The hair and skin benefits of eating well

You can own every make-up and haircare product in the world, which of course will help you look fabulous, but the real answer to healthy skin, strong nails and gorgeous locks has so much to do with the foods we eat.

Do you really think that a greasy burger and chips could have a positive impact on your skin? It comes down to one simple fact, and it's nothing new – you are what you eat! If you have been living on an unhealthy diet and believe you are getting away with it, rest assured that your immunity won't last forever. Sooner or later, bad eating habits will catch up with you. Switching to a healthy diet can not only support weight loss but can also benefit how you look in so many ways. What you eat really does impact your appearance. 

How does good nutrition support healthy skin and hair?

Healthy-looking skin 

Drinking water is a must for healthy-looking skin. Drinking it regularly helps keep you hydrated, which is really important if you find that you suffer from dry skin patches. Sometimes it's hard to get into a routine of sipping water during the day, so if this is an issue, try switching to green tea instead. This can be really effective because of the antioxidants it contains, which are great for the skin.

Remember that most fruits and vegetables have a high water content – opt for melon, cucumbers, peppers and oranges to keep your skin hydrated. Oranges in particular are packed full of vitamin C, which can help to strengthen the skin. Make sure you stock up on carrots, too, as they are great for keeping the skin clear and they are full of vitamin A.

Flax seeds, which contain omega-3 fatty acids, are said to be helpful when it comes to treating skin conditions such as eczema. If you're not sure how to include them in your diet, try scattering them over your porridge in the morning or sprinkling some over salad or soup during the day. Also make sure you get your fill of almonds, which are high in vitamin E – something we all need in the fight against sun damage.

Healthy hair 

Healthy hair is something that we women always strive for. We spend so much on treatments and serums and they often cost a small fortune. So wouldn't it be nice to think that if we ate the right foods, we could have beautiful hair and more money in our wallet?

Vitamin D is a must to keep your hair shiny and vibrant, and fish such as salmon or mackerel are all good sources, as are avocados. Eggs contain the B vitamin biotin, which is great for stimulating hair growth. Olive oil is good for giving hair shine, so make sure you get some every day.

To give hair strength, try to include plenty of iron in your diet – beef, peanuts and lentils are all good sources. Zinc, too, is helpful in preventing hair loss. You can find it in shellfish, beef, lamb and peanuts. Many people wonder why their nails are brittle and never grow. Again it all comes down to feeding yourself well in order to see the results on the outside. We were told when we were younger that our bones needed calcium. This is equally true for our nails, so try to include some dairy produce in your diet. Zinc and vitamin C are also great for maintaining strong nails. 

Staying youthful on the outside has so much more to do with our lifestyle and diet. Think of someone you know who has aged well. Chances are they take care of their body from the inside out. It's all about feeding ourselves with the right ingredients in order for the results to show on our face and body. Yes, the secret to younger-looking skin could be sitting in your fridge drawer!

Feed yourself well in order to see the results on the outside!