There’s a reason they say, “beauty comes from within.” What you put in your body matters, and can greatly affect the health of your hair, skin, and nails!
The effectiveness of skincare lotions, hair, and nail treatments can’t be understated, however your diet is one of the most important factors in a healthy beauty regimen.
While there’s no food that will magically make your acne disappear or your hair grow faster, the right nutrition goes a long way.
So what do you need to include on your grocery list to promote healthy hair, skin, and nails? We’ve rounded up the best foods below!
DOES YOUR DIET AFFECT ACNE?
Most of us likely grew up being taught to avoid oily foods and sweets because they were thought to provoke acne. There is research that shows the impact of diet in developing acne as an adult. In particular, one study found a significant connection between acne and the consumption of high fat and sugary foods.
Diet plays a factor in skin health, but it’s not the only cause of acne. Hormonal changes, the production of too much oil in the skin, certain medications, genetics, environment, and stress all contribute to the development of acne.
While we don’t have control over most of these factors, we do have control of the foods we eat.
Let’s take a look at the best science-backed foods for healthy hair, skin, and nails!
BEST FOODS FOR GLOWING SKIN
1. FATTY FISH FOR OMEGA-3S
Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and herring are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which play an important role in skin health. Fatty fish is also a good source of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that helps with sun protection — but don’t forget your daily SPF!
ARE SARDINES GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN?
Yes! Sardines fall into the category of fatty fish, therefore they also supply the body and skin with essential omega-3 fatty acids.
2. AVOCADOS
This delicious green fruit isn’t just good for your toast—it’s also good for your skin health! Avocados are an excellent source of vitamin E, and vitamin C, both of which are great antioxidants that help collagen formation and healthy skin. The healthy fats found in avocados have also been linked to plump and healthy looking skin.
3. RED OR YELLOW CAPSCICUM
Red and yellow capscicum are a fantastic source of antioxidants beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, and vitamin C. Beta-carotene helps to protect the skin from UV radiation while vitamin C plays a key role in creating collagen, the protein that supports the skin’s structure and elasticity. One study found that women who ate higher amounts of vitamin C developed less wrinkles and dry skin with age.
BEST PROTEIN-RICH FOODS FOR HEALTHY HAIR
4. EGGS
If you like eggs, you’re in luck, because eggs are a hair health superfood! Eggs contain plenty of hair happy nutrients such as protein, biotin, zinc, and selenium. Because hair follicles are predominantly made up of protein, eating sufficient protein is important for hair health and growth. In fact, a low protein diet is linked to hair loss. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is another important nutrient because of its role in producing keratin, the cell-forming protein that makes up hair, nails, and the top layer of your skin!
5. BEANS
Whether you’re a fan of kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans, this versatile plant-based source of protein is a good source of zinc, which contributes to the hair growth cycle by supporting the oil glands around the hair follicles. That’s why getting more zinc can improve hair growth for those who are deficient in this mineral. Beans are also an excellent source of nutrients like iron and biotin, which are also important for the health of your hair, skin, and nails.
6. RED MEAT
Red meat (beef, lamb, pork) is an abundant source of iron, particularly heme iron which is more easily absorbed by the body. This is an important mineral because it helps red blood cells deliver oxygen to help the body’s cells grow and repair, and that includes hair!
BEST FOODS FOR STRONG NAILS
7. CITRUS FRUITS AND BERRIES
Like skin, nails need vitamin C for producing collagen. That’s why snacking on citrus fruits or berries will help to support strong and healthy nails. Fruits are also plentiful with antioxidants, key for protecting the body against free radicals that could potentially damage the nail beds.
8. ALMONDS
These small but mighty tree nuts contain plenty of nail-happy nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, protein, zinc, and omega-fatty acids! Because nails have a quick turnaround of cell growth, sufficient zinc is particularly important for supporting healthy nail growth.
9. SWEET POTATOES
Not only do sweet potatoes make great-tasting fries, they are also one of the best vegetable sources of biotin. Also known as vitamin B7, biotin is an important vitamin for strengthening brittle finger nails.
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PRIORITISE BEAUTY FROM WITHIN
Taking care of your hair, skin, and nails is more than just appearances. When you take care of your appearance from the inside out, it will help you feel more confident in your overall health. Eating nutritious foods and taking the right supplements provides the body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to maintain healthier hair, skin, and nails.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Diet influences skin health, but it’s not the only cause of acne. Hormonal changes, the production of too much oil in the skin, certain medications, genetics, environment, and stress all affect skin.
- Vitamins and minerals such as biotin, vitamin C, iron, and zinc can support healthy hair, skin, and nails.
