Page 20 - Florida Sentinel 3-22-19

Health
Ditch the facial cleaners, the magic hair growth pill, and the chemical containing body scrubs. As much as we love our skincare, haircare and other beauty products, the key to look- ing and feeling our best doesn’t start in the drug store, it starts on our plates.
In order to glow on the out- side, you must nourish yourself from the inside. A healthy and wholesome diet can affect your appearance by improving the condition of your hair, skin, and nails.
So let us explore some of the best foods to consume:
Salmon, mackerel, an- chovies, herring, sardines, walnuts are all foods high in Omega-3s.
Your body needs this essen- tial fatty acid to grow hair and keep it shiny and full. Omega-3 fatty acids can also reduce the
production of molecules and substances linked to inflamma- tion which may alleviate symp- toms of inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis.
Sunflower seeds, beans, brazil nuts are to name a few of the foods high in se- lenium.
Selenium is a trace mineral that in small doses can have a beneficial impact on your health. It is required for the functioning of the body’s antioxidant en- zymes, cell growth, and survival. This mineral optimizes skin health by protecting it against harsh seasonal elements.
Leafy greens, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots are great sources of vitamin A.
Vitamin A fights off free rad- icals. Free radicals are unstable
atoms that damage cells and cre- ate oxidative stress. They con- tribute to the aging process and increases cancer risk.
Vitamin A is one of the best vitamins for the skin as it in- creases blood flow, promotes strong cellular membranes, de- creases excess sebum produc- tion and can help prevent skin damage.
Green peppers, water- melon, grapefruit, kiwi, mango, broccoli are power- house packers of vitamin C.
Vitamin C when consumed in fresh produce, helps reverse skin damage caused by the sun and pollutants. It stimulates col- lagen production, causing new skin growth, wrinkle reduction, and an overall smoother texture.
A single red grapefruit con- tains more than 100% of the rec- ommended daily value for vitamin C so it is not hard to have a sufficient vitamin C in- take.
Lean cuts of meat, poultry, fish, milk, cheese are all good
sources of high biological value proteins.
As hair is made mostly of protein, eating a diet that con- tains sufficient levels of protein is considered essential for keep- ing hair healthy, strong and growing naturally. A deficiency can lead to thin, brittle hair or hair loss.
Almonds, Eggs, Avo- cado and whole grain bread are known to be filled with Biotin.
Biotin has been noted to stimulate new cells, speeding hair and nail growth. Biotin is also needed so that the body can metabolize the protein known as keratin and fatty acids, which are essential elements in hair growth.
What does this all mean? Eating a varied and colorful diet will provide important vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to keep your hair, skin, and nails strong and healthy. Not only will you be looking good, you will be feeling great.
PAGE 8-B FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2019