BeautyFood

They say that you are what you eat and that beauty comes from the inside out…well both are true! Being the largest organ in the body, the skin is an immediate indication of whether or not someone is healthy. And healthy is, well, beautiful! Sure you can use all kinds of ointments and treatments topically, but there’s no way you’re going to get that deep, clear glow from the outside in. So here are our top favorite skin-friendly foods to help you eat yourself beautiful!

1: Water:

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! We can’t say it enough. With our bodies being made mostly of water, this one seems like a no-brainer but it’s the one people tend to overlook the most. Being one of the cheapest and most effective ways to get beautiful skin, drinking your eight daily glasses will not only flush your skin of toxins, but keep you looking vibrant, young, and radiant.

2: Coconut:

Coconut oil is full of Vitamin E, which is about the most moisturizing and nourishing thing you can give your skin. Vitamin E combats skin-aging free radicals, protects skin from sun damage due to UV-sunlight-generated free radicals, and holds in moisture to make your skin appear younger and more supple. Coconut is great externally too and can be used as a frizz-decreasing hair mask or as an ultra moisturizing alternative to shaving cream.

3: Avocado:

Chock full of vitamins A, C,  E, and monounsaturated fats, avocados assist in keeping skin soft, supple, and super moisturized.  They’re not only good for your eyes, heart, brain, and skin, but they even contain amazing regenerative properties that help fight cancer. You can slice them up and toss them in a salad or on top of your morning eggs, but we like to eat ours with a spoon (and a sprinkle of sea salt)!

We couldn’t include all the amazing benefits we love about avocados, so you can check out more here: 25 Amazing Skin & Hair Benefits of Avocados

4: Leafy Greens:

From kale to spinach, fresh leafy greens basically contain an entire alphabet of vitamins (A, B complex, C, E and K), and manganese, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, protein, folate, and phosphorus to boot! These vitamins help your skin produce more fresh new cells and get rid of the old ones, keeping your skin looking bright and radiant. Whip up a fresh spinach salad for lunch and decrease your risk for wrinkles as well as cancer.

5: Dark Chocolate:

An excuse to eat more chocolate? Yes, please! But make sure it’s dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content. Not only will it help improve your mood, but it contains a range of antioxidants that help improve complexion, keep skin looking smooth and younger, and help provide protection against the harmful UV rays of the sun. Boasting more antioxidants than blueberries, green tea, and red wine, this sweet treat should definitely be a part of your daily beauty routine.

6: Blueberries:

These sweet superfoods are totally packed with antioxidants (Vitamin E and C) and phytochemicals that not only help repair damaged tissues but help protect our skin tissues from further harm and premature aging. These make a great addition to your morning oatmeal or a fresh salad. Other berries such as raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries also provide similar benefits.

7: Almonds:

Almonds are high in antioxidants that help detoxify and beautify your skin and are another great source of Vitamin E, which is basically our favorite skin-nourishing vitamin! These make a great protein-packed snack.

8: Sweet Potato:

Not only are they loaded with fiber (basically your body’s internal scrub brush) but they are one of the top sources for beta carotene, a powerful antioxidant that helps repair and renew your skin to give it that youthful glow. Bake these in the oven and top with salsa and sour cream for a blood sugar stabilizing and mood enhancing meal.

9: Salmon:

This lean meat contains zinc and omega-3 fatty acids that, with consistent intake, can reduce dryness and inflammation, prevent skin from aging fast,  and fight eczema, acne, and psoriasis. Plus, foods with high protein can help to speed up the skin’s natural healing process. Spritz with lemon and a sprinkle of dill before throwing on the BBQ for the perfect summer meal.