Enfnts Terribles

Of course, no magic food or supplement will keep you looking young forever, but nutrition plays a major role in how gracefully you age. That’s because your skin, hair, and nails are constantly renewing themselves. To do that effectively, you need to provide your body with a consistent supply of the right nutrients.

1. Protein

Did you know that your hair, skin, and nails are made mostly of proteins like elastin, collagen, and keratin? These essential building blocks provide strength, elasticity, and keep wrinkles at bay.

If your diet includes meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, and legumes, you probably get plenty of high-quality protein through your diet. But, if you’re on a restricted diet that requires you to limit some of those foods, you may not be getting enough, and that will eventually show in your nails, hair, skin, and even your muscle tone.

Keep in mind that if you work out a lot, your protein needs are even higher. And, the body needs additional protein to repair possible damage, after surgery or injury, for instance. To get your beauty-boosting daily supply of protein, have about two servings of protein-dense foods every day, and more if your lifestyle requires it.

2. Iron

Chronic fatigue and lack of energy are symptoms of iron deficiency, but the skin, hair, and nails also suffer when you have an iron deficiency. Skin, for example, can become itchy or overly pale, and you might even notice cracking at the corners of your mouth. Nails break easily, develop ridges or stripes, and in severe cases, become spoon-shaped. Besides that, you may experience hair loss, or your hair might become dull and brittle.

Meat is the best dietary source of iron, especially red meat. If you’re on a plant-based diet, you can get iron from whole grains and legumes, although it’s not as easily absorbed. Vitamin C can enhance iron absorption, so consider having orange juice or another vitamin C-rich food with your meals.

Getting iron and other organic vitamins and nutrients from a high-quality daily supplement is also a good option for filling in any nutritional gaps in your diet.

6. Hydration and Flavonoids

Antioxidants and flavonoids can both protect your skin from sun damage, while hydration is essential for the overall appearance and health of your skin, nails, and hair. Staying well hydrated and consuming flavonoids also improved the delivery of nutrients throughout the body by increasing blood flow.

Of course, drinking lots of water is essential for staying hydrated, but where do flavonoids come from? Well, they’re abundant in fruits and veggies plus green, black, and white tea. Or, if you’re having “one of those days” you can get your daily flavonoids from a glass of red wine or by eating some dark chocolate. (Just don’t forget that moderation is key!)

The Bottom Line

Of course, a good beauty routine is important for healthy skin, hair, and nails. But you’ve got to take care of your body from the inside out to get the best results. Eating a healthy diet and taking a high-quality multivitamin every day will not only enhance your beauty routine, but it will also have a positive impact on your overall health and energy levels on the day-to-day.

Photos from Unsplash