Beef is perhaps one of the last foods that comes to mind when we talk about improving the appearance of hair, nails or skin through diet. However, it is a rich source of proteins and amino acids necessary to generate collagen and delay skin aging. As long as you consume them without fat and grilled, you can take advantage of their advantages. This is stated by Dr. Marta Sierra, specialist in Aesthetic Medicine.
Why did you decide to dedicate yourself to Aesthetic Medicine?
I have a family aesthetic medicine clinic in Madrid, the DEAM Clinic, where my father and I work hand in hand. In the years that I have been working in my specialty, I have realized that in addition to the special “art” that is needed to do this job; The most important thing is to perfectly capture the message that the patient wants to convey to us and the safety both when performing the treatment and obtaining the results. My goal as an aesthetic doctor is to accompany patients throughout the years in their aging process; slow it down or improve it, always maintaining its essence.
What myth would you dispel about food and sustainability?
A sustainable diet does not mean completely giving up certain foods or having to switch to a vegan diet, but rather it consists of a balanced and conscious diet, always based on good quality and responsibly sourced products.
And about food and aesthetic medicine?
Food and aesthetic medicine should always go hand in hand. Of course, a diet rich in essential nutrients will always have a great positive impact on the prevention of accelerated aging, cell renewal and the skin. We also have to highlight that the body treatments that we have in Aesthetic Medicine will never be satisfactory without a healthy individualized diet. On the other hand, many facial treatments in aesthetic medicine are a consequence of either a large weight loss (facial lipodystrophy) or being overweight, which is where the famous “facial harmonization” comes into play.
He says that it is not necessary to get rid of meat in the diet. Which is healthier and how do you recommend taking it?
The best type of red meat to include in your diet is beef. It is true that each patient should have an individualized diet, but, in general, the consumption of the least fatty cuts is recommended.
What benefit does eating meat provide for collagen loss?
The consumption of meat in the diet, especially beef, provides all the proteins and essential amino acids necessary for both collagen repair and the synthesis of new collagen.
So, let's say it has “cosmetic” advantages for the skin, nails and hair?
Of course. In addition to being a powerful indirect source for collagen synthesis, beef contains other nutrients such as iron, zinc and vitamins belonging to group B, such as biotin and niacin. These nutrients are key in the growth of nails and hair as well as maintaining healthy-looking skin.
How would meat consumption affect the maintenance of muscle and flaccidity?
One of the most important causes of sagging is the loss of muscle tone. And, for muscle development, a large protein intake is needed. The consumption of beef provides proteins of high biological value, necessary for quality muscle repair and maintenance.
And if we eliminate meat from the diet, would we lose these “extras” for health?
It is true that meat is the most important source of high-quality protein. If we eliminated beef from the diet, we would have to include another combination of
foods that could replace said protein source to avoid a nutritional deficit.
What other foods have aesthetic benefits?
Among the foods that have benefits for the skin, hair and health in general, I would highlight avocado, fish, green leafy vegetables (such as spinach, chard or kale) and any fruit or vegetable rich in antioxidants and beta-carotene.
Profile
Favorite daughter of a pioneer of Aesthetic Medicine
Dr. Marta Sierra is a Medical Specialist in Aesthetic Medicine. With a degree in Medicine from the European University of Madrid and a Master's degree in regenerative and anti-aging aesthetic medicine from the Complutense University of Madrid, her training is extensive. “But my greatest luck has been having my father, Dr. Jesús Sierra, as a teacher, who was a pioneer of aesthetic medicine in Spain,” emphasizes Sierra, who assures that “thanks to him and his vision of aesthetic medicine, my “Work has become my passion.”