10 Superfoods For Health And Beauty
As you probably know, what you eat can directly affect not only your health but also the way you look. A diet high in sugary or processed foods can negatively affect your hair, skin, eyes, and nails. That’s why eating a diet consisting of superfoods like avocado and eggs is extremely important! And while eating right for your health is definitely key, that doesn’t mean it’s wrong to want to look good too! Besides, taking care of your outward appearance is not just about looks, it also leads to a healthier mindset – when you look good, you feel good! We all want that shiny hair and glowing skin we see in magazines but most beauty products on the market these days are super spendy and contain harsh chemicals. Luckily, there are plenty of superfoods out there that not only positively impact your health, they can also leave your hair, skin, eyes, and nails feeling and looking great! Check out this list of 10 superfoods you should have in your home if you want to not only take care of your body on the inside but also look great on the outside!
1. Avocado
Avocado is not just a super Instagram-worthy snack. When it comes to this superfood, avocados are great for both your health and your skin! For starters, they contains oils that are packed with fatty acids. These fatty acids are not only good for your heart’s health, they are also great for moisturizing skin! You can use avocado oil for it’s moisturizing and soothing properties on your skin as well as in your hair. Avocados also contain more potassium than bananas, are high in fiber, and can help lower your cholesterol. In short, avocados are an excellent way to improve your health, skin, and Instagram-feed! Talk about a triple threat!
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries in everything from cooking to household purposes. Today, it has also become popular in the health and beauty industries! When it comes to its health benefits, apple cider vinegar contains potassium, amino acids, as well as antioxidants which are great for your heart and cholesterol! This vinegar is also known to reduce blood sugar. As for its beauty benefits, it can help tone oily skin, reduce sun-damage, and exfoliate skin. When using apple cider vinegar on your face just be sure to dilute it with water so it’s not too harsh!
3. Oats
Oats are a great ingredient when it comes to healthy eating! But did you know it can also be used in DIY face masks and hair masks? Being one of the healthiest grains on earth, they’re loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and protein. They are also a great option when it comes to trying to maintain or lose weight since it fills you up faster and can result in consuming less calories. For its beauty perks, use it in a homemade face mask. There are anti-inflammatory properties in oats which can help absorb oil, treat acne and dryness, and remove dirt from your skin. There’s no denying that this superfood is totally worth incorporating into your beauty routine and diet
4. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are not only one of the healthiest seeds, but also one of the healthiest foods! Despite their size, they are packed with nutrients. A one-ounce serving of chia seeds contains only 131 calories with over 11 grams of fiber, nearly 6 grams of protein, and no sugar. They are also high in iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Foods high in fiber, like chia seeds, are great for weight-loss since fiber results in feeling fuller longer. Add these powerful seeds to oatmeal, a smoothie, or chia seed pudding for an easy and delicious way to incorporate this superfood into your diet!
5. Tomatoes
These red fruits are not only delicious in pasta sauce! They are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, anti-oxidants, and a plant compound called lycopene. Lycopene, while it gives tomatoes their characteristic red color, offers much more than just that! Lycopene is directly linked with prostate cancer prevention as well as improved heart health and sun protection. Tomatoes also have anti-aging properties because of the B vitamins they contain. vitamins B-1, B-3, B-5, B-6, and B-9 are all found in tomatoes and are all linked to skin health. Consuming tomatoes is the best way to reap their benefits but can also be used in oatmeal face masks to treat uneven skin!
6. Quinoa
Quinoa is one of the few plant foods that contains large amounts of the nine essential amino acids. As well as being gluten-free, quinoa is also rich in fiber, iron, calcium, potassium, B vitamins, anti-oxidants, and vitamin E. The amount of fiber in quinoa is much higher than other grains making it a great substitute for grains like rice or couscous. Not only is this superfood super nutritious, it is really easy to incorporate into your diet! Add some into a salad for some texture and color, or cook some on the stove before adding butternut squash, brussel sprouts, onions, cranberries, baby spinach, and your favorite vinaigrette for a hearty and healthy quinoa bowl! Enjoy!
7. Spinach
Spinach is often found at the top of most superfood lists, and for good reason! This dark, leafy green is full of nutrients like vitamin E, calcium, iron, manganese, B vitamins, potassium, and iron. In fact, spinach contains more nutrients than almost any other vegetable! The vitamins in spinach have been proven to prevent healthy issues like heart disease and high blood pressure. When it comes to your exterior health, spinach is also great for your skin! Spinach is rich in anti-oxidants and vitamins that help skin cell development and result in smoother, more even skin. It also promotes the production of collagen which keeps skin moisturized and supple. Use spinach as the base to your favorite salad or blend it into a fruit smoothie. Sautee it on the stove-top for a simple and healthy side dish! No matter how you consume this super-food, your skin and body will be glad you did!
8. Sweet Potatoes
Did you know sweet potatoes actually have fewer carbs and calories than white potatoes? They also contain more vitamin A and vitamin C than white potatoes. Sweet potatoes are also high in an anti-oxidant called beta-carotene. This anti-oxidant converts to vitamin A once consumed which supports both a healthy immune system as well as bone health. This sweet superfood is also high in fiber which helps digestion. Next time you’re cooking up a meat and potatoes meal, reach for a sweet potato instead of the typical white russet. Not only will it add color to any dish, you can serve yourself a generous portion without the guilt! Sweet potatoes are also great for soups, salads, and veggie bowls!
9. Raw Almonds
Raw almonds are a super versatile superfood! When it comes to its beauty benefits, almonds are rich in vitamin E, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids. All three of these are linked to clearer skin, healthier hair, and a nourished scalp. Apply almond oil or almond milk to your face for a smoother complexion as well as an added layer of protection from the sun. Add almond oil to a hair mask and massage it into your roots and scalp. Doing this will increase blood flow and in turn promote hair growth. As for the health benefits of almonds, these are a great source of good fats, protein, and fiber. Eating almonds can lower cholesterol and reduce blood pressure. Whether you choose to snack on these super-nuts or incorporate them into your beauty routine, almonds should definitely be on your shopping list!
10. Eggs
Not only are eggs inexpensive, they are a great way to get that much-needed protein in your diet! Whether you eat them scrambled at breakfast, hard-boiled at lunch, or on top of a bowl of homemade ramen for dinner, eggs are an essential superfood everyone should have in their kitchen. Eggs contain high amounts of vitamin D, B6, B12, and minerals like zinc and iron. Some studies have even shown that eating just one egg a day can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke! As for how they impact beauty, eggs are commonly added to hair masks as a way to moisturize hair. Rich in biotin, eggs can restore shine and prevent future breakage in hair. To make an egg hair mask, mix together 1 egg, 1 mashed banana, 3 tablespoons honey, 5 tablespoons olive oil, and 3 tablespoons milk. Apply the mix to your hair and scalp, let sit for one hour, and rinse with shampoo. For best results, do this up to three times a week and witness renewed strength and shine in your hair!
