth that peeling skin, thus adding to your beauty budget. Also these more aggressive products will irritate sensitive skin. If you have never used an exfoliating product on your skin, alpha hydroxy acids are a good place to start. Many fruits contain Vitamin C, which is a key source of alpha hydroxy acids.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants stop the oxidation process that damages cells in our body. Oxidation causes free radicals which are compound molecules created by a chain reaction from the oxidation process. This is a major cause of wrinkles and collagen destruction. Antioxidants also protect the skin from UV damage, support collagen and improve skin’s firmness.

Vitamin C is considered a super antioxidant and we have already discussed a little bit of its role in alpha hydroxy acids. Vitamin A, is another very effective anti oxidant. The drug Retin-A also known by it’s generic name, Tretinoin basically is Vitamin A. It was originally created as an acne medicine and later proved to have amazing effects on reducing lines and wrinkles because of it’s antioxidant qualities. This is one of the more aggressive exfoliating products for lines and wrinkles. There is a more gentle form of this called Retinol that is found in many anti aging beauty products and it does not require a prescription like the former. Many fruits contain Vitamin A, or are converted to Vitamin A in the body. Other excellent anti oxidant sources are found in vitamins C, E, K, Beta carotene and other carotenoids. Carotenoid is what makes up the yellow, orange and red pigments in certain fruits and vegetables and have numerous health benefits.

Nine fruits for good skin and over all beauty

Strawberries happen to be an excellent source of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) as well as salicylic acid which is a BHA or beta hydroxy acids. Salicylic acid is used in the formulations of a lot of skin care products for oily skin and acne, therefore eating strawberries helps maintain unblemished skin.

Lemon is an excellent source of vitamin C and is also a prebiotic which can help you feel less bloated. To detoxify your intestines and promote a more radiant complexion try: a glass of warm water with a little honey and lemon in the morning on an empty stomach.

Cantaloupe is a wonderful hydrating fruit that is full of cell regenerating properties for all skin types. It contains Vitamins A, C, K, and E, alone with potassium and beta carotene.

Pomegranate helps with cell growth and collagen. It contains vitamins C, K folate and potassium as well as good fiber. Its anti inflammatory qualities may help arthritis and some sources say it fights against some cancers and helps lower blood pressure.

Papaya contains vitamins A, C, and  E, pantothenic acid, folate, magnesium and potassium. It’s a great source of peptides that are fabulous for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. I have used some wonderful peptide products but they can be pricey. Papaya also contains papain which is good for exfoliation. Try this  papaya mask at home: I cup of chopped papaya with 2 tablespoons of honey. Apply evenly to clean face and neck and leave on  for 20 minutes, then rinse with cold water. It should give you a nice glow from all the enzymes.

Cherries are cousins to blackberries, raspberries and strawberries. They are rich in vitamins A, B, C, and D, potassium, flavonoids and fiber. They also contain 5 times more melatonin than its berry cousins. The natural alkaline properties found in cherries help the skin maintain a healthy PH level and have been known to help dark spots from sun damage, acne and hyperpigmentation.

Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C and are super rich in carotenoids. The alpha and beta carotenes in tomatoes converts to Vitamin A in your body. This supports healthy eye function and immune support. They have significant antioxidant properties and absorb better in the body when eaten with fats.

Olives contain oleic acid which improves the appearance of wrinkles by 20% and are a good source of vitamin E. Olives are considered a good fat, which is very important in your diet for supple skin, and healthy hair. (The Bible actually has a reference in the psalms about the Lord giving us olive oil to make our face shine.) For dry hair: warm up some olive oil and apply to your hair, combing through root to ends before shampooing. Leave in at least 10 minutes, then shampoo and condition as usual. (Do not do this after a fresh color application. It will fade your color. It’s best done prior to coloring your hair as it will moisturize, even the porosity and protect  your hair from the harsh effects of pulling that color through the ends of previously colored hair.)

Avocados are high in healthy fats. They contain vitamins A, C, E, and K and magnesium, an anti-stress nutrient. These benefit many functions in your body and are an excellent source of good cholesterol. For a natural moisturizing hair mask: puree avocado and apply to clean wet hair for 10 minutes or more and rinse well. For a natural  antioxidant face mask try this recipe from EatingWell: 1/4 ripe avocado, 2 tbsp raw honey and 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar mixed until smooth. Apply a thin layer to damp skin. Let dry and rinse off. Follow with your favorite moisturizer. Oily skin may not need extra moisture.

This list certainly is not comprehensive and there are many more fruits and vegetables that are excellent for good skin and health. Our Father in heaven is a good, good father who provides his children with good gifts. Take some time and thank Him for that today.

PLEASE NOTE: Some people are allergic to certain fruits. If you have sensitive skin, please do a patch test before applying anything to your face. Simply mix a small amount of the recipe and put it on the inside of your wrist and elbow for the recommended time. Then rinse and wait 24 hours to see if you get a reaction. Better safe than sorry!

I love you all and thank you for taking the time to read my blog. Next time I will talk about a new approach to wrinkles. For further information on some of the foundations for my belief in the power of new beginnings through a personal relationship with Jesus, please let me know so I may encourage you further in your walk with the Lord. Also If you desire information on a personal physical makeover you can email me.