Beauty from the Inside Out

by Keri Glassman, M.S., R.D., C.D.N

Does your skin glow?

Glowing skin is a sign that you're treating yourself right! Your skin is often the most obvious indicator of your general health and is often where the first signals of nutrition problems and/or dehydration show.

Dull, sallow or blotchy skin can be a direct reflection of the "stuff" you're eating and drinking. Good skin needs the right balance of vitamins, minerals (and water!) to look its best.

Since adequate hydration is the first step in helping your skin look supple, True Lemon is one of the ways you can be good to your skin. True Lemon is an easy way to help you drink your recommended amount of water every day without adding any "bad stuff". Every packet of True Lemon also has 25 percent of your daily Vitamin C requirements. Vitamin C helps in the build-up of collagen, and with more collagen, your skin retains its elasticity and wrinkles take longer to form.

Other vitamins, minerals and foods especially good for glowing skin

Almonds. Known for their anti-aging properties, almonds contain a lot of Vitamin E and have a high amount of fatty acids that keep skin supple. Almonds also contain antioxidant selenium. A handful is enough since almonds have a lot of calories.

Fish. Eating oily fish like salmon that contain Omega-3 fatty acids will help hydrate and nourish skin. Wild salmon is the best type to buy because it has the highest levels of Omega-3 fatty acids.

Tomatoes contain skin-cancer-fighting antioxidants: beta-carotene, vitamin C and lycopene. Eat tomatoes in any form and you will ingest these antioxidants. To increase the body's absorption of lycopene, cook tomatoes in a little olive oil.

Vitamin C. As noted, Vitamin C helps in the build up of collagen, which reduces wrinkles. Kiwi fruit is the best source of vitamin C. Other good sources are oranges, mango, honeydew, papaya and True Lemon!

Vitamin C and iron together help reduce the dark circles under your eyes. Eat skinless chicken and red, yellow and orange peppers for rich doses.

Vitamin E is known to ease swelling and redness associated with sunburns. Swelling causes the stretching of skin that in turns leads to wrinkle formation. Eat plenty of peaches and blueberries to increase the build up of vitamin E in your body.

Water. You many know water is crucial for optimizing metabolism and other bodily processes. But consuming enough water is the best way to add back the moisture you have lost in your skin as well as increase your energy - making you look and feel great! Water helps to protect your skin from becoming too dry, cracking, itching and chapping as well as help to heal your skin from damage. It helps refresh your skin, giving it a natural glow.

Zinc and Calcium. Both help eradicate pimples. Zinc is found in oysters, turkey, seafood, eggs and milk. Calcium is good for your bones of course, but also helps clear your skin too. Calcium rich foods like skim milk, low-fat cheese and yogurt not only remove pimples but reduce wrinkles as well.

Beauty foods for hair, nails and teeth

Apples and Celery. Help remove stains from the enamel of your teeth with these crunchy foods.

Protein. Keep nails strong and moisturized by eating plenty of protein. Protein helps in the build up of keratin, the substance that forms nails. Skinless, boneless chicken breast, lean turkey, tuna and beans are rich in proteins.

Silica is important to keep your hair elastic, shiny and healthy. Raw oats, cucumber skin, onions and bean sprouts are rich in this mineral.

Vitamin B. Food rich in vitamin B makes your hair shiny! Important sources are eggs, milk, green vegetables and poultry.

Remember, eating healthy is one of your best beauty secrets!

Written by Keri Glassman, M.S., R.D., C.D.N. Glassman is a registered dietitian, an author and president of Keri Glassman, A Nutritious Life. She appears regularly on news programs and has launched a new line of skincare products called Skin Appetit. Used in combination with proper hydration and vitamin C, Skin Appetit maximizes the skin's potential for looking beautiful.

To read more about Keri, click here

Click here to download a coupon for a $1 Skin Appetit

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