Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
Style > Beauty

Eat Your Way to Gorgeous: 10 Foods that Enhance Your Beauty

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCF chapter.

Every collegiette™ can agree that they like to look fabulous. There are plenty of ways to beautify yourself: moisturizer, teeth whitener, etc. But what if I told you there was a better (and healthier) way to enhance your looks? What if I told you it was just by eating? That’s right. I said it. Eating. These ten foods I will touch base on not only are beneficial for your body, but can also act as natural ways to get and feel gorgeous.

Carrots
What’s up, Doc? Carrots aren’t just for rabbits anymore. This vegetable is filled with vitamin A, which the body absorbs to help prevent skin damage and also gives a beautiful glow to skin. Cooked carrots with a little butter and cinnamon are a wonderful way to incorporate this veggie in your everyday diet.

Tomatoes
Who new this red fruit could actually stop you from having red skin? Some scientists believe that tomatoes can be the best protector of your skin against sunburn; let’s be honest, no one likes or feels good with a sunburn. Tomatoes also can reduce wrinkles, so add some of this antioxidant to your pasta or any other dish!

Salmon
Swim your way to long, gorgeous hair with this nutrient-filled fish! Salmon contains omega-3 fats that help stimulate hair growth. These healthy fatty acids also produce collagen, which helps keep skin looking young and healthy. There are many ways to cook salmon: broiling; grilling; baking; smoking. You want it; you name it!

Spinach
Popeye the Sailor Man had a good reason for eating all that spinach. Spinach is high in antioxidants, which helps clear up acne quickly. It also has vitamins and nutrients that stimulate the healing process for pimples. A healthy and delicious recipe is to cook this beautifier with lemon and olive oil; add some walnuts or almonds and your taste buds will be so pleased!

Lemon
Want a natural way to freshen your breath, but don’t like that minty flavor? Well, lemons are your cure! This citric fruit acts as a natural oral cleanser to beautify your breath. Add some freshly squeezed lemon to your water for a great, tangy taste.

Green Tea
Tea, my favorite! Green tea acts as a natural metabolism booster, which helps to burn off calories faster, not to mention it’s absolutely delicious. Grab a green tea at Starbucks or make it at home mixed with a little cinnamon, honey and lemon.

Walnuts
It’s about to get nutty with nutrients. Walnuts contain alpha linoleic acid, which is crucial for skin and helps it glow. Walnuts are also said to keep hair shiny, eyes vibrant, and help maintain strong bones. Take a handful of these for a quick snack or dip them in chocolate for a healthy dessert.

Yogurt
Now, I’m not talking about froyo – just plain old-fashioned yogurt. Yogurt is known for alleviating problems with psoriasis, eczema and acne. Yogurt can actually make you feel fuller, which helps with weight loss. Add some blueberries or strawberries into some plain yogurt for breakfast, and remember to steer clear of flavored yogurt, which can be high in calories.

Romaine Lettuce
This hearty green is packed with vitamin A, which helps revive your skin to make it look radiant. Toss some chicken and veggies in with some romaine lettuce and dressing to make a salubrious salad.

Dark Chocolate
Yum. Yum. Yum. Chocolate is made from plants, so it has a lot of the health benefits of dark vegetables. This decadent treat is filled with cocoa flavanols, which have been equated with soft, hydrated skin. Who knew you could divulge in sweets and still be healthy?

Add these yummy foods to your daily diet to help feel beautifully healthy on the inside and out!

Sources:
http://beauty-tyrant.blogspot.com/2006/12/beauty-food-saturday-may-24-2008.html
http://blog.drewberman.com/wellness-project/chocolate-nutrition/ 

Katie Kardok is a feature writer for the Her Campus Editorial team at the University of Central Florida. Katie is currently a junior majoring in Psychology. She enjoys pilates, photography, and watching football. Fun fact: She is left handed!