Nourish Your Body
The foods you eat can be powerful tools to increase your beauty as well. Most people choose foods based on how many calories it contains and how it will affect their weight. But foods can also improve your skin, nails and hair, as they simultaneously increase your health. Nourishing your skin begins from the inside with the foods you eat.
Here are the Top Superfoods for Gorgeous Skin and Hair:
1. Red and Green Vegetables
Orange-red vegetables are full of beta-carotene. Your body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, which prevents cell damage and premature aging. Studies have shown that eating foods with these deeply colored pigments can make your face actually look healthier than being tanned.
2. Blueberries
This low-profile berry was ranked number one in antioxidant activity by the U.S. Department of Agriculture compared to 40 common fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants in blueberries protect you from premature aging, so add half a cup to your yogurt or cereal every day.
3. Nuts
The benefits of nuts — especially almonds — have to do with antioxidant activity. Vitamin E fights skin-aging free radicals, and also helps your skin hold in moisture.
4. Salmon
Salmon is one of the best food sources for omega-3 fatty acids, which helps keep your skin supple and moisturized. Salmon also has selenium, a mineral that protects the skin from sun exposure. The vitamin D in salmon keeps your bones and teeth strong and healthy, too. You won’t have a problem adding salmon to your diet since there are hundreds of ways to enjoy this beauty superfood. Try it grilled, baked, in your pasta, with a salad, in sushi, or just with a side of asparagus.
5. Walnuts
You don’t need to eat cupfuls of walnuts to enjoy their many benefits: smoother skin, healthy hair, brighter eyes, and strong bones. Get your daily dose of nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E by eating a handful by themselves or throwing some in your salad, pasta, or dessert.
6. Spinach
This leafy green vegetable is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Spinach is loaded with lutein, which keeps your eyes healthy and sparkling. Spinach is also a good source of vitamins B, C, and E, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
7. Oysters
Oysters are rich in zinc, a lack of which can lead to hair loss (even in your eyelashes), as well as a dry, flaky scalp. Three ounces has a whopping 493% of your daily value. You can get some zinc through fortified cereals and whole grain breads, but oysters can boast a really good level of protein too.
Hydrate
Hydration is important for glowing, healthy and beautiful skin.
- Drink plenty of pure water throughout the day
- Drink Green Smoothies, which are really hydrating and have a lot of enzymes and nutrients from the fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Eat a lot of raw foods that contain their own water, like salads containing lots of brightly colored vegetables.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which are dehydrating.
Feed Your Skin from the Outside-In
You may not realize this, but a large portion of the toxins you’re exposed to on a daily basis comes through your skin, not just through what you put in your mouth. Your skin is actually the largest organ of your body, and it’s highly absorbent. So it’s important to use natural components for your skin. The following five extraordinary food-based ingredients are both safe and effective:
- Organic Shea Butter
- Virgin Coconut Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Palm Oil
- Aloe Vera Juice
These ingredients individually and synergistically contribute to softer, smoother, moister skin, without taxing your body with potential toxins.
And now I want to share with you some of my favourite beautifying drinks, which will increase the beauty of your skin, hair and nails from the inside out!
Coconut Green Smoothie
- Coconut water
- Meat of 1 coconut
- 3 cups of baby spinach
- 1 tsp of lime juice
Directions:
Blend the coconut water and meat on its own until smooth. Add 3 cups of baby spinach and lime juice. Blend and serve! So simple and absolutely yummy!
Blueberry Banana Smoothie
- 1 cup of frozen blueberries
- 1 cup homemade almond milk
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 tsp of raw honey
- a splash of vanilla extract
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender and whirl until smooth. Deliciousness!!!
The Great Green Smoothie
- 1 cup of water
- 2 stalks organic celery
- 1 head organic romaine
- 3 cups chopped spinach,
- 1 apple or pear,
- 1 banana,
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Directions:
Fill the blender with water. Blend the spinach and romaine until smooth. Add the celery, apple and blend again until smooth. Finally, add the lemon juice and banana, and do your last blend. Enjoy and let your beauty start from the inside!