Superfoods: the buzzword thrown around so much that you can feel like you’re doing your food shop wrong if they don’t make an appearance in your trolley. Although our beauty cabinets are brimming with plenty of products promising miracles, we believe that what we eat is just as important as what we put on our skin. But, what are superfoods and what can they do to boost our beloved beauty rituals?
Generally speaking, superfoods are the most nutritionally rich foods accessible to us, including berries, nuts/seeds, grains, fruits and vegetables; each jam-packed with nutrients to benefit our appearance, wellbeing and health, making them more popular year-on-year. To break things down, because the list of superfoods is never-ending, we’ve selected our favourites for good skin, hair and nails…
SUPERFOODS ANY BEAUTY BUFF SHOULD KNOW ABOUT:
Avocado: Oh, the famous avocado, known nationwide for preventing millennials buying houses. That aside, avocado is incredibly rich in vitamin E, an essential and powerful antioxidant that works to repair skin and hair damage. This super fruit also boasts a high content of vitamin C, known to improve moisture levels. Avocado can also be used topically pretty much anywhere for its super nourishing properties.
Açaí Berries: If you’ve never had an Açaí bowl, make it your 2018 mission – trust us, you won’t be disappointed. This small dark in colour berry originates from the Amazon forest in Brazil and is bursting with vital vitamins and minerals, antioxidants and healthy fats, making it great for flushing out toxins, supporting the immune system, contributing to healthy skin and fighting free radicals and skin ageing.
Blueberries: High in antioxidants, vitamin C and iron, blueberries are one of the best (not to mention, delicious) for fighting free radicals, which attack skin and contribute to premature skin ageing. The blueberry muffin we had for breakfast can’t have been that bad then…
Cacao: Now this is one we can really get on board with. Obviously, we all love chocolate, but despite its many health faults, you’ll be glad to hear that cacao in its purest form offers many benefits for our skin and hair. The high antioxidant level blocks harmful free radicals, while the good amount of vitamin C and magnesium helps protect the skin and keep it looking healthy. Cacao’s raw enzyme also aids the repairing of skin and cell turnover, while it also works wonders for our hair, increasing blood circulation in our scalp and contributing to healthy, glossy hair growth.
Chia Seeds: Probably our favourite type of superfood seeds; bursting with vitamins, minerals, fibre and protein, making them a great ingredient for pancakes, overnight oats, detoxing smoothies and chia puddings (yum). Rich in antioxidants, calcium and omega 3 fatty acids, chia seeds can absorb up to 10 times their weight in water, which in addition to the high fibre and protein content, can be beneficial for weight loss and helping you feel fuller for longer. Chia seeds also set you on the path to glowing skin while reducing inflammation and dryness.
Coconut: Whether in butter or oil form, coconut is a highly nutritious healthy fat that provides many health benefits, as well as anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties. High in omega 3, coconut can aid skin softness while contributing to hair growth. The good fat acts as a barrier, blocking out premature ageing aggressors including UV rays and pollution. Not only does coconut work wonders from the inside, coconut oil is a beneficial topical treatment for skin, hair and nails. Permission to eat ALL of the Bounty chocolates? Well, it was worth a shot…
Goji Berries: Originating from the Himalayan region of China and Tibet, these small (but mighty) berries – often referred to as the anti-ageing fruit – contain 11 of the 22 essential dietary trace minerals (calcium, iron, zinc etc.) as well as vitamins A, C, E and B. However, the most exciting news for us? Goji Berries have huge anti-ageing potential. Rich in amino acids, carotenoids and polysaccharides, Goji Berries help smooth the look of your skin and improve tone and colour, while maintaining skin’s healthy glow and hydration. Additionally, the high levels of vitamin C promotes firmer and tighter skin.
Hemp Seeds: Hemp is typically found in the Northern Hemisphere and is a variety of the cannabis sativa plant. Hemp Seeds are rich in protein, healthy fats, iron and vitamins B and E and are can often be used an alternative to animal protein. All these nutrients work together to boost skin and hair, while helping nails grow faster.
Turmeric: We have fond childhood memories of meals our Mum’s made for us using this incredible superfood. Gaining popularity in recent months and set to be a huge focus in 2018, Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties can reduce a number of skin woes, including wrinkles, puffy and tired looking skin and general ageing. Prohibiting inflammation ensures skin appears younger and fresher, while relieving symptoms of more profound skin conditions like eczema and rosacea.
