The Secret to Eternal Youth: Empress Ci Xi’s Humble Diet

Reconstructed portraits of attest to her legendary beauty within the Forbidden City.

, despite her age, maintained a youthful appearance comparable to that of a woman three decades younger, thanks to her diligent self-care regimen.

Even more astonishing is the fact that her beauty secrets were not extravagant but rather derived from humble, everyday ingredients: pig skin, black sesame seeds, and honey.

1. Pig Skin – The Key to Beautiful Skin from Within

Despite her extravagant lifestyle and a daily menu boasting 300 dishes, had a particular fondness for a humble delicacy: pig skin. In traditional Chinese medicine, pig skin is believed to possess sweet and cooling properties, benefiting the blood and enhancing one’s complexion, thus earning a permanent spot in the empress’s diet.

Indeed, pig skin is rich in collagen, an essential nutrient for skin, bones, and cartilage. However, it’s worth noting that, according to experts, ingested collagen is broken down by the body into amino acids before absorption, rather than being directly converted into collagen for the skin. Hence, consuming pig skin as a collagen supplement may not be as effective as commonly believed.

PGS.TS Nguyen Duy Thinh, a former lecturer at the Institute of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, cautions: “The protein in the skin is mostly composed of galetin and collagen, which play a role in slowing down the aging process and are crucial for the formation of skin, bones, cartilage, and connective tissues. However, this type of protein is difficult to digest, so it should not be consumed in large quantities. Overeating can lead to health issues.”

In summary, while ‘s renowned beauty may have been partially attributed to her consumption of pig skin, it was likely also a result of other beauty regimens. Modern women should consider supplementing collagen scientifically, rather than solely emulating unsubstantiated practices.

While pig skin is rich in collagen, it is difficult to digest, so women should avoid overeating it solely for beauty purposes.

2. Black Sesame Seeds – Nurturing Lustrous Black Hair Defying Age

was renowned for her long, thick, and jet-black hair, even in her sixties. Within the palace, many concubines were astonished by her rare occurrence of gray hairs. Her secret lay in her regular consumption of black sesame seeds – tiny yet nutrient-dense powerhouses.

The empress often combined black sesame seeds with Chinese foxglove and walnuts to create a hair tonic. This was not merely a delicacy but a medicinal concoction that promoted youthfulness from within.

Black sesame seeds are abundant in vitamin E, unsaturated fatty acids, and lecithin, all of which nourish the scalp, stimulate hair growth, and slow down the graying process. Additionally, they possess strong antioxidant properties, combat premature aging, and enhance memory.

For modern women, especially those facing hair loss, premature graying, or weak hair, black sesame seeds are a budget-friendly and gentle solution. Incorporating a small amount into one’s daily diet, such as sprinkling them over porridge or yogurt or using them in baking, can yield noticeable results over time.

Insiders revealed that ‘s hair tonic, made from natural ingredients like Chinese foxglove, sesame, and walnuts, contributed to her famed black hair.

3. Honey – The Elixir of Youth

Within the palace, honey was not merely a food but a precious medicinal ingredient favored by . She often incorporated honey and chrysanthemums into her daily diet as both a medicinal remedy and a natural sweetener.

Honey is naturally rich in antioxidants, which slow down cellular aging, while also moisturizing and nourishing the skin from within. Additionally, it possesses anti-inflammatory properties, improves gut function, and promotes restful sleep – all factors that contribute to a younger-looking appearance and overall well-being.

Today, honey remains a prized ingredient in both culinary and cosmetic realms. Modern women can incorporate honey into their routines by drinking it with warm water in the morning for detoxification or using it as a soothing and moisturizing face mask. However, it’s important to opt for pure honey and avoid excessive consumption if monitoring sugar intake.

Honey can be ingested or applied topically to the skin and is hailed as the “most perfect nutritional food in nature.”

exemplified a seemingly mythical truth: eternal beauty need not stem from expensive cosmetics or intricate beauty routines. Common kitchen ingredients – pig skin, black sesame seeds, and honey – when used consistently and correctly, can become elixirs that help women retain their youthful vigor.