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15 superfoods for fabulous nails, skin and hair


UPDATED APRIL 21, 2020 7:20 AM EDT

You’ve probably heard celebrities and fitness-lovers mention foods like quinoa, açaí, and chia seeds, but... are they just the latest fad or do they really work? Here’s a preview, you’ll definitely want to add them to your meals.These natural powerhouses contain properties that are beneficial for your health, including your skin, nails, and hair. In fact, a lot of these superfoods are quite common and you probably already include some of them on your regular grocery list. Our goal here is for you to learn about all their benefits so that you’re aware of the great things they do for your body. Ready to dig in?

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Blueberries Fight Wrinkles

A huge anti-aging ally is vitamin C, which helps prevent wrinkles, and this delicious little berry is full of it. On top of that, it’s also rich in antioxidants that help the body combat stress, contaminants, and free radicals that damage the skin.

Different presentations of quinoa grains© Wenn

Radiance Scrub

If you want healthy hair and revitalized skin, you should add quinoa to your diet. This grain has powerful hydrating and exfoliating properties that will help cleanse your skin. In fact, its leaves and stems are used medicinally to soothe pain and heal wounds.

Goji berries© GettyImages

Goji berries, a gift for your body

Originally from Asia, this superfood provides antioxidants that will help boost your immune system and improve your complexion. Thanks to their high beta-carotene content which counteracts damage caused by free radicals. They are also recommended for people with diabetes since they aid in controlling blood sugar levels. And last but not least, they are a great source of potassium, zinc, iron, magnesium, and calcium for those who are looking for a supplement.

Wooden spoon with chia seeds© Istock

Chia seeds

These marvelous seeds come from Central and Southern Mexico, Guatemala, and Nicaragua and are known for their high content of nutrients and antioxidants. In fact, in the beauty world they are used for their moisturizing benefits and their high concentration of fatty acids like Omega-3s, known to be an anti-aging ally. In addition to helping your skin, they’re great for reducing constipation, balancing blood sugar levels, and preventing osteoporosis thanks to their high calcium content.

Edamame skin care© Istock

Edamame:

A study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology concluded that eating unprocessed soybeans every day can help reduce the appearance of fine lines. It also mentions that the results were significant after eating them for three consecutive months.

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Turmeric: for the heart and skin

This powerful root helps heal acne scars, in addition to hydrating dry skin and removing excess oil. Also known as curcumin, it contains polyphenols and antioxidants that prevent cardiovascular diseases. And if that isn’t enough, you’ll also be impressed by its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to aid digestion.

Fresh Green Kale Leaf on wooden background© GettyImages

Kale Bone Booster

This superfood is a type of curly-leaf cabbage (similar to broccoli and Brussels sprouts.) It’s very valuable for its antioxidant properties, which help prevent premature aging of the skin. The veggie is very low in calories and high in vitamin C, and read this well, calcium and vitamin K, perfect for preventing osteoporosis and even heart problems. You can steam it to increase the amount of good cholesterol (HDL).

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Matcha: for relaxation and skin care

Matcha is a variety of green tea that celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow add to their diet because it contains high levels of antioxidants that have an anti-aging effect on the skin and make nails stronger. One of those is catechin which also helps boost your defenses and prevent arthritis. And if you want to relax after a tough day, a matcha tea will help you do just that.

Acai contains antioxidants© GettyImages

Açaí: Smart Snack

Imported from Brazil, this superfood is rich in vitamin A⁠—for helping maintain eyesight⁠—and vitamin C, and also contains antioxidants and fatty acids. It’s perfect for helping to combat the effects of aging on the skin and makes for a great snack. Since it is high in fiber, it will keep you feeling full. It also contains calcium and helps strengthen the nervous system because of its Omega 3 and 6 content.

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Dark Chocolate Healthy Pick

Its high content of antioxidants and flavanols will make your skin feel softer and help protect it, making it more resistant to UVA and free radical damage and reducing the appearance of spots and wrinkles.

Avocado pieces on a wooden table© Istock

Avocados: for really soft skin

Rich in proteins, healthy fats and vitamins, this star ingrident helps strengthen collagen structures and improve skin elasticity. The oil formula will make your skin look clean and hydrated. It’s not a just a coincidence that important laboratories use avocado to make face masks; it’s properties add shine and fight premature aging.

Walnut© GettyImages

Walnuts Diabetes Dessert

Walnuts are packed with Omega-3 fatty acids and are a source of protein and vitamin E, making them ideal for your skin. They are the perfect snack for people with diabetes because they help balance blood sugar levels and are good for the heart, bones, and teeth.

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Reduce Blood Clot

You might already add this to your food every day. Eating garlic can help reduce blood clots and high blood pressure and improve heart rate. It also contains iron, silicon, iodine, manganese, and selenium.

Watercress to care for skin© Istock

Watercress: an elixir in your salads

After reading this, you’re going to want to add watercress to your salads. It’s packed with vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, E, and K which will make your skin look softer and smoother.

Olive oil© iStock

Olive oil: to look younger

This food so commonly found in kitchens around the world is packed with naturally-occuring fatty acids and vitamins E and K, which will help you fight the signs of premature aging. It will help maintain your skin’s natural elasticity and make it look supple. There are a lot of options on this list of 15 superfoods. It contains seeds, vegetables, and oils, many of which you’ve already got in your fridge. Try adding them to your meals to take even better care of your health.