You are what you eat.
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Well, maybe not literally, but we get the point. The foods we eat matter, and eating right will keep us living, feeling, and yes, looking good!
It’s the subtle difference between shiny, healthy hair and hair that is brittle and dull, or between skin with a natural glow, and skin that is dry or blemished. We may not even be able to point out the distinct differences – sometimes it’s just a feeling you get when you look at someone and they look beautiful, because they look healthy.
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We don’t need to look far for proof that in our society, healthy = beautiful. We only need to look at the cosmetics industry and their innumerable products that promise glowing skin with a natural blush, hair that tumbles shiny and sleek, and nails that are strong, white and smooth.
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But what if I told you that there’s a simpler way to achieve the ‘healthy’ look – a way that takes minimal effort, doesn’t break the bank, and best of all, tastes absolutely delicious?
Well, hold tight and get your taste buds ready, as we’re about to review 5 simple foods that help to keep your hair, skin, and nails healthy, and looking fabulous.
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Whole grains
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The health benefits of whole grains (e.g. oats, brown rice, quinoa, etc) have been endlessly shouted about, and there’s no doubt that they’re an enormously beneficial part of the diet. However, besides using rolled oats as an exfoliating body scrub, not many people associate eating whole grains with physical beauty.
Whole grains are actually a great source of B vitamins (of which there are many!). B vitamins are involved in healthy metabolism and cell regeneration, which can keep your skin looking youthful. In addition, they keep your blood levels healthy, which allows for that sought-after natural glowing blush of health.
Vitamin E
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Vitamin E is a common additive in beauty products, and for good reason. A potent antioxidant, Vitamin E fights damage caused by free radicals in the body. This damage, called oxidative damage, can manifest in many ways, such as wrinkles, blemishes, and dull, brittle nails and hair.
The Vitamin E in food sources such as nuts (especially almonds and sunflower seeds), dark green vegetables, and avocadoes limit this damage in the body, thus restoring skin, hair, and nails to health.
Vitamin C-rich fruits
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Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, and protects the skin, nails, and hair in a similar way to Vitamin E. However, Vitamin C has another, very important role in the making and maintaining of collagen, the connective tissue that gives skin, nails, and hair their strength and elasticity.
Because Vitamin C is water soluble, it cannot be stored in the body, and must be consumed every day to keep body levels adequate. Go for Vitamin C-rich fruits like kiwi, guava, oranges, and papayas to keep your collagen levels up and to give your skin, nails, and hair the strength and bounce of youth!
Omega-3 fatty acids
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Flax seeds, walnuts, and oily fish are all excellent sources of valuable Omega-3 fatty acids which contribute extensively to overall health and beauty. Omega-3 fatty acids function as antioxidants in the same way Vitamins E and C do, fighting oxidative damage in the body.
In addition, adequate Omega-3 fatty acids are needed to keep the membranes in each of our cells strong. A strong cell membrane is vital to ensuring that good nutrients are allowed into the cell, while toxins and waste are expelled and kept out from the cell. The cell membrane is also crucial for holding fluid in the cell, keeping skin and hair soft and well-moisturized.
Omega-6 fatty acids
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Similar to Omega-3 fatty acids, Omega-6 fatty acids help to maintain cell membrane structures and keep skin and hair moisturized. In addition, Omega-6 fatty acids also assist in hormone production and balance in the body. This makes Omega-6 fatty acids vital in preventing things like skin dryness, breakouts, and hair loss – all of which could be a result of hormone imbalances.
Good sources of Omega-6 fatty acids include sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and soybean oil. However, be sure to consume your Omega-6 fatty acids with sufficient Omega-3 fatty acids, as an optimum ratio of the two needs to be maintained for good health!
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So, become what you eat by trying these foods for a delicious route to the healthy skin, nails, and hair you always dreamed of!
Visit the Amazin’ Graze store to pick up some of these beauty-boosting foods today!