Summer is almost over, and the cooler weather might stop you from spending as much time outdoors as you would like to. While the leaves turn a bright and lively orange, your skin will slowly but surely start to lose its attractive summer tan.
And here’s something that might surprise you: the sun isn’t the only factor that can alter your skin color. A diet rich in carotenoids has been proven to give skin a healthy tanned color and improved texture.1 But that’s not all. As I wrote in my previous blog post titled “What Food Colors Mean to Your Bone Health”, these plant pigments perform valuable functions both for your bone health and your general health.
So today I want to share with you a nutritional secret that will give your skin a beautiful glow while it alkalizes your body and builds your bones.
Bone-Healthy Nutrients that Prevent Your Tan From Fading
It cannot get easier that this: a drink that’s chock-full of carotenoids to help you keep a healthy summer glow through the winter months and build your bones at the same time.
All the ingredients are alkalizing. And except for ginger, they are listed in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program as Foundation Foods, thanks to their rich concentration of bone-building nutrients including:
- Vitamin C: a multi-tasking vitamin that’s also a potent antioxidant and crucial for the production of collagen.
- Boron: an important mineral that reduces the amount of urinary calcium and magnesium excreted.
- Silicon: this mineral plays a role in bone and connective tissue development, including collagen.
Besides its delicious and zesty flavor, ginger is notorious for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. So now that you know the benefits, get ready to try my easy-to- make…
Sunless Suntan Smoothie
All you need to prepare this delicious drink is a regular blender. If possible, try to use organic ingredients.
I designed this recipe for 2 servings.
Ingredients
1/2 cup of cantaloupe cubes
1/2 cup of red pepper slices or fresh apricots* (if in season)
1 orange, peeled and segmented
1 cup of carrot juice
1 small knob of fresh ginger (optional)
*Dried apricots are not an acceptable replacement for this drink.
Directions
Mix all ingredients in blender until smooth. If you prefer a more liquid consistency, add water to taste.
To Your Health!
References
1 Heinrich U, Tronnier H, Stahl W, Bejot M, Maurette J-M. “Carotenoid antioxidants improve parameters related to skin structure in humans.” Skin Pharmacology and Physiology 2006; 19:224-31.
Comments on this article are closed.
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Does this mean Ia’m now joined the save our Bones Community? if so the Thanks you… Very much!
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I wanted to thank the person who mentioned the weighted vest to me as a fast easy way to target all bones in body all at once while I go for my morning walk.
I now do not have to spend my time lifting dumbbells at my gym because I can wear my vest by NYKNYC anyplace while I walk and it strengthens my whole body and all bones too.
So I wanted to thank the lady who mentioned it to me as an easy way to get stronger bones.
This web site is so great and has so much really valuable information I really love it and the articles are really stuff that I can use like the recipes for delicious drinks full of vitamins and stuff the information on the bones and of course the important conversation that we can get involved in to learn more and exchange ideas!
thank you again Vivian-for giving women an alternative to using dangerous drugs . -
would like your input about the fusion drug for osteo which my doctor wants to put me on every six months….have been on fosomax for over ten years and took myself off it two years ago and now he wants to put me on the fusion and i am refusing to do it he did a beta crosslaps ctx test on me and it came back 123 points less than last years and it is an improvement in bone turnover i believe my calcium levels and vitamin d levels are very good
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Vivian, I have bought some Natto – the folk at the Oriental Foods told me to mix it with rice and mustard and wasabi – I’ve been able to eat it – but I’m wondering about its effects. It is supposed to provide Vitamin K2 – which I think is required to work with good effect with Vitamin D for bone health – I think it also has an effect on blood clotting ??? I also take Cartier (100 mgs. Aspirin) which is supposed to help thin the blood. Do you have any advice regarding the Natto. Thanks Kelsey
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Thanks for that great drink Vivian – It will be most delicious with crushed ice – our summer is just about to begin here in Australia – I’m about to start a new exercise program – to increase strength and heart/lung function – I hope that I’ll have something exciting to report as time goes on. Many Blessings Kelsey
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Please let me know whether it is o.k, as I taking GEMCAL capsule, after my breakfast. It contains the following:-
Calcitriol IP 0.25 mcg
Calcium Carbonate IP 500mg (equivalent to elemental Calcium 200mg
Zinc (as Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate USP 7.5 mg
Further kindly let me know whether Honey increases Blood Pressure as I am taking the same along with Oates as breakfast (I am having moderate High BP) and somebody told me Honey increases BP. Thanks for your trouble. -
I am taking ” GEMCAL capsules “, one capsule daily after breakfast. Gemcal capsule contains:-
Calcitriol IP 0.25 mcg
Calcium Carbnate IP 500 mg
(equivalent to elemental Calcium 200mg)
Zinc (as Zinc sulfate Monohydrate USP) 7.5 mg.Please let me know whether it is o.k. to take the above capsule.
2.! am having BP and taking Oats mixed with Dates, Almond Meal, and Honey as breakfast. Somebody told me not to take Honey as it increases the
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Hi
I started the Save Our Bones programme nearly three and a half years ago, just after having a disappointing bone scan result. I was prescribed Alendronic Acid but only took it for a few months. About five months ago I decided that I was not doing enough consistent exercise and now I walk for at least three hours per week.
Last week I had my bone scan results and they are the same as they were three years ago. I am very pleased with this result and think that if I continue with the walking I could have even better results next time.
In my opinion the diet is saving my bones.
Thanks again for regime
Heather-
I was just saying you should add a vest I am getting fast results using mine and best of all I dont have to go to gyms and pump iron I can do it on the go when I do my morning walk
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That’s great to hear, Heather! It really points out the importance of regular exercise, and walking’s one of the best exercises for your bone health. Keep up the great work! 🙂
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While I am not using the vest with my walking, I have been on crutches (shattered fibula, fracured tibia resulting in plates and screws in the leg) for about 4 months and use a backpack instead of a purse wherever I have to go. It can be anywhere from 1/8 mile to 1/2 mile walk one-way to my workstation…so, I get some exercise every day with “weights” on my back..lol.
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Hi Vivian,
Thank you for all the information provided they are very interesting.
Regarding your Sunless Suntan Smoothie.It seems very inviting and would like to try it. However we do not have Cantaloupe here in Cyprus.
Can I use the juice of a normal melon?thank you
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Mess, I’m not sure what you consider a “normal” melon. So here are some good carotenoid-rich replacements for cantaloupe: cooked pumpkin or cooked sweet potato, both peeled.
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Hi Vivian,
I found some info on the web saying is that reverse osmosis is not a very healthy process because of the two reasons: firstly, it removes from the water not only bad stuff, secondly, while it goes thru its stages it oxidizes and becomes be more acid then alkaline. Your book states opposite. What is right?
Thank you,
Michael-
SHY DOES SOME BONE BUILDING SUPPLEMENTS CONTAIN STRONTIUM CITRATE OR CHLORIDE? ARE THEY SAFE?
SOME FRUITS CAUSE ME BLOAT. HOW DO I OVERCOME THIS ON A FRUIT DIET?REPLY
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Michael,
Pure water is made of two Hydrogen molecules and one Oxygen molecule. Spring and mineral water contain inorganic minerals, which can’t be utilized by cells because they have to be transported into the cells since they are not absorbed by them. In the Osteoporosis Reversal Program I recommend distilled water and mention reverse osmosis as a second choice.
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R/O water is negatively charged, so it binds with acid to pull it out of your body. That’s the positive benefit of reverse osmosis water.
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What could you substitute for a cantaloupe since I can’t get it all year round?
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It is difficult to get fresh apricots most of the year. also do you mean the regular red bell pepper for the smoothie?Thanks
Norah -
Do you have a different recipe that does the same thing but doesn’t call for cantalope or apricots? Unfortunately, I cannot eat either one.
thanks, Donna
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I have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism (Graves disease). They are treating me with a beta blocker to counter effects rather than destroy the thyroid gland and substitute Synthoid. Any help with foods to control the thryroid? Thanks for your help…..
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Love the articles. I’m a personal trainer and deal with a lot of women who are dealing with Osteopenia and Osteoporosis. Excellent alternative ideas.
The smoothie sounds great. Would you have the nutritional breakdown handy? Can figure it out myself, but if you already have it figured out, please post it. -
I have started taking Bone Builder by Nutri Plus they seem to have a better form of calcium
and all the foundation supplements. I’m also
taking some capsules called Cell Defence, they are by the same company, I think they are produced in the U.S.A I have been feeling
great since taking these. They are recommended
by a Dr.John Heinerman, expert on alternative health remediesfor over 25 years. -
Hi! Vivian,
That Smoothie Sounds Delicious. But I Have A Question Though! If You Are Allergic To Ginger, Is There Something You Can Use As A Substitute? I Would Really Appreciate It If You Would Answer That Question For Me!
And Thank You VERY MUCH, For ALL YOU DO!LOVE, MS. L.
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Thanks Vivian for your email today. I am going to try your recipe for your smoothie.
Best wishes
Marysia -
What can I do for hypothyroid?
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Ruth, of course you should follow your health practitioner’s advice to normalize your thyroid hormone levels. Next, open the door to new information that can help you. For example, water fluoridation is blamed for the current hypothyroidism epidemic. In fact, back in the 1950’s fluoride was used to treat overactive thyroids, but soon stopped due to many undesirable side effects. Obviously this was quickly forgotten, since most municipalities currently add fluoride to drinking water. You can read all about this with scientific sources in The Missing Link, which is part of the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.
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Vivian..Will I filter out undesirable flouride with a faucet mounted filter to your knowledge? Secondly. I have some exposed roots on my teeth due to gum recession. As long as I use the flouride toothpaste they recommend, I can get my teeth cleaned without pain/sensitivity. I don’t know what to replace that with and hope you do. Thanks, Lynn
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While lots of fruits and vegetables are charaterized as having an alkalinizing effect have low values of ph less than 4.5. I would like to understand the logic behind it.
Thanks.
Ashok-
Great question, Ashkok! The pH of foods is based on the alkalinity or acidity of the ash residue (foods are burned and the pH of the ash is measured). In essence, what matters is the pH of foods after digestion. I explain this interesting concept in much more detail in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.
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Thank you for your drinkintg receipe. They are so attractiv, I like it.
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What do you think about citracal plus genistein for bone density?
Thanks,
Sanra Weber -
Tan smoothie sounds good. Be a change from my Beetroot, carrots, apples and celery drink
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I am enjoying the bone building program and have had good success in many ways. Healthy food seems to be the common sense way to go.
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I have had oestrogen receptive breast cancer. Am I right in thinking that Boron would not be good for me?
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Mo,
Boron has an effect on the levels of 17 beta-estradiol, which is the most biologically active form of estrogen. However, the potential increase of estrogen levels from foods is negligible, especially when compared to estrogen supplement dosages. However, check with your health practitioner.
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I am trying very hard to follow the pH rules and eat a lot of alkalising foods and first thing in the morning my reading is always about 7.0 – 7.25. However, as the day progresses it becomes more and more acid, sometimes down to 5.5 despite the fact that I eat very little acid-forming foods. Is this normal – any advice would be very welcome. Thank you.
Pamela.
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Pamela, It is normal for the pH to fluctuate throughout the day. However, if you see a steady decline, it might be that stress is piling up on you as the day goes by. Try to take deep breaths and take a little time to relax 🙂 Then see what happens to your pH.
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Follow the great taste no pain meal plan (www.greattastenopain.com). The recipe today is good but don’t add the carrot – you’re mixing fruits and starches (carrots).
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Happy New Year to ALL!
Why are the dried apricots not an acceptable replacement for Sunless Suntan Smoothie? I have tons of dried apricots and prunes.
Thanks
Isabella