If you’re wishing for healthy, youthful-looking and glowing skin and glossy, thick hair, you can skip the trip to Sephora and just add these items to your grocery shopping list. Who knew so many beauty secrets lie behind these power foods?
Here are five of the superfoods for skin and hair beauty buffs should have in their kitchen…
Wild salmon is a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids that help to calm inflammation, which can cause a breakdown of collagen and elastin, both of which keep skin looking youthful. A high level of good fat in the body feeds the skin, and allows it make a healthy oil that keeps skin hydrated and makes it glow naturally. Salmon also contains vitamin D, which can help protect the skin against those damaging UV rays and boosts skin cell growth and repair.
Tomatoes are the best source of the anti-ageing antioxidant lycopene, which has incredible photoprotective properties and fights cellular damage and skin inflammation. Surprisingly, lycopene in tomatoes is more easily absorbed by your body when it is cooked or processed, so make sure to head for the aisles with canned tomato sauce, tomato juice and ketchup. Studies have proven that eating tomato-based products also protects the skin from the ill effects of sun exposure. And as tomatoes also have vitamin C, they can help improve hair health as well.
Walnuts also offer up omega-3 fats that help lock in moisture and nutrients that aid in keeping skin plump and glowing. As well as attracting moisture, the nourishing fats in walnuts reduce skin inflammation and help in protecting the skin against harmful UV rays. The vitamin B and antioxidants in these powerhouses work at reducing fine lines, wrinkles and all the other signs of premature ageing. Plus, the anti-inflammatory agents help to keep hair looking glossy by reducing scalp irritation. Rich in nutrients and vitamins like vitamin E and potassium, walnuts can reduce hair breakage and make those locks stronger and healthier too.
Dark Chocolate helps skin stay hydrated, as it is rich in vitamins A, B1, C, D and E, plus iron and calcium, which help replace lost moisture. Additionally, cocoa is a source of manganese, which helps nutrient absorption. By reducing our stress hormones, dark chocolate prevents the breakdown of collagen as well, helping keep skin plump and youthful. It also protects against harmful UV rays thanks to its antioxidant flavonoids. However, before you rush to your favourite chocolatier, keep in mind that the best kind of chocolate for beauty benefits should be at least 70 percent cacao.
Cucumbers are packed vitamin C and caffeic acid, antioxidants that fight to reduce inflamed or irritated skin. They also keep the skin extremely hydrated thanks to their high water content. Additionally, cucumber peel contains silica, which firms up sagging skin and conditions the hair, making it more beautiful. With nutrients like silicon, sulfur, sodium, phosphorus and calcium, these low calorie vegetables are great for hair growth.
