Eat Your Way to Beautiful

Good Foods for the Hair, Eyes & Skin

Eat a well-balanced diet; avoid or limit substances that increase the signs of aging or that may cause nutrient deficiencies, like cigarette smoking or alcohol consumption; live a healthy lifestyle. This advice will contribute to healthy hair, skin and eyes. In addition, eating specific foods high in nutrients used to keep those specific areas of the body healthy will maintain your appearance and improve your nutrition.

Vitamin E Foods
Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant, and the American Dietetic Association explains that it plays significant protective roles in many parts of your body, including your hair and skin. Wheat germ, whole grains, sunflower seeds, nuts and spinach are excellent foods that benefit your hair and keep it strong. Vitamin E is sensitive to heat, and levels are higher in raw, untoasted nuts than in toasted nuts. A handful of almonds per day should provide you with enough vitamin E to maintain your hair health.

Vitamin A Foods
The childhood adage that carrots are good for your eyes holds true because carrots provide a large amount of vitamin A, which is directly involved with the mechanism of vision. Vitamin A and its precursor, beta carotene, also play significant roles in skin and mucous membrane maintenance. Medline Plus lists high sources of vitamin A, including colorful fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, peaches, spinach, broccoli and apricots. Vitamin A is also found in fortified dairy products, meat, egg yolks and fortified cereals.

Vitamin C Foods
Vitamin C is also beneficial for vision, and the American Optometric Association states that it is being researched for its role in prevention of cataracts and age-related muscular degeneration of the eyes. It also functions as an antioxidant, reducing the effects of environmental stress on the body, including the skin. Vitamin C food sources include oranges, lemons, limes, peaches, apricots, cooked spinach and raw tomatoes.

The above article originally printed on Live Strong and written by Kimberly Schaub Nutritionist.