5 Flavourful Foods for Glowing Hair and Skin
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You’ve probably heard that fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel and herring, are excellent foods for healthy skin and hair because they are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. But there are other great everyday foods that can help enhance your beauty and health. These five flavourful items contain nutrients to promote radiant hair and glowing skin, bolster bones and minimise bloating so you can get out there and conquer the world.
BELL PEPPERS
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Yes, you heard right: bell peppers are super rich in Vitamin C! In fact, one bell pepper has twice the amount. Enjoy one pepper a day and you’ll have more than covered your daily requirement.
While most people think of vitamin C primarily as a cold fighter, the vitamin can help promote healthy skin and hair. It also increases the absorption of plant-based iron often found in leafy greens, beans, and nuts; not getting enough iron has been associated with hair loss.
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With that said, bell peppers packed pasta anyone?
BROCCOLI
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This superstar veggie is low in calories, high in fibre and loaded with so many beneficial nutrients, including calcium, a mineral crucial for bone health. It’s one of the only greens to contain the bone-building nutrient. Keep in mind that vitamin D enhances the absorption of calcium, so try to pair it with a vitamin D-rich food, like dairy products, fatty fish or eggs.
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Broccoli is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids that are important for skin health. It also contains sulforaphane, which may help prevent skin cancer and protect your skin from sunburn.
SKINLESS CHICKEN BREAST
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Feeling a little bloated? You’re not alone! As many as 30 percent of the general population are impacted by “functional bloating,” or bloating not accompanied by any disease. Up to 96 percent of those who deal with gut disorders report suffering from distention and discomfort, and it affects women more than men. What you eat — or don’t eat — can help beat the bloat.
Experts have found success with an eating plan called the low-FODMAP diet. One food that’s virtually FODMAP-free and easy to digest is the chicken breast. There are so many simple and delicious ways to prepare this versatile ingredient. Of course, it’s a no-brainer to put it on a salad, boiled, poached or grilled. Or, try making my simple and delicious Chicken sauce. It comes together in no time and calls for just a handful of ingredients, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights.
AVOCADOS
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Avocados are high in beneficial fats and contain vitamins E and C, which are important for healthy skin. They also pack compounds that may protect your skin from sun damage.
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Getting enough of avocado fats is essential to keep skin flexible and moisturized. As a good source of vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that helps protect your skin from oxidative damage, Avocado comes in handy.
Interestingly, vitamin E seems to be more effective when combined with vitamin C.
DARK CHOCOLATE
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If you need one more reason to eat chocolate, here it is: The effects of cocoa on your skin are pretty phenomenal. Studies have shown that consuming this dark goodness gives thicker, more hydrated skin.
Another study found that eating 20 grams of high-antioxidant dark chocolate per day could allow your skin to withstand over twice as much UV radiation before burning versus eating low-antioxidant chocolate.
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Several other studies have produced similar results, including improvements in the appearance of wrinkles.
Make sure to choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa in order to maximize the benefits and keep added sugar to a minimum.
