The South African winter chill can play havoc on skin with extremely cold temperatures and overexposure to air conditioners. While lotions and potions have their place, eating fruit and vegetables high in vitamin C and E builds a solid foundation for great winter skin.
Both Zespri Green and the new Zespri SunGold kiwifruit – now available at major retailers in South Africa, are rich in vitamin C which helps to protect the skin from dryness and preventing skin damage, ageing and wrinkles. Bite-for-bite, Zespri SunGold kiwifruit (sweeter, juicer and with a smooth-textured skin) has thrice the amount of vitamin C of an orange, which is beneficial for keeping your skin healthy and glowing.
Vitamin C is not only essential for the growth and repair of skin tissue, but also for the formation of collagen and speeding up the process of wound healing. And being a strong antioxidant, vitamin C helps in protecting your skin from the effects of free radicals and prevents skin damage.
While it packs a powerful vitamin C punch, Zespri SunGold kiwifruit also has a high vitamin E content, which helps to keep the skin moisturised and well-conditioned. Vitamin E also assists in degenerating skin cells, therefore making the skin flexible and youthful.
By increasing immunity, consumption of kiwi is beneficial for your skin.
Try this yoghurt and kiwi face pack:
To make – finely mash the Zespri Green or SunGold kiwifruit. Mix it well with a tablespoon of yoghurt. Apply the paste evenly on your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Wash off with warm (not hot) water for a glowing skin.
Consider adding one mashed banana for an added moisture boost.
Here are some handy tips to incorporate more kiwifruit into your diet:
– Cut a ripe Zespri kiwifruit in half, leaving the skin on and eat each half with a spoon, using the skin as its own natural bowl. We call this the ‘cut, scoop and enjoy’ method.
– Make your own fresh fruit cocktail by blending kiwis, blueberries and banana for a vitamin boost first thing in the morning or as a lunchtime snack.
– Drizzle a small amount of honey on top of Bulgarian yoghurt and sliced Zespri SunGold kiwifruit for an extra sweet treat.
– Make a green smoothie or juice with kiwi, spinach, apple and pears.