Did you know that March is National Nutrition Month? I try to eat food that is nutritious; I want to live a long, vivacious life! But I thought I’d do some research into ways a balanced, nutritious diet benefits your appearance. Most of us enjoy luxurious topical treatments for our hair, skin, and nails, but it turns out the best beauty-boosters come from the foods on your plate.
Healthy Fats
We’ve been trained to consume fats in moderation, but in truth healthy fats are essential for the health of our hair, skin, and nails. Take, for example, the Omega-3 fatty acids. Multitasking Omega-3s protect against sun damage, reduce acne, moisturize skin and hair, and boost hair and nail growth. We don’t naturally produce Omega-3s; we need to rely on foods or supplements to get the needed dose. Turn to fish like salmon or sea bass as well as seaweed, chia seeds, nuts, and edamame. Consuming Omega-3 through your food is the best option, but you can also get your daily dose through fish oil or cod liver oil capsule supplements.
Vitamins
Blame the weather, indoor heating, or your daily routine for your dull skin, dry hair, and brittle nails, but these problems are often caused by vitamin deficiencies.
For longer and stronger hair and nails load your plate with Vitamin A-rich foods, which facilitate growth. Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, spinach, and kale are chock full of Vitamin A. Or add a daily Vitamin A supplement (but check with your doctor first; too much of this good thing can trigger hair loss).
One of the most popular vitamins for hair, skin, and nail health is biotin, a form of B-vitamin. It can be found in meat and fish, but also in whole grains, almonds, and leafy greens. Be sure to find out if you’re deficient in Vitamin B before adding a supplement—biotin works best if you already have a deficiency.
You probably take Vitamin C to boost your immune system. Did you know it is also needed to produce collagen and absorb iron – both key components of hair growth? Up your Vitamin C intake by eating citrus fruits, strawberries, and peppers. Vitamins D and E also foster hair growth and promote the creation of hair follicles. Soak up some Vitamin D by spending at least 20 minutes outside each day and by adding fatty fish and mushrooms to your meal plan. For more Vitamin E, make a salad or smoothie with seeds, nuts, spinach and avocados.
If meal planning isn’t your thing, you may prefer to fill your vitamin gaps with supplements. Keeping track of them all can be a nuisance, and pricey to boot! Consider a multivitamin. You’ll save money (as well as space in your medicine cabinet). One of my favorites is the Ritual Essential multivitamin with Folate, Omega 3, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and more.
Collagen
Collagen has many benefits for hair, skin, and nails. Collagen quite literally holds our body together, making it crucial for elasticity, moisture retention, cell regeneration, and growth. Many topical beauty products advertise collagen on their labels, but collagen cannot be absorbed topically: you need to ingest it to see its benefits. There are any number of ways to eat or drink collagen. Many brands, like Vital Proteins offer an array of collagen-packed powders that you can add to any drink. From flavorless, to fruit flavored, to coffee creamer, find an option that pleases your tastebuds.
In addition to a nutritious diet, your hair, skin, and nails (not to mention your psyche) will benefit from some well-targeted salon services. Stop by Andre Chreky today for facials, manicures, and hair conditioning treatments that will help take you from “dry” to “my, oh my!”
Comments