It's no secret that what you eat is a vital part of how you age (or, to be brutally honest, whether you age at all). Not surprisingly, your kitchen can also play a huge role in your skin and hair health. Having a well-rounded pantry can be a game-changer in not just how you feel, but how you look, as well (since you feel will have a direct impact on how you look!).
Here are five Korean kitchen staples that can improve the look and feel of your skin and hair. I daresay some of these might surprises you!!
1. Soybeans (Tofu, Doenjang, Soy Sauce, Gochujang, etc.).
Soybeans are so prevalent in Korean ingredients. Whether it's tofu or gochujang, you'll find soy has been deployed to add rich flavor and umami to Korean food for millennia. But did you know that soy also furnishes incredible benefits to both your skin and hair?
Soybeans are rich in isoflavones (plant estrogens), which can help to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles. Soy is also high in protein, which supports keratin production for stronger hair.
2. Sesame Seeds and Sesame Oil.
If you have my cookbook, then you know I add sesame seeds or sesame oil to almost every savory recipe. It adds so much flavor and texture!
But because these tiny little seeds are also packed with vitamin E and antioxidants, they can help protect the skin from UV damage and support barrier repair. In Korea, sesame oil has also been massaged into the scalp for shine and to reduce dryness (wait, should we come up with a Sesame Oil Hair Mask...??).
3. Green Tea.
I think everyone already knows how beneficial green tea is for your health and your skin, but it truly bears repeating, green tea is SO GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN!!
The catechins contained in green tea possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help with acne and redness. The same properties can also help to reduce scalp irritation and support hair growth by improving circulation.
4. Ginseng.
Have you all been watching Bon Appetit Your Majesty? I can't get enough of this drama and the most recent episodes featured Korean ginseng in more ways than one...! As alluded to in this popular kdrama, ginseng is one Korea's most precious ingredients--not just to help you feel energized, but as party of your KVBeauty ritual too!
Ginseng improves blood circulation and boosts your body's natural collagen production. Ginseng may also help to strengthen your hair's roots, improve your mane's thickness, and prevent excessive hair loss. Time from ginseng tea!!
5. Seaweed.
I love seaweed--in all forms! Not only is it great for my kimbap, dried kelp is the secret to my amazing vegetable broths ands stews. But did you know that seaweed also contains nutrients that are good for your skin and hair?
Seaweed contains polysaccharides, iodine, and minerals that will hydrate your skin and also support repair. It's also rich in iron and omega-3s, which can help with strengthening hair follicles and support growth.
If you all needed an excuse to incorporate some of these pantry items into your diet, now you have them!
Now... get thee to the kitchen!!
