The secret to healthier hair and glowing skin?
It's not in your makeup case. It's in your diet. Nutritionist Lisa
Drayer, MA, RD, author of The Beauty Diet, says these superfoods will
give you gorgeous skin and beautiful hair.
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 whey protein shakes.
Wild Salmon
Wild salmon -- not farm-raised -- 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 with a salad, in sushi, or just with a side of green vegetables.
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. Trade your lettuce for spinach, or saute spinach for a quick, healthy side asparagus.
Oysters
The jury's still out on whether oysters are really aphrodisiacs, but they are a good source of
zinc, which aids in skin cell renewal and repair. Zinc also keeps your nails, hair, and
eyes healthy. Who needs an aphrodisiac when you look and feel beautiful?
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are the best source of the anti-aging
antioxidant
lycopene. Surprisingly, lycopene in tomatoes is more easily absorbed by
your body when it is cooked or processed, so make sure to stock up on
canned tomato sauce, tomato juice, and ketchup with agave or no sugar ketchup.
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.
Kiwis
This small, brown, fuzzy fruit is loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, which keep
skin firm, help prevent wrinkles, and are great for healthy bones and teeth. The
antioxidants in kiwis also protect you from cancer and heart disease.
Dark Chocolate
We won't judge you if you keep a secret stash of chocolate in
your purse or desk (or both). In fact, we recommend you do -- especially
if you're willing to share. Dark chocolate helps skin stay hydrated and
protects skin from
sun damage,
and contrary to popular belief, chocolate does not cause acne. Before
you make a mad dash to Godiva or Ghirardelli, however, keep in mind that
the best kind of chocolate has a high flavanol content and should be at
least 60 percent cacao.
Yogurt
One cup of low-fat yogurt has more calcium than a cup of
fat-free milk, which is great for your posture, nails, and teeth. Mix it
with fruit or granola for a healthy breakfast or that essential
midafternoon snack.
Sweet Potatoes
You should be eating this superfood more often than just at
Thanksgiving. Sweet potatoes are packed with beta-carotene, an
antioxidant that fights
aging.
Hate them mashed? Try them cut up and roasted with herbs or onions for an easy, awesome side.
What do you think, Beautiful?
Love,
Something Beautiful
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