1. Dark chocolate
Contrary to popular belief, chocolate does not cause acne. In fact, research has shown that dark chocolate even protects skin from sun damage. Chocolate, or rather raw cocoa, contains anti-aging antioxidants called flavonoids, which fight to protect your skin from UV damage and prevent the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and skin discolorations. Chocolate also makes you feel happy – when you eat it, the brain releases endorphin, your body’s natural feel-good chemical, and phenylethylamine, which elicits the head-over-heels feeling of falling in love. When you feel good, you look good.
2. Walnuts
Walnuts contain nutrients like omega-3, fatty acids and vitamin E that help your skin stay smooth and plump. Walnuts also protect your hair from sun damage and keep it lustrous and shiny. Get your daily dose of these nuts by eating a handful raw or throwing some chopped walnuts in your salad, pasta or dessert.
3. Spinach
Spinach contains a triple dose of wrinkle-fighting antioxidants: vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. These all work together to protect your skin from the sun’s aging UV rays (but you should still wear sunscreen, of course). Enjoy spinach in salads, green smoothies, or lightly sautéd with coconut oil, garlic and a dash of sea salt.
4. Lentils
These legumes are a good source of protein and iron, which support full-bodied hair. Enjoy them as a side dish, in a hearty soup, or make your own lentil-veggie burgers.
5. Chia seeds
These tiny seeds are packed with protein, fiber, and loads of omega-3s- all great for your skin and hair. Since chia seeds absorb up to 12 times their weight in water, they also keep you feeling fuller longer. Enjoy them as a pudding, in smoothies or as an egg substitute in vegan baking.
6. Almonds
Almonds are rich in flavonoids and vitamin E, which is vital to skin health. They can help ward off damage caused by smoking. Snack on a handful of almonds, or enjoy them in almond butter spread on apple slices.
7. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds provide a huge boost of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beyond good for you. They treat skin conditions like acne and eczema. They can also maintain a healthy rate of skin cell renewal. To ensure your body absorbs all these beauty-boosting benefits, eat flaxseeds in ground or in meal form.
8. Avocados
Avocados are the ultimate “get gorgeous” food. Ever seen shampoos or facial masks using avocados? There is a reason for that. Key for hair, skin, and nails, the mono unsaturated fatty acids packed into these creamy treats not only help lower bad cholesterol levels, but also reduce the appearance of aging in skin. Avocados also contain antioxidants, fiber, potassium, magnesium, and folate. One avocado is packed with more potassium than a medium banana. Eat avocado in guacamole, sliced on top of a salad or sandwich or even with a spoon- we won’t judge!
9. Berries
Berries are loaded with anti-inflammatory agents and vitamins that help protect you from premature aging. They are packed with vitamin C, which keeps skin firm and strong. Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is essential to the production of collagen, a protein that aids in the growth of cells and blood vessels. Eat a handful of your favourite berry with breakfast, or pureed into a smoothie.
10. Seaweed
Sea vegetables like nori or wakame are loaded with iron and phyto nutrients. All of these nutrients can help you attain gorgeous, supple skin. Iron, manganese, iodine, copper, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and selenium- all found in sea vegetables are essential for gorgeous hair, skin, and nails. Enjoy these in mixed green salads, toss some wakame into your miso soup, or wrap up some veggies in nori sheets to make nori rolls.