7 Get Gorgeous Foods for Better Hair, Skin, & Nails

“Salmon contains Omega-3s which contributes to a healthy scalp and keeps the skin lubricated. The protein helps fight against a protein deficiency, which can change your hair color, make your nails brittle, and your skin dull. Whip up some poached salmon with curried yogurt sauce to get your fix.” –Popsugar

“Rich, creamy, and packed with good-for-you monounsaturated fats, avocados are the ultimate get-gorgeous food. Key for healthy hair, skin, and nails, monounsaturated fatty acids or “good fats” can aid in lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, while improving HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Avocados also contain antioxidants, fiber, potassium, magnesium, and folate; and one avocado is packed with more potassium than a medium banana—almost 900 grams! Additionally, studies show that avocados are “nutrient boosters,” meaning they aid the body in absorption of nutrients from other foods.” –Shape

“Berries are loaded with anti-inflammatory agents and vitamins that help protect you from premature aging. The antioxidants in berries help minimize the damage of free radicals, which can accelerate wrinkle formation and cause disease. Additionally, berries are packed with vitamin C, which helps produce skin that’s firm and strong. Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is a nutrient that’s essential to the production of collagen, a protein that aids in the growth of cells and blood vessels.” –Shape

“Not only are almonds a good source of protein, they’re loaded with magnesium, which helps maintain healthy hair and nails. “Magnesium is Mother Nature’s anti-stress mineral, and stress is a major factor in hair loss,” explains Ashley Koff, RD. “Vertical ridges in your nails may be a sign of inadequatemagnesium,” adds Palinski.” –Health.com

“Beer is one of the richest sources of silicon in the average diet, says research from the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. “Silicon is a trace mineral thought to increase circulation to the scalp, which is good news for hair growth,” says Rebecca Kazin, MD, dermatologist at the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery and the Johns Hopkins Department of Dermatology. That explains why a daily 10 milligram silicon supplement was shown to reduce hair and nail brittleness after 20 weeks, according to the Archives of Dermatological Research. No need to go overboard, though: Most single servings of beer contain more than 10 milligrams of silicon. Experts recommend that having no more than one drink a day if you’re a woman, and two if you’re a man.” –MSN

“Dark leafy greens: Kale, collard greens, and chard are just a few sources high in vitamin A and C, which your body needs in order to produce sebum, the oil that’s secreted in your hair follicles. In addition, eating greens at every meal helps your body store more iron, which is essential for healthy hair and giving your skin a healthy glow.” –Popsugar

“Sweet potatoes can help boost immunity and promote glowing, gorgeous skin. Full of beta-carotene, sweet potatoes can help maintain bright, healthy eyes and protect your beautiful skin from UV exposure. Sweet potatoes are bursting with Vitamins A, C, and E, which can help improve the look of your hair and skin. Enjoy these nutritious spuds steamed, baked, sautéed, or roasted into sweet potato fries (my favorite!). Serve with organic ketchup and you’ll be on your way to gorgeous.” –Shape