Our Favorite Foods for Healthy Skin and Hair
Taking care of your skin and hair doesn’t just mean using quality products. To ensure that you are as healthy as possible, consider how you can take care of your hair and skin from the inside out. The best place to start? Eating whole, nutritious foods rich in vitamins, antioxidants, aminos, and omegas.
It can be challenging to know where to begin when it comes to incorporating nutrient-rich foods into your daily routine. So here are a few of our favorite superfoods perfect for your hair, skin, and overall well-being.
SPINACH
Popeye was right when he said spinach makes you grow strong. Leafy greens are perfect for mending frizzy, brittle hair and for helping to keep your scalp moisturized. Dark greens are rich in vitamins A and C and iron and carotene, which are essentials for hair health.
GUAVA
Any fruit brimming with vitamin C is your best bet for preventing breakage. So, in addition to your run-of-the-mill orange, strawberry, and kiwi, why not try incorporating the tropical guava fruit into your diet for the summer months?
SWEET POTATOES
After hearing the benefits of sweet potatoes, you’ll want to add these starchy root vegetables to just about every meal. Sweet potatoes are full of carotene, which works to bring life into your locks, perfect for combating dry scalp and dullness.
OYSTERS
Summer means seafood season, and luckily, oysters aren’t only delicious but nutritious—especially in terms of your hair. Oysters have been linked to preventing hair loss and increasing fullness as they are rich in the essential mineral zinc.
NUTS AND SEEDS
Who knew a good trail mix could promote hair growth? Biotin, zinc, and other vitamins and minerals are a must for growing strong, healthy hair. Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds are just four of the many nuts and seeds you can enjoy incorporating these staple nutrients into your diet.
SALMON
Salmon has been linked to hair health for decades, and yes, the myths are true. These nutrient-rich fish, packed with healthy fats like omega-3 and perfect for imparting an all-natural shine.
Most of the superfoods great for protecting and repairing your hair are also perfect for taking care of your skin, like walnuts, sweet potatoes, and salmon. That being said, here are a few more nutritious, raw foods and how they can help your skin.
AVOCADO
This trendy fruit is the definition of healthy fat. Rich in vitamin E, avocados can aid in boosting elasticity and keeping your skin supple, all while protecting against UV rays.
PEPPERS
Brighten up your salad and skin with some red, orange, and yellow bell peppers this summer. Another carotene-packed powerhouse, these colorful veggies provide vitamins A and C, helping to create collagen and reducing overall wrinkles and dryness.
GREEN TEA
There’s a reason green tea has been used in natural remedies for thousands of years. Adding a cup of green tea and its powerful antioxidants to your daily routine can protect your skin from sun damage, boost moisture, correct skin texture, and more.
DARK CHOCOLATE
If you needed a reason to eat chocolate—dark chocolate can do wonders for your skin. Due to the sheer amounts of healthy antioxidants, eating chocolate with a high percentage of cacao can aid in blood flow, skin strength, and hydration.