10 Top Beauty Foods

Story by Anna Sachse
CTW Features


FISH
According to Dawn Jackson Blatner, a registered dietitian and advisory board member for Fitness Magazine, the omega-3 fatty acids and water in this nutrient-dense protein help keep skin hydrated from the inside out. "Omega-3s also reduce inflammation on the cellular level, which helps prevent dry, scaly skin, redness and acne," adds Lisa Drayer, registered dietitian and author of "The Beauty Diet: Looking Great Has Never Been So Delicious" (McGraw-Hill, 2008). Drayer's first choice: wild salmon.

BLUEBERRIES
One cup of blueberries has just 80 calories but also packs four grams of fiber, which keeps you feeling satisfied, says Drayer. They also boast anthocyanins (the bluish-red pigments), which help prevent collagen degradation and leave skin feeling supple.

CASHEWS
Easy to eat on the fly, these nuts are a good source of zinc, which may work to keep your skin blemish-free, Jackson Blatner says.

TURKEY
Drayer advises opting for the dark meat of this popular bird - the combo of zinc and iron helps prevent a flaky scalp, brittle strands and hair loss.

KALE
Research has shown that people who eat carotenoid-containing fruits and veggies like this anti-inflammatory leafy green are perceived as more attractive because they have yellow-tinted skin, notes Jackson Blatner.

LOW-FAT YOGURT
One cup of plain, low-fat yogurt supplies about half of your daily calcium needs, explains Drayer. "Along with the phosphorus in dairy, calcium helps keep teeth cavity-free."

KIWI
Actually a berry, kiwi is one of the best sources of vitamin C, which stimulates collagen synthesis and helps keep gums healthy, says Drayer.

EGGS
These protein-packed superstars also contain biotin, which may help nails grow faster, stay strong and avoid brittleness, says Jackson Blatner.

WATER
Drink about 72 ounces of water each day to promote healthy digestion and a strong metabolism, says Jackson Blatner. Consider substituting green tea for 16-24 of those ounces, especially leading up to the wedding, as it contains theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation, Drayer adds.

PARSLEY
Jackson Blatner recommends sprinkling this slightly peppery herb on everything you eat in the days preceding your event. "It's a diuretic so it keeps bloating and puffiness at bay."

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