By Angela Vertucci

In more than one way, beauty comes from within. No matter how many dollars you spend on clothes and cosmetics, to cultivate the most beautiful you, you have to work from the inside out. We’re focusing specifically on what you eat. Beauty starts with a proper diet, and these power foods are just as kind to your physical appearance as they are to your inner health and well-being.

Blueberries, Blackberries, Strawberries and Pomegranates
These delicious fruits not only taste like candy, but their chock-full of vitamin C and antioxidants, which boost collagen production—a process important for healthy, smooth and youthful looking skin.

Chickpeas, Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds and Chia Seeds
Vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids are the magic ingredients here. Vitamin E helps slow down skin aging, while omega-3 fatty acids promote smooth skin and shiny hair. There is also research suggesting that pumpkin seeds may reduce the appearance of acne. Yes please!

Beans, Lentils, Egg Whites and Lean Meats
Jack had the right idea when he traded the family cow for a couple of magic beans. Beans may not have the supernatural powers of fairy tales, but their effect on hair and nails is something like magic. Along with lentils, egg whites, lean meat and other low-fat sources of protein, beans promote strong, damage-resistant hair and nails.

Green Tea
This powerful drink has seemingly endless benefits. It helps you stay hydrated, which improves skin quality; it’s full of antioxidants, which not only prevent diseases like cancer, but protect skin from sun damage; and perhaps best of all, it keeps your metabolism going.

Oysters, Clams, Mussels and Lobster
Shellfish provides important low-fat protein, and is also a great source of zinc and B vitamins. So next time you dine out, you can justify ordering the pricy lobster with the knowledge that it promotes hair health, boosts your immune system and may even prevent acne.

Tomatoes, Carrots, Squash and Sweet Potatoes
Fibrous produce rich in vitamin A can aid in the development of healthy skin cells. Tomatoes, which contain a large amount of lycopene, can also provide some skin protection against dangerous UV rays.

Celery
Can you whiten your smile by eating celery!? Yep! According to Dr. Oz, this awesome property is due to the fact that celery contains fibrous cellulose which works like a toothbrush, scrubbing away stains while you chew.

Oranges, Grapefruits and Lemons
To stock up on vitamin C, look no further than your favorite citrus fruits. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can prevent skin from aging prematurely due to overexposure to the sun. Citrus fruits are also a great source of bioflavonoid, which promotes healthy, supple skin through strong collagen production.

Salmon, Sardines and Mackerel
We love our omega-3 fatty acids! That’s why we also love these fishy, fatty-acid-rich foods. Omega-3 fatty acids promote healthy skin by keeping it hydrated and reducing redness and inflammation. Salmon also contains selenium—another friend of skin.

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