“It was a dark and stormy night,” said LJ using his low dramatic voice. He ladled Creamy Carrot Soup into Annie’s bowl and topped it with cream fraiche and cilantro. This weather got me thinking about a hearty soup for dinner.”

“Well, we need the rain, so storm away, mother nature,” laughed Annie as she prepared to take the first sip. “Umm, this is a delicious sweetheart. It has a sweetness that enhances its savoriness. Did you add something extra to the recipe?”

“Nope, I used the carrots we harvested after the first frost, which means they will be sweet. Chilly weather causes carrots to convert their starches into sugar which keeps the water in their cells from freezing. The ginger is giving the soup a yummy kick. I topped it with cilantro. Both herbs support healthy skin. And your skin looks gorgeous.”

Annie’s face lit up, “that is so nice of you, LJ. As you know, winters’ low humidity indoors and outside means less moisture in the air, causing skin dryness. I’ve been paying special attention to winter veggies that support healthy skin.”

LJ sipped his soup, “What’s on your list?”

“Collard Greens are high in water and fiber and vitamin A, essential for sebum production which keeps skin and hair moisturized. Vitamin C is also present in collard greens. It supports collagen production, necessary for keeping skin looking younger and healthy.

The amount of water and phytonutrients in Kale make it a top veggie for keeping your skin healthy, hydrated, and firm. Phytonutrients are found in fruits, veggies, and grains – good for skin health due to their anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent your skin from looking bloated.

Swiss Chard has healthy amounts of water and is a source of magnesium, zinc, copper, calcium, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids that help moisturize and lubricate skin cells.

Parsley is a fantastic herb for skin health. It is loaded with Vitamin C and K, which are particularly good for under-eye skin, helping to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. And parsley mixed with water is an excellent facial for maintaining skin’s healthy appearance

Eggplant is fiber-dense and has a high-water content even though it is a diuretic. This means eggplant helps keep you hydrated and your skin clear. Eggplant is also rich in potassium, magnesium, and Vitamins C and the Bs, all valuable for healthy skin.”

“Nice list, Annie. During winter, we tend to reduce the amount of water we drink because it is cold outside, and we want to be warm, but this results in dehydration, which means dull skin and cloudy moods. Eating vegetables that have high water content along with their `vitamins and minerals is an excellent way to stay hydrated and protect your skin. Let it glow, let it glow, let it glow.”

Annie and LJ are a fictional couple. Their storyline promotes healthy eating and earth-friendly practices.