Written by Tess O’Brien and Edited by Sue Rose, MS, RD, LDN
If you are what you eat, then eat beautiful food! Eating for beauty is easier than you think. There’s growing evidence to support that the food we eat makes profound changes to both our health and beauty. Our body’s beautifying process is very complex. As food digests into smaller nutrients, it affects hormone balance, inflammation, and skin health. Since eating is an everyday activity, it’s important to eat foods that your body and skin will thank you for. Glowing skin, shiny hair, and more energy will be your body’s way of expressing gratitude. And, with skin cells renewing every few days, it’s no wonder that our food selection has a dramatic impact on us both inside and outside. Eating for beauty is a possibility, if you choose foods wisely.
Walnuts
When eating for beauty, omega-3 fatty acids are important. Walnuts have significant amounts of this essential fatty acid. Skipping out on the recommended intake of omega-3s may give way to health complications including heart disease and diabetes. According to Dr. Lisa Drayer, MA, RD, author of The Beauty Diet, an omega-3 deficiency can also result in dry, scaly skin or eczema.
Kale
Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits such as limes, lemons, oranges, and grapefruit help maintain an alkaline state of the body while reducing inflammation. Additionally, the rind of a citrus fruit, such as an orange peel, contains an oil compound that provides UV-protective benefits. In fact, many nutrition experts encourage the consumption of citrus zest due to its DNA-repairing (aka skin-damage repairing) properties. Eat a citrus fruit daily when eating for beauty.
Kiwi
Sea Vegetables
Berries
Beauty companies around the globe are also promoting the benefits of antioxidants. These antioxidants are formulated into their topical products and marketed in such ways that leverage the glowing skin effects and anti-aging properties, Ex: Skincare by Alana’s Skin Script Acai Berry Moisturizer. “More and more scientific studies are proving their effectiveness, not only in helping to reduce wrinkles and aging, but also reducing inflammation, such as rosacea, or even helping prevent skin cancer” (Best Health). Berries contain large amounts of antioxidant rich polyphenols. These polyphenols work to visibly repair environmental damage which rejuvenates the skin’s natural defenses for a fresh-looking complexion.
Avocados
Another beauty boosting food on our list is avocados. Avocados are rich in vitamin E, which is a potent antioxidant for protecting cell membranes. Vitamin E works to protect lipids throughout the body by neutralizing reactive oxygen compounds before they can cause damage. This protective activity then aids to prevent collagen fibers from free-radical damage, UV ray damage, and solar radiation damage. This in turn stimulates the healing of damaged skin (such as stretch marks and scars), fights wrinkles, and improves skin elasticity.
Soybeans
Green tea
Water
Water is an essential but often overlooked nutrient. Delivering adequate water to your body allows your digestion to move along smoothly. Efficient delivery of nutrients to your skin’s surface occurs with proper digestion. Since your skin is the largest organ of the body, a lack of hydration can affect the skin’s appearance. Skin may appear dry, flaky, and rough. And, those little wrinkles may be more prominent without enough water.