Can a certain diet make you sexier? Well, no … but eating certain omega-3 packed, antioxidant-rich, vitamin E-filled foods (like the following 6 tasty wonders) can certainly help brighten up your complexion and strengthen your hair and nails. Which won’t hurt. Stock up on these 6 superfoods this fall to get total-body radiant.
Flaxseeds and flax oil
These tiny seeds and their oil are the powerhouses “ the richest vegetable source of omega-3 fatty acids around, upping your intake of these can ease the appearance of sun spots, reduce fine lines and boost your skin’s resilience. Also, if you happened to OD on sun exposure this summer, flax seeds can help reverse any damage you did.
Dark chocolate
Quality dark chocolate (not the cheap, vegetable-oil-and-sugar confections with a hint of cocoa solids), is loaded with antioxidants including polyphenols and flavanols. One study found that cocoa and dark chocolate contained more antioxidant activity, polyphenols and flavanols than other widely celebrated “super fruits tested, including blueberries and Acai berries. So you now have permission from science to indulge.
Carrots
Carrots are high in beta carotene, an antioxidant that gets converted to vitamin A inside the body. While vitamin E may get all the fanfare when it comes to skin healing and protecting, vitamin A is one of the best vitamins for repairing skin tissue that’s been damaged by sun exposure, acne or eczema. If you’ve had a difficult time with over-the-counter acne products in the past, the anti-inflammatory properties of carrot juice will help to revitalize your skin the safe and natural way.
Olive oil
A study by PLOS ONE found that people who consumed 2 teaspoons of olive oil per day exhibited 31% fewer signs of aging compared to people who ate less than 1 teaspoon. Also packed with polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant, olive oil supports the body’s built-in defense against free radicals, molecules that become damaged by sun exposure among other environmental hazards.
Walnuts
Natural health nuts tend to love walnuts for the many benefits they have on the mind and bod. High in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, walnuts help facilitate smoother, less inflamed skin, healthy hair, brighter eyes, and stronger bones. They’ve also been linked to reduced risks of Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease. Toss a small handful of these versatile nuts with any meal to get their health and beauty benefits.
Incorporating more of these superfoods into your diet is one simple way to green your skincare routine this fall. Of course, like beauty products, not all calories are created equal. Make sure you’re doing your skin a favour and be smart about what you put in your body and what you use on the outside.
