If you eat well, you’ll be healthier. Fact. And when you’re healthy, it shows.
If, on the other hand, you’re eating processed foods, not sleeping well, consuming lots of alcohol and leading a sedentary, stressful lifestyle, chances are you’ll be disappointed in how you look. That’s the harsh reality. But, with a bit of knowledge, you can incorporate some of nature’s best-kept beauty secrets into your diet, leaving you looking like the belle of the ball, day and night.
We’ve rounded up your Top Ten favourite whole foods for you to eat yourself beautiful. Enjoy!
1. Sulphur
Sulphur, AKA
the ‘beauty mineral’, is a non-metallic element that can benefit the skin, hair and nails. It has detoxifying properties and can help boost immunity and counteract diseases such as arthritis.
Essentially, sulphur exists within all our connective tissue, supporting and connecting our organs. It can continuously build and rebuild collagen and keratin, essential for shiny hair, plump skin and strong nails.
Sulphur rich foods include eggs, free-range meats, shellfish, garlic, lettuce, onions, raspberries, cabbage, turnips, kale and brussel sprouts.
All You Need to Know About Sulphur-Rich Foods
2. Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral which means our bodies cannot produce it. So instead, we need to include zinc in our daily diet.
The good news is that we only need a tiny amount of zinc in our diet each day, and once ingested, it plays a crucial part in over 300 enzymatic processes.
These include protein synthesis and wound healing (ideal for zapping spots). It also helps in the metabolism of omega 3s and is needed to build keratin, which helps form the skin’s structural protein – collagen.
So, not only will zinc promote cell division and repair, giving you that coveted ‘dewy skin’, it’s also great for eczema sufferers.
Zinc-rich foods include oysters, grass-fed beef, organic milk, liver, lamb, cheese, eggs, shellfish and certain cereals and nuts. High-quality supplements might also be a good choice if you struggle to incorporate adequate zinc into your diet.
3. Sardines
Okay, while sardines may not be on everyone’s shopping list, bear with us.
If you can learn to love these small, cold-water fish, you’ll be rewarded with smooth, supple and clear skin thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties and high dose of omega 3.
If you’re not too keen on eating them whole – eyes and all – buy the boneless, skinless, headless variety and spread on some sourdough bread with a squeeze of lemon.
4. Aloe Vera
A gorgeous succulent plant, treasured for its health and beauty properties since ancient times.
The anti-inflammatory effects of aloe vera are one of its best-known actions, used as a soothing skin gel or ingested to calm symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
As your body is a system, by targeting any digestive issues you may have, you’ll also improve the way your body absorbs vitamins and minerals, and this, in turn, will give you a youthful glow and more energy.
For example, try taking two tablespoons of aloe vera juice twice a day.
How to make Aloe Vera juice?
It is a little bit of hard work, but not impossible!
Organic plant expert John from GrowingYourGreens.com has an easy to follow Step by step video watch now!
Where to buy aloe vera juice?
Skip all the steps and go straight for the juice – specialist health food stores will stock it.
5. Leafy greens
Fresh, ideally organic, leafy green produce is a real beauty booster.
Spinach, for example, is a super-food rich in iron, folate, chlorophyll, vitamin E, magnesium, vitamin A, fibre, plant protein and vitamin C. It has it all.
Equally as beneficially is kale – one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables on the planet.
It’s high in vitamin K, which protects our bones and supports a healthy circulatory system by strengthening capillary walls. Capillaries (tiny blood vessels) are essential for a healthy complexion as they deliver freshly oxygenated blood and nutrients to skin cells.
Why green vegetables are good for you.
6. Almonds
There’s a reason why supermodels and actresses are often photographed with almonds as their on-the-go snack of choice.
Almonds are rich in magnesium, riboflavin, vitamin E, phosphorus and protein. Just a handful a day not only staves of hunger pangs but can lower cholesterol, support strong bones and teeth and boost your metabolism.
Almonds are also loaded with antioxidants, making them a significant weapon in the fight against inflammation, acne, psoriasis and rashes.
9 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Almonds.
7. Chia seeds
These tiny black seeds are big hitters in the world of beautiful foods.
Chia seeds are packed with fibre, omega- 3 fatty acids and are rich in vitamin A and C. Consequently, they can boost skin radiance and elasticity, helping you glow from the inside out.
Chia seeds can also help stabilise blood sugar levels, reduce your risk of diabetes, and keep hunger levels (and weight gain) under control.
Plus, pound for pound, they’ve got more calcium than milk meaning stronger bones, teeth and nails.
7 Enticing Health Benefits of Chia Seeds.
8. Cucumber
Not only will a couple of cucumber slices soothe tired eyes, but the humble cucumber is also an underestimated beauty food hero.
Full of water, they’re great for hydration, which can help plump out fine lines and wrinkles and dietary fibre, helping you feel full for longer and less likely to snack on sweets, processed foods.
Cucumbers contain calcium, magnesium, potassium and folate – all-star players in the edible beauty world – and contain vitamins A, B1, B6, C and D.
Silica – a trace mineral found in high levels in cucumbers – contributes to the growth and maintenance of connective tissue throughout our bodies. As it’s found in the skin of cucumbers, organic is best to swerve potentially harmful pesticides.
12 Ways to Use Cucumber for Your Skin.
9. Turmeric
People have been using turmeric for its health properties for thousands of years.
This beautiful, golden spice (which gives curries their yellow colour) is beloved in ancient ayurvedic tradition, not only for its earthy, slightly bitter taste but also for its multitude of culinary and beauty properties.
Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory which means it targets conditions caused by inflammation, including eczema, rosacea and acne. In addition, turmeric contains compounds called curcuminoids which hold medicinal properties.
The most critical curcuminoid – curcumin – is a powerful antioxidant, meaning it can help preserve the cellular structure of your skin and fight off the ageing process.
10. Coconut oil
Last but not least, what beauty food list would be complete without the versatile and luscious coconut oil?
First off, look for high-quality coconut oil. It should be food grade, chemical-free and ideally organic.
You can then add it to smoothies, use in cooking, or just eat it straight from the jar.
Not only will it raise your good cholesterol to help ward off heart disease, but it’s also a great source of energy and is packed full of antioxidants to boot.
You can also apply it to the skin – massaging into hands, face and body – and your hair meaning you’ll be glowing on the inside and the outside.
It smells great too.
What it all means:
What you eat can significantly affect your skin health.
Make sure you’re getting enough essential nutrients to protect your skin. The foods and supplements on this list are great options to keep your skin healthy, strong, and attractive.
At the Pure Package, we’re devoted to creating delicious, healthy and fresh meals to help you achieve your health goals.
Whether that’s losing or maintaining weight, boosting your brainpower or nourishing your skin and hair.
It has never been so easy to eat yourself beautiful with personalised meal plans prepared and delivered to you daily!