This post is sponsored by New Chapter vitamins & supplements; all opinions contained within are my own. As always, thank you for allowing me to partner with companies to create yummy recipes and speak about the topics I’m passionate about!
I talk a lot about the nutrients in foods being used by our bodies to help it function at its best. But did you know that the nutrients offered by many foods can also help keep your hair, skin and nails strong and healthy as well? It’s true! In a world where expensive beauty treatments run rampant, I think it’s so important to make people aware that one of the best beauty tools we have access to is what we eat and drink.
Last month, I talked about foods you could use for topical beauty treatments. This month, I’m sharing foods that can help you glow from the inside out! There’s a reason why when our diet falls out of balance we notice our hair looking duller, skin less dewy and nails a bit more brittle. It makes sense after all; skin is the largest organ of the body, so it’s only natural that what we put into our bodies will have an impact! That’s why a well-balanced diet is so important for both internal and external health.
Since the food we eat greatly impacts our hair, skin and nail health, I want to highlight some of the “beauty foods” I like to include as part of my overall balanced diet.
As I discussed in my last post, you can also consider incorporating a supplement such as New Chapter’s Perfect Hair, Skin & Nails. Perfect Hair, Skin & Nails contains beauty nutrients like fermented biotin and astaxanthin. Biotin plays an important role in protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism and thinning hair can often be a symptom of a deficiency. Astaxanthin is a powerful nutrient found in the red pigment of foods like shrimp, salmon, and crab. Research suggests that it may reduce oxidative stress, block DNA damage, lower C-reactive protein and other inflammation markers, all of which can lead to poor skin health resulting in increased signs of aging (i.e. wrinkles!). Perfect Hair, Skin and Nails doesn’t just stop at including these nutrients—the biotin is fermented making it easier for your body to digest and absorb all the beauty-boosting benefits!
Now that we’re all on the same page, on to some of my favorite foods that I not only enjoy but have added nutrients that help to keep my hair, skin and nails healthy!
Salmon
Salmon is a great source of several beauty nutrients. The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon help maintain skin’s moisture and elasticity by inhibiting enzymes that can cause the breakdown of collagen. Additionally, omega-3’s can help reduce inflammation and dryness that can lead to brittle or broken hair follicles and nails. Salmon is also a great source of selenium, which can help to protect the skin from sun damage thanks to its antioxidant power. Salmon also contains vitamin D, which contributes to healthy hair, skin and nails as it works to absorb calcium out of the blood and push it into the bones for strong structure.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene which is an antioxidant found in foods like sweet potatoes, dark leafy greens and carrots. When consumed, Beta-carotene is converted by the body into vitamin A. Vitamin A promotes healthy cell production, which can lead to vibrant skin and hair. Additionally, Vitamin A plays an important role in fibroblast stimulation, which is important for collagen production (aka – the thing that keeps our skin firm!). Beta-carotene is also an antioxidant, which can help protect cells from free radicals (which cause damage through oxidation). Our skin, hair and nails get exposed to airborne irritants everyday. Consuming antioxidant-rich foods such as sweet potatoes, dark leafy greens, carrots and berries can help counteract exposure to these damaging substances, keeping cells healthy.
One powerful antioxidant you won’t find in sweet potatoes? Astaxanthin! Found in Perfect Hair, Skin & Nails, Astaxanthin reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and helps to improve the skin’s elasticity.* The antioxidant action works to protect cells from damage and keep your skin’s natural collagen from breaking down (once again helping to get rid of those pesky wrinkles!).
Peanut Butter
Those of you that know me know that I absolutely love peanut butter. Lucky for me, peanut butter is a good source of zinc, a mineral important for tissue repair and growth. Because of this, zinc is helpful in aiding hair growth and skin cell turnover, leading to full locks and a vibrant appearance.
Eggs
Eggs are a great source of protein, which is necessary for all cell growth, including hair, skin and nail cells. Hair, skin and nails get their strength and structure from hardened proteins called keratin. If our diets are low in protein, we’re going to have a hard time making keratin and as a result, we’ll see slowed growth and weakening of our hair, skin and nails. Eggs are also rich in biotin, a B vitamin that is necessary for healthy hair growth.
Eggs not your thing or just want that extra beauty boost? The fermented biotin in New Chapter’s Perfect Hair, Skin & Nails also helps build keratin to give you stronger, healthier hair!
Strawberries, Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts
Strawberries, broccoli and brussels sprouts are rich in Vitamin C, which is one of my favorite beauty nutrients. Vitamin C plays an important role in helping the body absorb iron found in plant foods (also called ‘non-heme’ iron), which helps oxygenate our body’s cells. Just like we rely on oxygen for optimal health, so do our hair and skin cells. Vitamin C also aids in collagen formation, keeping our skin firm and the follicles of our hair healthy and growing well.
Almonds
Almonds are a great source of Vitamin E, which can nourish the skin and help reduce aging by protecting the skin against inflammation and sun damage. Vitamin E may also help keep your scalp healthy and aid in hair growth.
Of course, there are many other beauty foods out there, these just happen to be among my favorites! As always, the best thing you can do to ensure you glow from the inside out is to eat a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, heart healthy fats and whole grains. It’s also important to make sure you’re well-hydrated and remaining physically active.
If you’re looking for an extra boost to your beauty regimen, you should talk to your doctor about including New Chapter’s Perfect Hair, Skin & Nails. You can visit New Chapter’s Perfect Hair, Skin & Nails product page to learn more and if you’re interested, use code CAITPHSN on NewChapter.com for $5 off a 60 ct. bottle now through 6/30/18.
Now go whip yourself up a delicious beauty boosting meal!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Always talk to your doctor prior to implementing anything new to your routine.
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