By now I’m sure we’re all well versed in the all-encompassing nature of the age-old saying, You are what you eat”. I know I speak for all of us when I say we are all too aware of what a diet of hot chips and chocolate is going to do to our waistline, and, thanks to countless magazine articles detailing a good-skin diet, people are becoming more educated about the effects our food choices can have on our skin, hair and nails.
This week, Ravinder Lilly, nutritionist at USANA Health Sciences, came out with a list of foods she promises will provide benefits to your hair, skin and nails. Unfortunately hot chips and chocolate didn’t make the list, but instead we find the usual suspects of dark leafy greens, seafood and carrots. There are some pleasant inclusions, though, in the form of peanut butter and even cheese – now that’s what I’m talking about.
For beautiful, healthy hair, Lilly recommends dark leafy greens for their iron, folate and vitamin C, as well as seafood for its high dose of omega 3s. When it comes to clear skin, Lilly suggests carrots, sweet potatoes and lunchbox favourite tinned tuna, which contains selenium, a nutrient that facilitates the preservation of elastin. Finally, for strong nails, Lilly recommends adding peanut butter, eggs and cheese to your diet for their vitamin B-boosting qualities.
Eating certain foods that contain the right vitamins and minerals means you’re literally feeding your skin, hair and nails,” Lilly says.
Looking at the list of Lilly’s suggested foods, I have to say I’m pleased. Far from being unachievable, I am confident I can include the majority of these in my diet – most I actually do already. Although I could probably up the dark, leafy green intake if I’m being completely honest…
How does your diet fit in with Lilly’s suggestions? Do you see changes in your skin, hair and nails as a result of what you eat?