Chia seeds, goji berries, acai berries, flax seeds, hemp seeds … these “superfoods” are now the trend when it comes to food. But sometimes we don’t realize that the food available in our “regular” supermarket can be labeled as superfood as well. For example, a glass of juice made from beet root provides beautiful skin and a handful of nuts helps against split ends. Who would have thought!
Vitamin B7, also called biotin, is a natural remedy for healthier tresses and nails. It is not used for nothing in nail hardeners and in treatments for hair loss! Fortunately, nature also helps a bit. This vitamin is including in soybeans, eggs and brown rice. The absolute number one when it comes to B7 are nuts. To fight against cracked nails and split ends eat for example a curry based on rice with soybeans, boiled egg and sprinkle with roasted cashew nuts.
Food for wrinkles
Fading existing wrinkles and preventing new ones can be done by eating delicious things. Isoflavones are antioxidants with anti-wrinkle effect, because they stimulate the production of collagen. And collagen provides a firm and elastic skin. Isoflavones are including in soybeans. Soybeans are used in products such as soy milk, veggie burgers, tofu and tempeh. The choice is yours! Isoflavones are not the only antioxidants which can provide for the production of collagen. Think also of vitamin A (also called retinol), which can be found in orange fruits and vegetables like carrots, apricots, cantaloupe, sweet potato and pumpkin. Vitamin A is also found in fish. An additional advantage: the omega-3 fatty acids in fish keep the skin supple. Vitamin C also helps prevent wrinkles. This is in almost all fruits and vegetables. To make the list complete you also need to take vitamin E, which is in broccoli and spinach, as well as in nuts like macadamia. And not so annoying: dark chocolate with cocoa percentage above 70 contains enough antioxidants to have a positive effect on your skin.
Healthy teeth
Feel like snacking? Take a handful of raisins! This dried fruit contains healthy bacteria that fights plaque and tooth decay. And also the antioxidant oleanolic acid, which is constantly present in raisins, supports for shiny teeth. Oleanolic acid is also present in basil. An evening drink after a hard working day with basil pesto toast and a handful of raisins has never been so fun!
What’s what
Antioxidants
This is a collective name for various vitamins, beta-carotene and some other substances. Antioxidants protect cells and tissues from free radicals. Free radicals are substances that can cause aging. Free radicals include smoking, excessive sun and air pollution.
Essential fatty acids
These are fatty acids that the body cannot produce itself and therefore we need to get them from food. An example is omega 3, which is plenty found in fish.
Vitamins
Vitamins are essential for good health. By eating a varied diet is the best chance to get them in your body.
Fibers
These substances contribute to a feeling of fullness in the stomach and support healthy digestion. Whole grain products, vegetables, fruits and legumes are high in fiber.
Away with moisture
You feel like the alarm went off very early? Then the chances are that you have puffiness in your eyes. Of course you can cool your eyes with cucumber slices, but nature has so much to offer. For example, asparagus can help reduce puffiness and/or dark circles. This vegetable has a dehydrating effect, so excess moisture does not accumulate in unwanted places, like under the eyes. Also, endive, Chinese cabbage and kale have the same properties. So include them in your diet!
Anti-Wrinkle Recipe
Salmon is by its rich content of omega 3 a real benefactor to the skin. Combine that with a serving of broccoli, a true anti-aging vitamin boom, and you have a plate full of beauty food!
So now, go eat healthy, live longer and feel and look beautiful all at once!