Food is not only something delicious that we all enjoy eating, it is also very important for your health and here I present you with another fact – food can also help you look beautiful! Certain foods have specific components that will provide your body just what it needs for you to glow! Here I share with you my top 10 foods that will allow you to “Eat your way to Beautiful”
1. Nuts
Benefits: Great for your skin health, it helps soften and moisten skin, as well as keeping your skin supple.
Why: Nuts such as Almonds are high in Vitamin E – one of the most important antioxidants for the skin that also protects it from sun damage. Walnuts and Pistachios for example have ALA, an omega-3 fat, important in our lubricating layer that keeps the skin moist. Half ounce serving of walnuts will give you the recommend daily intake of ALA. Brazil Nuts are a big source of Selenium – a mineral essential to great skin. Although eating too much of Brazil Nuts is not advised, as a small amount provides powerful antioxidants. A couple Brazil Nuts should be all you need to reap the benefits.
2. Eggs
Benefits: Prevent hair loss keeping it soft and smooth. At the same time they’re also good for your skin.
Why: Eggs are high in iron and sulfur, both important components for strong healthy hair. Eggs also contain antioxidants that will help protect your skin against UV damage.
3. Seafood
Benefits: Smooth, glowing and acne-free skin
Why: Fish provide both Zinc and Omega-3 Fatty Acids (much like the nuts). It also reduces dryness and inflammation of skin. At the same time it is good for blood circulation, which is crucial for your skin health. As for zinc it helps fight acne by reducing the production of sebum – which is responsible for acne. Salmon is a good source of Omega-3 and also helps against stress. Oysters also contain a lot of zinc which makes them a good food option.
4. Citrus Fruits
Benefits: Smooth and firm skin
Why: Full of vitamin C, Citrus fruits, will give you all you need for great looking skin. This vitamin helps in the production of collagen, a protein that forms the basis structure of skin. You can find in Tomatoes, Grapefruits, Acerola Cherries (a single Acerola has the daily needed amount of vitamin C) and strawberries. You will be also able to find it in Hot Peppers, Bell Peppers, Brussels Sprouts, Papaya and Broccoli.
5. Yogurt
Benefits: No dark circles under your eyes
Why: Greek Yogurt for example, contain amino acids that help to get rid of dark circles under eyes.
6. Spinach
Benefits: Beautiful eyes
Why: Spinach is rich in carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin – great components to keep the white of our eyes clear.
7. Sweet Potatoes
Benefits: Bright eyes
Why: Sweet potato is a great source of Vitamins A and C – antioxidants that protect your eyes from AMD and cataract formation keeping them vivid and healthy looking.
8. Dark Chocolate Cocoa
Benefits: Softer, Smoother and better hydrated skin.
Why: Cocoa increases blood circulation which is great for your skin.
9. Swiss Chard
Benefits: Healthy looking hair and skin
Why: Swiss Chard contains high amount of biotin, a b-complex vitamin that has been associated with positive beauty attributes.
10. Carrots
Benefits: Natural gently tanned skin
Why: Carrots are high in cartenoids – naturally occurring, plant-based pigments that give your skin a healthy, golden glow. As an added bonus, carrots also have an SPF of around 4.
Featured image from Wagner Cesar Munhoz
