Food as Nourishment

We often read and hear about (and focus on) what food can do for your body by slimming it down and making you feel good. While those things are important and great, eating the correct nutrients can also make your skin glow, hair shine and nails stronger. Here are the top 8 nutrient-rich foods that make you radiant!

- Berries & Melon:
Both are low sugar fruits and help to make skin firm and taut. It's important to avoid high-sugar foods, including high sugar fruits like pineapple and banana. Sugar prompts a cycle that, among other things, promotes unhealthy skin. Here's what generally happens: high-sugar foods spike your blood sugar, which triggers the release of insulin. This sets off a chain of hormonal reactions, which in turn conditions your body to retain water and increase inflammation, both of which contribute to puffy and tired-looking skin. The point? For healthier skin, be mindful of sugar content and the amount you take in each day.

- Nuts & Wheat Germ:
The magic ingredient is Biotin, and both are chock-full of Biotin, a nutrient known for making hair and nails strong and resilient. For a healthy snack between meals, eat a handful of mixed nuts.

- Avocado, Flaxseed & Salmon:
Each contain omega-3 fatty acids, compounds that help reduce inflammation in the body. That reduction in inflammation helps combat problems like puffy eyes, pronounced fine lines, and sagging skin. The best fatty acids in salmon generally come from wild, not farmed, salmon. Grind your flaxseeds before sprinkling them on yogurt or cereal for the most benefit.

- The drink: Water:
It's true that drinking a steady stream of water throughout your day will help your skin look its prettiest. Water helps your skin by flushing by-products out of your body. Drinking lots of water helps your kidneys function better, which in turn helps skin avoid a pallid, drowsy look.

So do yourself a favor and eat for more than just slimming down!