How to eat yourself beautiful

10 healthy foods to solve your beauty problems

Fed up of pricey skin creams, disappointing hair products and time-consuming beauty treatments? Then it’s time to eat yourself beautiful! Check out these 10 nutritious snacks that can solve your beauty problems.

Beauty problem: Weak or thinning hair

What to eat: Whole grains

Whole grains such as brown rice and oats are rich in essential B vitamins including biotin (B7), which can help alleviate hair loss and brittle hair. They are also a good source of silica, which can help reduce hair breakage, and zinc; an important hair nutrient which, in its deficiency, can lead to hair loss. Try to eat a variety of whole grains (opting for those that are as close to their natural state as possible) for healthy, strong and shiny hair.

Beauty problem: Dark under-eye circles

What to eat: Spinach

There are many causes of dark circles under the eyes, including heredity, tiredness and anaemia; however, one of the reasons for dark circles can be poor circulation. To address this cause and alleviate under-eye shadows, try to up your intake of vitamins K and C, which help to boost circulation and strengthen capillary walls. Dark, leafy greens such as spinach are good sources of these nutrients.

Beauty problem: Dry skin

What to eat: Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are a great source of vitamin E, which can help the skin to retain its natural moisture levels and stay soft and hydrated. Opt for flaxseeds or walnuts for maximum skin benefits, as these are also rich in skin-saving omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to keep dry skin at bay.

Beauty problem: Stained teeth

What to eat: Crunchy fruit and vegetables

The most important steps for getting perfect white teeth are maintaining good oral health standards (brushing, flossing and regularly visiting the dentist) and cutting down on cigarettes and teeth-staining foods and drinks. However, following meals with crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples, celery and carrots can also help to whiten teeth. The abrasiveness of these crunchy foods can help to give your teeth a post-meal clean, removing bacteria and lifting stains from your teeth.

Beauty problem: Chapped lips

What to eat: Yogurt and oatmeal smoothie

Cracked, flaky lips can affect us all from time to time, but if you find yourself suffering regularly from chapped lips it could be a sign of a B vitamin deficiency. The B vitamin complex help to nourish the skin and keep it healthy, so try increasing your intake of foods rich in B vitamins – such as yogurt and oats – to help keep chapped lips hydrated. Oats and yogurt are also good sources of zinc, which can help sore, cracked lips to heal more quickly.