There are all sorts of topical treatments which you can use to keep your skin and nails healthy. However, diet is even more important. When you get healthy nutrition with optimal amounts of vitamins, minerals and other valuable compounds, you will feel and look your best. You just have to ensure that you pick the right foods for top results.
Healthy Diet Benefits
Did you know that the skin is the largest organ of the human body? Everything which you eat had great impact on it. When it is properly nurtured, it will be smooth, even and radiant. The risk of problems such as dark spots, pimples, blemishes and wrinkles will be much lower. In the same way, you will have strong, smooth and fabulously looking nails if you get the nutrients which are needed for their proper growth with the food that you eat.
When your diet is healthy, you will enjoy healthy and beautiful skin and nails at all times. You will feel better too. You will have energy and good mood. These are essential for the overall health and for your looks as well.
Eating the Right Foods
What exactly does healthy nutrition involve? The most important thing is to include the right foods in your diet. Vitamin A, which is essential for the normal functioning of the skin cells, is found in low-fat dairy products and fish. Carotene, which is transformed into vitamin A by the human body, is found in carrots, pumpkins and squash. Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen which keeps the skin and nails strong and gives them their natural radiance. It is found in kiwis, citrus fruit and peppers. Vitamin E protects the cells from free-radical damage which is responsible for all signs of ageing. It is found in nuts, seeds and avocados.
Zinc is an essential mineral for repairing skin and nail damage. It is found in nuts and seeds, leafy greens and lean beef. Selenium helps to protect the cells from oxidative stress and damage. It is found in whole-grain breads, pasta and cereals, in chicken and in Brazil nuts. Iron prevents nail brittleness and improper growth and shaping. It is found in beans, poultry, egg yolk, spinach and nettle.
While vitamin C and E are essential for preventing free-radical damage and ageing, there are other antioxidants which will contribute to their effect. These are found in berries and green tea. The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are necessary for ensuring that the skin and nail cells get properly nurtured. They are found in fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel and in flaxseed oil. The use of healthy natural oils for preparing food such as olive oil will also give you health benefits. They help to keep moisture inside the skin so that it is plump, smooth and radiant.
Finally, healthy nutrition for skin and nail care is about cooking foods in a healthy way. It is best to consume fruit, vegetables and nuts raw. When you cook food, you should use stewing and roasting rather than frying. Add as little fat as possible.