7 FOODS TO NATURALLY GET GORGEOUS HAIR AND SKIN

Added by Spencer Knowlton on 2013-04-18

Written By Natali Ivasiv

People all over the globe are spending billions of dollars on skin and hair-care products every year, and don’t even realize that it comes down to lifestyle, rather than how much you can afford to spend on products. Beauty is only skin-deep, but the importance of healthy skin goes a lot deeper. Here are some tips to boost the Beauty of Your Skin and Hair! Many of our clients at Juice Up Your Life have had amazing results with juicing and some of the changes in this blog.

Nourish Your Body

The foods you eat can be powerful tools to increase your beauty as well. Most people choose foods based on how many calories it contains and how it will affect their weight. But foods can also improve your skin, nails and hair, as they simultaneously increase your health. Nourishing your skin begins from the inside with the foods you eat.

Here are the Top Superfoods for Gorgeous Skin and Hair:

1. Red and Green Vegetables

Orange-red vegetables are full of beta-carotene. Your body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, which prevents cell damage and premature aging. Studies have shown that eating foods with these deeply colored pigments can make your face actually look healthier than being tanned.

2. Blueberries

This low-profile berry was ranked number one in antioxidant activity by the U.S. Department of Agriculture compared to 40 common fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants in blueberries protect you from premature aging, so add half a cup to your yogurt or cereal every day.

3. Nuts

The benefits of nuts -- especially almonds -- have to do with antioxidant activity. Vitamin E fights skin-aging free radicals, and also helps your skin hold in moisture.

4. Salmon

Salmon is one of the best food sources for omega-3 fatty acids, which helps keep your skin supple and moisturized. Salmon also has selenium, a mineral that protects the skin from sun exposure. The vitamin D in salmon keeps your bones and teeth strong and healthy, too. You won't have a problem adding salmon to your diet since there are hundreds of ways to enjoy this beauty superfood. Try it grilled, baked, in your pasta, with a salad, in sushi, or just with a side of asparagus.

5. Walnuts

You don't need to eat cupfuls of walnuts to enjoy their many benefits: smoother skin, healthy hair, brighter eyes, and strong bones. Get your daily dose of nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E by eating a handful by themselves or throwing some in your salad, pasta, or dessert.

6. Spinach

This leafy green vegetable is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Spinach is loaded with lutein, which keeps your eyes healthy and sparkling. Spinach is also a good source of vitamins B, C, and E, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

7. Oysters

Oysters are rich in zinc, a lack of which can lead to hair loss (even in your eyelashes), as well as a dry, flaky scalp. Three ounces has a whopping 493% of your daily value. You can get some zinc through fortified cereals and whole grain breads, but oysters can boast a really good level of protein too.

Hydrate

Hydration is important for glowing, healthy and beautiful skin.

Drink plenty of pure water throughout the day
Drink Green Smoothies, which are really hydrating and have a lot of enzymes and nutrients from the fresh fruits and vegetables.
Eat a lot of raw foods that contain their own water, like salads containing lots of brightly colored vegetables.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which are dehydrating.

Feed Your Skin from the Outside-In

You may not realize this, but a large portion of the toxins you're exposed to on a daily basis comes through your skin, not just through what you put in your mouth. Your skin is actually the largest organ of your body, and it's highly absorbent. So it’s important to use natural components for your skin. The following five extraordinary food-based ingredients are both safe and effective:

Organic Shea Butter
Virgin Coconut Oil
Jojoba Oil
Palm Oil
Aloe Vera Juice

These ingredients individually and synergistically contribute to softer, smoother, moister skin, without taxing your body with potential toxins.

And now I want to share with you some of my favourite beautifying drinks, which will increase the beauty of your skin, hair and nails from the inside out!

Coconut Green Smoothie

Coconut water
Meat of 1 coconut
3 cups of baby spinach
1 tsp of lime juice

Directions:Blend the coconut water and meat on its own until smooth. Add 3 cups of baby spinach and lime juice. Blend and serve! So simple and absolutely yummy!

Blueberry Banana Smoothie

1 cup of frozen blueberries
1 cup homemade almond milk
1 ripe banana
1 tsp of raw honey
a splash of vanilla extract

Directions:Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender and whirl until smooth. Deliciousness!!!

The Great Green Smoothie

1 cup of water
2 stalks organic celery
1 head organic romaine
3 cups chopped spinach,
1 apple or pear,
1 banana,
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Directions:Fill the blender with water. Blend the spinach and romaine until smooth. Add the celery, apple and blend again until smooth. Finally, add the lemon juice and banana, and do your last blend. Enjoy and let your beauty start from the inside!

By Natali Ivasiv

My name is Natali. I am a passionate healthy lifestyle lover! I've personally learned how many benefits yoga and healthy food can have not only on your body, but on your mind as well. I believe that good health is the groundwork of all happiness, so eating healthy, breathing deeply and living life to the fullest is the main key to it!