11 Foods That Make You Gorgeous

Everyone needs to be healthy and satisfied from the inside out.  Your personal appearance – the way you see yourself in the mirror – has reverberating effects on your mood, energy level and actions.  Cotton Candy Magazine® recognizes the importance of a woman’s physical appearance on personal health.  That’s why we’ve solicited the help of Registered Dietitian and director of NYC’s Nutrition Energy Lauren Antonucci.  She gives us 11 foods that actually make you gorgeous – and healthy.

Pineapple is a year round fruit which contains the skin-protecting antioxidant quercetin. Quercetin helps fight free radicals that can accelerate the effects of aging.

Radishes produce a compound shown to help support the body’s natural detoxification process. Our skin is a major detox organ so the more detoxifying foods we can add to our diet, the more clear and healthy our skin will look.

Spices in your diet, such as saffron and paprika, may help protect your skin.  These spices contain caroteniods – natural coloring agents which also as act powerful antioxidants, fight free radicals and help protect against skin damage.

Sardines are a natural source of vitamin B12, which helps our bodies turn food into energy that powers our metabolism. Low B12 levels can lead to fatigue and mood changes, preventing you from feeling and performing your best. Include a can of low-mercury, high protein sardines for an energy and mood boost.

Walnuts are an excellent source of biotin, a B vitamin that helps strengthen brittle nails. Add one serving ( ¼ cup) of walnuts to your daily diet. Walnuts are a great source of anti-inflammatory omega-3s.

Avocados are high in healthy monounsaturated fats that will give your skin a healthy glow. This tasty fruit is also loaded with vitamins B6, C, E, K and several antioxidants, including zeaxanthin.  Avocados work inside and outside your body.  Buy an avocado, put ¼  in your salad then use the rest for a facial or hair mask.

Lentils are a great source of protein which makes hair stronger and healthier. Try adding a serving of lentils to your daily diet.  Vegetarians whose diets are lacking in protein may suffer from thinning hair. Inadequate total protein intake might be the cause.

Cherries are a nutritional powerhouse, containing vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant with anti-wrinkle properties.

Tomatoes and watermelon have lycopene, which serves as an antioxidant – a natural sunscreen. Always use sunscreen, but think of this as a bonus.

Asparagus is high in the lutein,beta-carotene and quercetin – all of which will help reduce skin redness. Drizzle steamed or roasted asparagus with fresh lemon juice for an extra kick of vitamin C.

Written by: Lauren Antonucci, MS, RD, CSSD, CDE, CDN

Lauren Antonucci is a Registered Dietitian, Board Certified Specialist in sports nutrition, Certified Diabetes Educator, and owner of Nutrition Energy in New York City.  Antonucci serves as a private practice dietitian, weight loss expert, nutrition lecturer and frequent health and nutrition contributor. She has been featured on Good Day New York and NY1 News.