Beauty is a million – billion – dollar industry worldwide.
Thousands of new products – creams, serums, lotions and potions – are rolled out every year, each promising more amazing results than the next. More glow-y skin, fewer wrinkles, thicker hair, more youthful looks; you name it, there are shelf after shelf of products out there telling you they will do just that – if you just pay (through the nose) for it.
But did you know you can actually heed off so many of your most common beauty concerns simply by eating the right food? Yup, that’s right – not only will eating well keep you fitter and overall healthier, if you include the following 10 foods in your diet, you can also expect to reap some pretty awesome beauty benefits too.
Now, go stock up on these – quickly:
Blueberries
Blueberries are choc-a-block with vitamins C and E – two powerhouse antioxidants that work in tandem to brighten skin, even out tone and fight off free-radical damage.
Shellfish
If you are a fan of shellfish, you are in luck. This food is high in zinc, which means it has great anti-inflammatory properties, and zinc also accelerates the renewal of skin cells – meaning, of course, fresher, younger-looking skin.
Avocado
Look, we already love avocado beyond measure, but now you can feel better about your ever-increasing avocado budget knowing you are not only feeding your tummy but also your face. According to Health.com, avocados are rich in oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid that helps skin retain moisture, keeping it soft and plump.
Bone broth
Look, we know it doesn’t sound so tempting, but bone broth actually tastes rather good, and will also keep your skin looking younger and more plump.
Walnuts
Eating good fats is essential for keeping your skin looking younger, and walnuts are full of both Omega-3 fatty acids and also vitamin E, both which will help make your hair stronger and more glossy.
Kale
Kale’s stock has skyrocketed over the last few years, and for good reason. This leafy green is packed with vitamin K – particularly good for keeping your blood healthy and avoiding those dreaded under-eye shadows.
Eggs
Eggs are so full of protein, which is essential for healthy bones, hair and nails.
Melon
Cantaloupe melon (the yellow one) contains beta-carotene, which is important for skin cell renewal, while watermelon – our collective summertime favourite – is choc-a-block with lycopene, an antioxidant which, among other things, helps protect your skin from UV rays and sun damage.
Wild salmon
There is a reason Victoria Beckham claims to eat salmon every single day after being recommended to do so by her dermatologist. Wild salmon is full of essential fatty acids, which will keep your skin younger-looking from the inside out.
Coffee
This is great news for all us java lovers: according to the National Cancer Institute, a cup of coffee has bioactive compounds that may help protect your skin from melanoma. Even better? The more you drink, the lower your risk gets.
Yogurt
Most dieticians would agree that from both a beauty and fitness perspective, you should absolutely add greek yogurt to your diet.
Not only is it packed with protein, meaning it will keep you full for longer, it is also crammed with amino acids, which work wonder in getting rid of those circles.
