In today’s busy atmosphere, you can try sticking with an Indian Ayurvedic diet for healthy skin and hair, but that can feel complicated for many people. Another option is to take a look at the different beauty superfoods that are available and choose natural foods to put together your best diet possible. When you’re eating the right foods, you’ll have glowing skin and healthy hair (hair that will have your hairdresser raving) in no time!
Dark Leafy Greens
Dark leafy greens are full of fiber, but they’re also brimming with antioxidants like vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta carotene. These nutrients all work together to protect your heart, your skin, and your entire body including your nails over time — your manicurist will be impressed.
Peppers
All types of peppers from hot to sweet are full of vitamin C. Some even have more vitamin C than citrus fruits, which are the normal go to choice for a boost of that healing vitamin. Peppers also give your body what it needs to bump up collagen production. That means both healthy skin (skin that will make visits to an esthetician redundant) and hair.
Berries
Berries have long been touted as superfoods of the highest order. Blue and purple berries in particular have extremely high levels of antioxidants, giving them incredible healing power. Go for blueberries, raspberries, acai berries, and even chokeberries.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds have vital protein and fiber, which your body needs to build your skin and hair, but they also have something that you might be trying to avoid, but shouldn’t. Nuts and seeds are a perfect source of omega-3 fatty acids and other healthy fats that your body requires in order to keep your skin smooth and healthy.
Lentils and Beans
Lentils and beans are also high in fiber and protein, but they’re also high in iron. If you’re laying off of the red meat, you need to get your iron levels boosted somewhere else, and this is your food. You need iron for thick, healthy hair and also for supple skin.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are high in antioxidants, especially lycopene. That can do great things for your eyes, of course, but the lycopene and vitamin A in tomatoes also help your skin to heal itself from harmful UV rays and other injuries. Lycopene does even more, though, because it can help fine lines and wrinkles to fade.
Salmon
Salmon is an excellent protein choice because it’s lean and healthy. It’s also very high in vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. Eating plenty of salmon helps your skin and your hair get the essential oils that they need to stay healthy.
Eggs
Eggs are another smart choice if you’re laying off of other sources of protein, like red meat. They’re high in zinc, which allows your skin to repair itself more easily. Zinc also helps your hair to stay nourished. Eat a whole egg for best results rather than splitting the yolk from the white.
If you really want to know how to have healthy skin, the answer is in your diet. Start adding healthy whole foods — and especially superfoods — to your meals from breakfast through dinner and you’ll notice big changes in how you look and feel.