8 Foods with Beauty Benefits

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Stock up on these vitamin-rich foods to keep your skin, hair and body in the best shape ever!

By Karen Robock

You know eating a balanced diet is good for your health, but did you know it can keep you looking your best this summer, too? According to Toronto-based registered holistic nutritionist Peggy Kotsopoulos, author of Must Have Been Something I Ate, beauty is just a few bites away. Read on for her top seven beauty-enhancing foods.

Eat salmon…for shiny hair

The drying effects of UV exposure and chlorinated water can do a number on your tresses in the summertime. A serving of fresh fish once a week will give your body a shot of essential oils that will help to nourish your scalp and revive limp locks.

Eat oats…to soothe sunburned shoulders                                                                  

Oats are rich in selenium, which aids in the production of glutathione peroxidase, a vital antioxidant that helps repair damage to skin cells. Fell asleep dockside? In addition to eating a bowl for breakfast, applying a cooled oatmeal compress directly to sunburned areas can help prevent blistering and ease the ouch-factor.

Eat kale…for bright eyes                                                                                      

Loading up on your greens — including kale, spinach and chlorella — may help to give your peepers some extra sparkle. These greens are loaded with lutein, a carotenoid that’s key for eye health and can even help to shield your eyes from UVB rays. Add raw kale to salads or sautée with olive oil and garlic for a delicious side dish.

Eat cucumber…for strong nails

Top your sandwich with sliced cucumber for a mega dose of silica, a trace mineral that helps strengthen connective tissues. It’ll help to keep your nails strong and healthy-looking.

Eat avocado…for a youthful glow                                                                             

The vitamin E and healthy fats found in an avocado protect against the signs of premature aging — like fine lines and sagging — which are caused primarily by environmental pollutants and UV damage. Whip up your own guacamole or add a few slices to your salad. Just be mindful of sticking to a quarter or half of an avocado per serving: A whole fruit packs a whopping 224 calories and 30 grams of fat.

Eat strawberries…to smooth rough feet

These berries are a rich source of vitamin C, which stimulates collagen production. Smooth out scaly legs and rough feet by adding strawberries to your morning cereal or blending in a smoothie.

Eat watermelon…for a dewy complexion                                                           

Adequate levels of hydration are essential for healthy-looking skin. Water provides moisture and helps to purify skin by eliminating toxins. Down eight to 10 glass of water and other sugar-free, non-caffeinated beverages — like a home-brewed iced green tea, for example — daily and nibble on water-dense foods like watermelon to stay hydrated on hot days.