Eat yourself beautiful

If you eat well, you’ll be healthier. Fact. And when you’re healthy, it shows.

1. Sulphur

AKA ‘beauty mineral’, that can benefit the skin, hair and nails

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Sulphur rich foods include eggs, free-range meats, shellfish, garlic, lettuce, onions, raspberries, cabbage, turnips, kale and brussel sprouts.

Sulphur is a non-metallic element that can benefit the skin, hair and nails.

Essentially, sulphur exists within all our connective tissue, supporting and connecting our organs. It can continuously build and rebuild collagen and keratin, essential for shiny hair, plump skin and strong nails.

2. Zinc

Helps form the skin’s structural protein – collagen.

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Zinc-rich foods include oysters, grass-fed beef, organic milk, liver, lamb, cheese, eggs, shellfish and certain cereals and nuts.

We only need a tiny amount of zinc in our diet each day, and once ingested, it plays a crucial part in over 300 enzymatic processes.

These include protein synthesis and wound healing (ideal for zapping spots). It also helps in the metabolism of omega 3s and is needed to build keratin, which helps form the skin’s structural protein – collagen.

So, not only will zinc promote cell division and repair, giving you that coveted ‘dewy skin’, it’s also great for eczema sufferers.

3. Sardines

You’ll be rewarded with smooth, supple and clear skin thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties and high dose of omega 3.

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If you’re not too keen on eating them whole – eyes and all – buy the boneless, skinless, headless variety and spread on some sourdough bread with a squeeze of lemon.

4. Aloe Vera

Treasured for its health and beauty properties since ancient times.

The anti-inflammatory effects of aloe vera are one of its best-known actions, used as a soothing skin gel or ingested to calm symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

As your body is a system, by targeting any digestive issues you may have, you’ll also improve the way your body absorbs vitamins and minerals, and this, in turn, will give you a youthful glow and more energy.

For example, try taking two tablespoons of aloe vera juice twice a day.

5. Leafy greens

Fresh, ideally organic, leafy green produce is a real beauty booster.

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Spinach, for example, is a super-food rich in iron, folate, chlorophyll, vitamin E, magnesium, vitamin A, fibre, plant protein and vitamin C. It has it all.

Equally as beneficially is kale
It’s high in vitamin K, which protects our bones and supports a healthy circulatory system by strengthening capillary walls. Capillaries (tiny blood vessels) are essential for a healthy complexion as they deliver freshly oxygenated blood and nutrients to skin cells.

6. Almonds

There’s a reason why supermodels and actresses are often photographed with almonds as their on-the-go snack of choice.

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Almonds are rich in magnesium, riboflavin, vitamin E, phosphorus and protein. Just a handful a day not only staves of hunger pangs but can lower cholesterol, support strong bones and teeth and boost your metabolism.

Almonds are also loaded with antioxidants, making them a significant weapon in the fight against inflammation, acne, psoriasis and rashes.

7. Chia seeds

acked with fibre, omega- 3 fatty acids and are rich in vitamin A and C.

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These tiny black seeds are big hitters in the world of beautiful foods.

Chia seeds are packed with fibre, omega- 3 fatty acids and are rich in vitamin A and C. Consequently, they can boost skin radiance and elasticity, helping you glow from the inside out.

Chia seeds can also help stabilise blood sugar levels, reduce your risk of diabetes, and keep hunger levels (and weight gain) under control.

Plus, pound for pound, they’ve got more calcium than milk meaning stronger bones, teeth and nails.

8. Cucumber

Full of water, they’re great for hydration, which can help plump out fine lines and wrinkles and dietary fibre,

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Not only will a couple of cucumber slices soothe tired eyes, but the humble cucumber is also an underestimated beauty food hero.

Full of water, they’re great for hydration, which can help plump out fine lines and wrinkles and dietary fibre, helping you feel full for longer and less likely to snack on sweets, processed foods.

Cucumbers contain calcium, magnesium, potassium and folate – all-star players in the edible beauty world – and contain vitamins A, B1, B6, C and D.

9. Turmeric

Preserve the cellular structure of your skin and fight off the ageing process.

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People have been using turmeric for its health properties for thousands of years.

This beautiful, golden spice (which gives curries their yellow colour) is beloved in ancient ayurvedic tradition, not only for its earthy, slightly bitter taste but also for its multitude of culinary and beauty properties.

Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory which means it targets conditions caused by inflammation, including eczema, rosacea and acne. In addition, turmeric contains compounds called curcuminoids which hold medicinal properties.

10. Coconut oil

A great source of energy and is packed full of antioxidants to boot.

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First off, look for high-quality coconut oil. It should be food grade, chemical-free and ideally organic.

You can then add it to smoothies, use in cooking, or just eat it straight from the jar.

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