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Talk about killing two birds with one stone: You have to eat, and you want to look good, so why not eat what makes you look good? There’s no question that what you put into your body affects how you look on the outside, so next time you get the munchies, reach for one of the beauty super-foods listed below.
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Good Proteins
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Getting enough protein is vital for strong hair and healthy skin. Protein is essential to produce new skin cells and repair existing ones. Without enough protein in your diet, hair becomes weak and stretchy, and skin suffers.
Get your protein from the best possible sources, such as lean meats, eggs, beans and low-fat dairy products. Vegetarian? Health food stores are chock full of healthy meat substitutes that pack a whole lot of protein: tofu, tempeh, seitan, texturized vegetable protein, etc.
Bright Fruits and Veggies
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For a complexion that’s to-die-for, load up on nutrient powerhouses: brightly colored fruits and vegetables. They’re full of the antioxidant vitamin C, which helps prevent premature aging. They’re also vital for producing collagen and keeping skin supple.
In the produce section, pick out whatever draws your eye: berries, red peppers, broccoli, oranges or anything else that pops out of the sea of green.
Omega-3s and Vitamin E
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To condition your skin and hair from the inside out, make sure you’re getting enough essential fatty acids (omega-3s) and vitamin E every day. Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory and work against skin aging, and vitamin E is an antioxidant that repairs skin. Both are essential for keeping cells healthy.
Salmon is a great omnivore source of omega-3s; vegetarians can get theirs from flaxseed or evening primrose oil. It’s also found in walnuts. Vitamin E is packed into foods like nuts, peanut butter, wheat germ and avocados.
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