Ditch the facial cleaners, the magic hair growth pill, and the chemical containing body scrubs. As much as we love our skincare, haircare and other beauty products, the key to looking and feeling our best doesn’t start in the drug store, it starts on our plates.
In order to glow on the outside, you must nourish yourself from the inside. A healthy and wholesome diet can affect your appearance by improving the condition of your hair, skin, and nails. So let us explore some of the best foods to consume:
Salmon, mackerel, anchovies, herring, sardines, walnuts are all foods high in Omega-3s.
Your body needs this essential fatty acid to grow hair and keep it shiny and full. Omega-3 fatty acids can also reduce the production of molecules and substances linked to inflammation which may alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis.
Sunflower seeds, beans, brazil nuts are to name a few of the foods high in selenium.
Selenium is atrace mineral that in small doses can have a beneficial impact on your health. It is required for the functioning of the body's antioxidant enzymes, cell growth, and survival. This mineral optimizes skin health by protecting it against harsh seasonal elements.
Dark chocolate, lean cuts of beef, oysters and fortified cereal all have zinc in common.
Zinc is one of the most important healing minerals for skin health and is particularly important for acne sufferers. Zinc controls the production of oil in the skin and some of the hormones that can cause acne.
Zinc can help to heal skin after an injury and is highly beneficial to all parts of the immune system. It is also believed to have antioxidant properties to protect against premature aging of the skin and muscles.
Leafy greens, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots are great sources of vitamin A.
Vitamin A fights off free radicals. Free radicals are unstable atoms that damage cells and create oxidative stress. They contribute to the aging process and increases cancer risk.
Vitamin A is one of the best vitamins for the skin as it increases blood flow, promotes strong cellular membranes, decreases excess sebum production and can help prevent skin damage.
Green peppers, watermelon, grapefruit, kiwi, mango, broccoli are powerhouse packers of vitamin C
Vitamin C when consumed in fresh produce, helps reverse skin damage caused by the sun and pollutants. It stimulates collagen production, causing new skin growth, wrinkle reduction, and an overall smoother texture.
A single red grapefruit contains more than 100% of the recommended daily value for vitamin C so it is not hard to have a sufficient vitamin C intake.
Lean cuts of meat, poultry, fish, milk, cheese are all good sources of high biological value proteins.
As hair is made mostly of protein, eating a diet that contains sufficient levels of protein is considered essential for keeping hair healthy, strong and growing naturally. A deficiency can lead to thin, brittle hair or hair loss.
Almonds, Eggs, Avocado and whole grain bread are known to be filled with Biotin.
Biotin has been noted to stimulate new cells, speeding hair and nail growth. Biotin is also needed so that the body can metabolize the protein known as keratin and fatty acids, which are essential elements in hair growth.
What does this all mean? Eating a varied and colorful diet will provide important vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to keep your hair, skin, and nails strong and healthy. Not only will you be looking good, you will be feeling great.