Pollution, stress, and unhealthy food can make your skin dull and prone to pigmentation. Most people treat their skin and hair with cosmetic products, but they don’t address the root cause, and hence, their results are not sustainable. 

Eating right and healthy food not only enhances your natural beauty but also minimizes wrinkles, inflammation and other skin and hair related conditions. Try these fabulous food ideas for glowing skin and healthy hair.

1) Water: Drinking sufficient water keeps your system hydrated, which directly reflects on your skin. Water flushes out toxins from your system and keeps the skin glowing. Always keep a bottle of water handy, so you can sip on water throughout the day.

2) Fatty fish: Fish contains Omega-3 fatty acids in high quantities. Omega 3-fatty acids have known benefits for the hair and skin. They are found in cell membranes of the scalp and in natural oils that keep the hair and scalp hydrated.

3) Red bell peppers: They contain more Vitamin C than oranges. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and also a precursor to collagen production. When light hits the skin, it creates free radicals. Free radicals lead to DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) damage and cause aging. Antioxidants attach themselves to free radicals and neutralize them to stop skin aging and damage. Eating red bell peppers can make your skin look younger and healthier.

4) Dark green leafy vegetables: When it comes to skin and hair health, green leafy vegetables can do wonders. They are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, coriander, methi, mustard leaves, and lettuce help in making your skin and hair healthy. You can eat them cooked as well as raw.

Spinach is rich in beta carotene, which converts into Vitamin A. Vitamin A is known for its powerful anti-aging properties. Vitamin A helps in moisture retention, preventing wrinkles, and removing dead skin. When spinach is paired with Vitamin C rich foods, the absorption of nutrients increases. Thus, you can squeeze lemon on spinach dishes to enhance the absorption of its nutrients.

5) Coconut water: Coconut water hydrates the body naturally. It is rich in nutrients and contains potassium and electrolytes that help in moving the nutrients into our cells. Coconut oil is high in healthy fats, Vitamin E and K, and minerals. It is a great natural nutrient for hair that boosts growth and shine by moisturizing the scalp.

6) Turmeric: Curcumin, which is found in turmeric, is responsible for its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric can be used orally and for topical application. You can drink turmeric water in the morning or turmeric milk at night. Fresh turmeric can also be used in juices and salad dressing. 

7) Avocado: It is one of the superfoods for the skin. Avocados are rich in Vitamin E and healthy fats. Avocados slow down skin damage, lock in moisture, and prevent dullness and wrinkles. You can use avocado in sandwiches, salads, dips, and shakes.

8) Aloe vera: Aloe vera is one of the most effective home remedies for all skin problems and it usually suits all skin types. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties; hence when you consume its juice or apply it topically, it helps in reducing any kind of inflammation. 

9) Nuts: Nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and cashews are rich in Vitamin E, Omega-3 fatty acids, and flavonoids. They help in getting rid of oxidative damage and neutralizing free radicals. Almonds contain protein, manganese, and selenium; that’s why they are the best food for shiny hair. To have shiny hair and glowing skin, consume a handful of nuts daily.

10) Pumpkin seeds: These seeds are loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids, Zinc, Vitamin A and K. All of these nutrients play an important role in building healthy hair shafts. Pumpkin seeds are also rich in vitamins and fatty acids, which are necessary for producing sebum, “the natural oil of the skin.” Sebum protects and repairs your skin.

Foods to avoid

  • Processed and junk food
  • Foods high in sodium and sugar
  • Spicy foods
  • Oily food
  • Overcooked and partially cooked foods
  • Unhygienic food

In a nutshell, for healthy skin and hair, consume healthy foods. Drinking water on an empty stomach can do wonders for your overall health. You can add turmeric powder, aloe vera juice, or lime juice to the water to enhance its effects. 

Do not forget to have breakfast before heading out. Including a good amount of fruits and vegetables in every meal is not only good for your skin and hair, but also your overall health.