What’s the secret to looking your most beautiful self? It's not found in your makeup bag per se, but rather in the nutritious foods you feed your body. Superfoods, in particular, are rich in nutrients that affect the way you look and most importantly, the way you feel. Now what does the term superfoods actually mean? Superfoods are whole foods that are highly dense in nutrition and typically low in calories. They contain antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that your body needs to thrive mentally and physically. Each element provides different nutritional values that help support certain areas of your body, like hair, skin and nails.
Superfoods that beautify you:
Blueberries
These tiny berries contain powerful antioxidants that support healthy skin and hair! In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture ranked blueberries as the number one fruit for antioxidants. These superfoods are filled with anti-inflammatory components, and essential nutrients, like vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese. When it comes to enhancing your skin and decreasing wrinkles, you need vitamin C to boost your collagen production.
Avocado
Avocado is a superfood you can use in all sorts of ways, to enhance your hair, skin and body. According to the American Heart Association, they contain highly nutritious monounsaturated fatty acids, that help develop cells both inside and outside of the body. They are also full of antioxidants, fiber, potassium, magnesium, folate, vitamin E, vitamin K, and vitamin C . Vitamin E can slow skin damage, and vitamin B stimulates cell turnover, which promotes healthy hair growth. You can also add avocado on top of your toast, or blend it with eggs to use as hair mask. Try rubbing avocado oil on your skin to hydrate and prevent wrinkles.
Kiwis
The kiwi is another super fruit that is rich in vitamin C, which our body needs to produce pre-collagen. Kiwis contain vitamin E, which prevents skin from scarring. This juicy snack can reduce acne scars, wrinkles and even out your skin.
Salmon
High in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon hydrates your scalp, makes your hair silky smooth, and helps supports hair loss. It also contains a nutrient called selenium, which protects your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Kale
Kale is a leafy, green vegetable high in vitamin C and beta-carotene, which the body develops into vitamin A, when needed. You need vitamin A to grow bodily tissues and to produce sebum, an oil that moisturizes your hair and skin. This veggie is high in fiber and water, adding aid your digestive system.
Lentils
These legumes are great for vegans and vegetarians, as they provide all the nutrients you need, without eating fish or meat. Lentils are high in protein, zinc, iron and biotin—some of the best nutrients for hair growth. Keratin needs enough protein to grow hair at a faster pace.
Yogurt
You can get the best source of calcium from yogurt—even more than your average cup of milk. Calcium, also known as vitamin D, is key to thicker and glossier hair, stronger nails, and hydrated skin. Top your yogurt off with some blueberries and you have the ultimate superfood breakfast!These are just a few superfoods that are beauty enhancers...the list can go on and on. Other amazing superfoods that affect your hair, skin, and nails, include dark chocolate, goji berries, spinach, almonds, sweet potatoes, eggs, radishes, oysters, and quinoa.Although you can get many nutrients from foods to enhance your beauty, supplements like Nourage will give you the daily dose of nourishment you need, with just three vitamins. Registered Dietitian Rachael Link says, “Supplements often bring a burst of other important compounds that can sometimes be difficult to obtain from foods.“ So before you head to the market, add some of these beautifying foods onto your shopping list! Sources: https://medium.com/mauer-sports-nutrition/10-foods-that-increase-collagen-production-532255796ff4https://www.ars.usda.gov/plains-area/gfnd/gfhnrc/docs/news-2014/blueberries-and-health/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583891/https://draxe.com/what-are-superfoods/
