Mamas, we all know that true beauty comes from within, but that doesn’t mean we don’t all sometimes need a little extra boost!
They say you are what you eat, and when it comes to creating glowing skin, strong hair and nails, that couldn’t be more true. Our diet provides our bodies with the essential nutrients needed for us to thrive inside and out.
With so many diets out there, though, it can feel overwhelming to sort through all the information and find the food that will work best for you. Whether you are an omnivore, herbivore, or you just go with the flow, we have the perfect beauty boosting foods for you to add to your next meal. With nutrition like this, you’ll be getting your glow on, in no time.
Avocado
Avocado has long been celebrated for being a healthy source of fat. However, avocados are much more than that. This fruit packs a powerful nutrition punch in a little package! Avocados are a great source of biotin, also known as Vitamin B7. Biotin offers a ton of benefits to your whole body, including reducing blood sugar levels, boosting immunity, and helping improve brain function. From a beauty standpoint, biotin is key to getting shiny hair and strong nails. Vitamin E in avocados also helps strengthen hair against damage and breakage.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds have become increasingly popular over the past few years. And with good reason! These little seeds are easy to add to smoothies or salads, or to make into a delicious chia pudding. Mild in flavor, with a great, gelatinous texture, chia seeds can help your whole body stay hydrated. Packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, chia seeds help strengthen the skin barrier and protect against UV damage. They are also great at helping preserve collagen, for resilient, youthful looking skin.
Blueberries
Almost everyone knows that blueberries are a great source of antioxidants. But did you know how important those antioxidants are for your skin health? Antioxidants are key players when it comes to fighting off free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that are extremely chemically reactive. When they enter the body, they break down other cells leading to deterioration and aging. While none of us can fight the natural aging of our body, antioxidants reduce the reactivity of free radicals, helping to reduce dark spots, acne, and other signs of aging in the skin.
Bone Broth
More and more people are turning to bone broth as a way to get in essential vitamins and minerals. When it comes to beauty, bone broth is a great source of collagen. Collagen is essential in keeping skin supple and elastic. Additionally, the high levels of collagen can support joint health
Seaweed
If you aren’t regularly adding seaweed into your diet, it is time to start. In places like Japan, people have long known the nutritional benefits of seaweed, particularly the naturally high levels of iodine. In fact, Japan has some of the highest iodine levels in the world, as well as one of the healthiest populations. Iodine consumption supports the health of the thyroid. When the thyroid is functioning improperly, it can have devastating effects on the body. Beauty wise, an unhealthy thyroid can lead to brittle hair, breakable nails, and dry, flaky, skin. Try sprinkling seaweed on your next salad, or into a stir fry for depth of flavor and lots of health benefits.
Fish
Like avocado, fish is a great source of Omega-3s. Oily fish, in particular, like salmon, trout, and mackerel, are full of anti-inflammatory properties, that can help fight against swelling, rashes, or other skin issues.
Red Wine
You might have heard that the occasional glass of red wine can come with a variety of health benefits. Well, mamas, we are here to confirm! Red wine is known for containing a phytochemical called resveratrol, that prevents oxidative damage that can cause early signs of ageing in the body. So, you can sit back and relax with your glass in hand, knowing you’re giving your body a helping hand.
Sweet Potatoes
A sweet potato might seem like just a simple vegetable. The truth, though, is that they are one of the healthiest food options out there, particularly when it comes to beauty. Sweet potatoes contain high levels of beto-carotene that help fight free radicals. They also contain vitamin C which helps promote collagen production. Between the two, sweet potatoes will help your skin look clear and baby soft in no time.
What are your go-to foods for when you want your body to look as good as it feels? Share with us in the comments below.