If you want the best possible hair, skin and nails, you want to nourish them from the inside and out. Why not take advantage of the many delicious and nutritious foods for hair, skin and nails we have available to us so we can look even better?!
1. Chia Seeds
One of the newer foods for hair, skin and nails are chia seeds! I love chia seeds because they’re versatile and very good for your skin! Chia seeds are actually the highest natural resource of omega-3 fatty acids, which are incredible for the health of your hair, skin and nails. They’re also great to help build lean muscle mass, keep you filled up and improve your mood!
2. Avocados
Another hot beauty food to incorporate into your meals is the creamy avocado! I love using avocado in smoothies, salads and spread on a piece of toast. Did you know that avocados are not only champs in the beauty department for their high content of good fats and antioxidants for healthy hair, skin and nails, but that they also help our bodies absorb nutrients from other foods?
3. Eggs
Eggs have been through a lot! One day we’re given the thumbs-up to eat them and the next day there’s a new study saying they’re the equivalent of smoking cigarettes. So what’s a girl to do? Eggs have a high content of biotin, which you’ve probably heard is the holy grail nutrient for skin and nails, and sulphur, which is another important nutrient for healthy hair and nails. Eggs consumed in moderation are okay but if you’re concerned, there are plenty of other foods to try on this list!
4. Nuts
Nuts are another beauty food you don’t want to miss out on! Nuts are high in zinc, which helps keep your hair full and can help those with acne repair skin. Nuts such as almonds contain essential fatty acids and antioxidants that help keep skin healthy and glowing. Try eating a variety of nuts by making your own mix with almonds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts and pecans.
5. Salmon
Another one of the beauty foods that are rich in omega-3s is salmon. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for our hair, skin and nails because they help reduce inflammation so skin is healthy and firm, and they improve the production of keratin, which is the building block of our hair, skin and nails. Help keep your hair, skin and nails strong and resilient by eating salmon or supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids.
6. Sea Veggies
If you haven’t tried out some of the sea vegetables out there, you’ve gotta give them a try! Although some might say sea vegetables are an acquired taste, I personally think they taste great, have lots of health and beauty benefits and I love the variety they add to my diet! Seaweed, arame and kombu are just some of the plants that can help strengthen your nails and help your body with detox. Try eating roasted seaweed, which you can find at health food or Asian grocery stores. Roasted seaweed has a touch of sesame oil and salt and is a great healthy alternative to chips!
7. Lemon Water
Lemon water isn’t a beauty food but it should be treated as such because it packs a powerful punch! Water is a natural beauty tonic on its own but when it’s paired with lemon, it gives you an even bigger beauty boost! Drinking lemon water helps keep your skin clear by flushing out toxins, balances out your pH levels and helps decrease blemishes and wrinkles!
8. Spinach
Spinach is definitely a health food but it’s also a pretty incredible beauty food! Spinach is low in calories but high in folate, iron and B vitamins. This means you can enjoy lustrous locks and healthier eyes and skin! Try eating spinach in salads, smoothies or sautéed as a side dish for a great source of vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids!
9. Maca Powder
I’m new to Maca powder but after I read about the fantastic benefits of the superfood, I’m excited to try it! Maca powder is said to help reduce the signs of aging, help clear up hormonal acne, help increase energy levels and has over 20 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals and over 50 phytochemicals that benefit your health and beauty. You can find Maca powder online or at health food stores and you can use it in smoothies, yogurt or oatmeal.
10. Cucumber
Cucumbers are an amazing way to jazz up your water and are a great low calorie snack but that’s not all. Cucumbers also offer a host of beauty benefits such as helping hydrate your body, decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and helping your skin glow. You can also use cucumber slices topically to help relieve puffy eyes and treat sunburns.
I love that we have lots of options when it comes to eating our way to better hair, skin and nails! There are lots of ways we can add a beauty food to our meals and help improve our appearance. Be sure you consume a variety of foods and take Maca powder as directed. We don’t have to worry about eating too many veggies but taking too much Maca powder at once isn’t good for you. Do you eat any of these foods for hair, skin and nails?