Our Blog

6 of the Best Superfood Products for Skin, Hair and Nails

What if I told you these six superfoods could help transform your appearance while also saving some of your hard-earned cash, and that they are all available in the NUA Naturals product catalog?

Did you know that Irish people are spending an average jaw-dropping sum of €9 million euro a day on their appearance?

Beauty resonates from within so replacing a monthly facial, that could set you back nearly a hundred, with some of these antioxidant rich superfoods can make all the difference. Ditch the exhausting, expensive and frankly unnecessary ten step beauty regimen and replace it with these six ingredients that taste as good as they make you look.

1. Goji Berries

goji berries

A small berry that packs a powerful punch of antioxidants that rejuvenate skin returning that youthful glow we all crave.

The health benefits of goji berries are not a new phenomenon, having origins rooted in ancient Chinese medicine, where they were believed to aid longevity, prevent tumour growth and act as an anti-inflammatory.

From a young age, we are taught to maximise our vitamin consumption, so I am delighted to inform you that goji berries are packed full of vitamin A, B, C, amino acids, zinc and antioxidants.

Antioxidant is an inescapable term that pops up in nearly every health and beauty article we see so what does it mean?

Antioxidants protect us from damage cause by free radicals, molecules that damage our skin, hair and nails and accelerate the much-feared ageing process. 

A research study conducted at the University of Sydney proved that these berries help to protect our skin from the harmful UV rays that we encounter daily from the sun. This in turn defends us against long-term skin damage and skin cancer.

The same study led by Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Basil Roufogalis also revealed that goji berries can help fight age related eye diseases. This extremely versatile superfood can be added to smoothies, cereals or porridge, yoghurt or can be eaten alongside your favourite dried fruit and nuts.

If, like me, your jam-packed schedule does not allow time for elaborate recipes, then goji berries are a super quick, super easy way to pack in your daily nutrients.

2. Almonds

“Almonds are a powerhouse of nutrients”. According to nutritionist Dr. Ritika Saamaddar, “They give us a good amount of proteins, which is basic for hair and overall health. They are also rich in micronutrients which have a great role to play for your hair and skin health.”

almonds NUA

Still not convinced? Even her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex advocates the beauty benefits of almonds.

Intrigued by the support of royalty I decided to investigate what inside this nut has the capability to transform our skin and hair. So, what’s the secret?

  • Vitamin E, a natural antioxidant that supports collagen production to plump tired skin and repair your lifeless locks.
  • Vitamin A stimulates the production of new cells helping to combat those unwelcome crow’s feet.
  • As well as boasting many vitamins, almonds also contain omega-3, a fatty acid known for its ability to fight premature ageing.

The list of power punching ingredients doesn’t stop there. If you could tweak anything about yourself what would it be? The acne scars that still linger as a constant reminder of your spotty youth or what about the stretch marks that arrived with the birth of your first child? We should all be happy in our own skin, but I know myself that given the opportunity to make a few small edits here and there, without the use of a needle, I would jump at the chance.

So, when I discovered that almonds contain zinc which has been found to reduce scarring and stretch marks I was sold. This tasty treat can be eaten standalone, in salads, in baking or even as a nut butter on your morning toast. Add just a small amount of almonds to your diet now and trust me your skin, hair and nails will thank you later.

3. Spirulina

Beautifying yourself starts from the inside out and Spirulina is here to lend a helping hand. A green algae superfood that is incredibly high in protein and nutrients.

Spirulina’s detoxifying powers help to reduce dark circles under our eyes, which is great news for those of us who struggle to get our recommended eight hours of shuteye.

It also has a high content of vitamin A, B12, E, as well as calcium, iron and phosphorus ready to tone and revitalise your skin.

What’s more, Spirulina has anti-ageing benefits thanks to tyrosine, vitamin E and selenium.

The health benefits of Spirulina extend far past just our skin. The 70% protein volume of this superfood boosts nail repair and growth so you can ditch gel or acrylic nails and flaunt your own.

Introducing Spirulina to you diet, just four times a week, can promote hair growth, treat hair loss and treat dandruff. This is because Spirulina contains the vitamins, proteins, minerals and fatty acids that are essential for maintaining hair health.

Perhaps the answers to our prayers for the glossy, healthy luscious locks we see in magazines lies not in a one hundred euro miracle product but in our diet. There is only one way to find out so why not try it out. You can try our Spirulina Tablets or simply add Spirulina Powder to your smoothie or latte, or if you fancy a pamper night why not whip it up into a paste and apply it hair and face as a mask? If you are feeling even more adventurous, why not try your hand at making Spirulina ice cream, guacamole or cookies?

4. Acai Powder

Acai powder should be a staple in every household pantry. The acai berry is small in size, resembling a blueberry, but features an easily distinguishable bright purple complexion.

This complexion holds secret hacks to radiant skin, hair and nails. It is the antioxidant anthocyanin that gives acai berries its purple pigment and it is this same antioxidant that protects our skin from the ceaseless battle against free radicals.

Acai berries have a strong association with anti-ageing, more than any other fruit in fact. This is in part thanks to their antioxidant content but also thanks to its multitude of vitamins and essential fatty acids.

The acai berry cannot promise eternal beauty but it will help to revive and heal damaged cells and restore moisture to our skin and hair. It can decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, firm skin and improve suppleness.

Our skin is the largest organ in our body so it is important to take the time to care for it properly. I would personally recommend an acai smooth bowl, which has been a recent raging trend across social media platforms. Why not snap a quick picture of your favourite acai bowl recipe and don’t forget to tag us in it so we can see your creative concoctions?

5. Raw Cacao

I am forever dreaming of a day where scientist nolonger condemn chocolate to its prison cell at the top of the food pyramid, only to be consumed in small quantities. I am however, acutely aware that this will forever remain a dream.

Raw cacao can help satiate our chocolate cravings guilt free! Chocolate and cacao are produced from the same plant so how do their health ratings vary so significantly?

Chocolate is produced by roasting and fermenting the raw beans, stripping them of their vitamin and antioxidant content.

As previously mentioned antioxidants are essential for anti-ageing and the additional high mineral content in raw cacao clears skin and prevents against breakouts.

It has also been proven to reduce high blood pressure improving vascular health and can regulate mood swings through phenylethylamine, an amino acid derivative. Perfect for that dreaded time of the month.

 

Therefore, my hero product of the month goes to raw cacao. It takes twenty one days to form a habit so why not try replacing a KitKat with some cacao nibs and those coveted Cadbury’s hot chocolates with a healthier cacao alternative?

6. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds deliver a massive amount of nutrients with very few calories, what more could you ask for?

The key to winning any battle is having a strong defence line. So, the key to winning the battle against free radicals is a strong skin barrier.

Our skin barrier is comprised of omega-3 fatty acids, ceramides and cholesterol. The good news is that just two teaspoons of chia seeds contains our recommended daily dosage of omega-3.

A strong skin barrier will also lock in moisture so your skin cell soldiers will not suffer from dehydration. After all what is the point in lathering our skin and hair with moisturising creams and conditioners if our skin fails to retain the benefits that moisturising promises?

For those of you out there who are lacking in dairy, whether it be because you are lactose intolerant or because you just cannot seem to meet the recommended daily dosage, this next point is of extra benefit to you. Chia seeds have five times more calcium than milk.

Calcium is required to regenerate skin cells and to further moisturise them. Like the other products I have mentioned, chia seeds are also packed with antioxidants essential for fighting ageing and protecting ourselves from harmful UV rays.

Chia seed advocates suggest adding these to porridge or granola or you could try shaking up your regular breakfast for a chia pudding alternative. More recipe suggestions are just a google click away.

You are what you eat.

Okay, I admit this is a slight over exaggeration and you are not going to sprout cauliflower ears anytime soon.

This phrase, however, does hold some merit in that if you eat healthy your skin, hair and nails will reflect your well balanced diet.

My mission was to find the top six beauty products available in supermarket aisles rather than department store beauty concessions and for a fraction of the price.

If we protect our appearance through our diet, we can cut down on the overpriced and time-consuming trips to the beauticians, hairdressers and dermatologists. 

I have outlined the essential role of antioxidants, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals in our fight against ageing. Incorporating these superfoods into your diet is easy and will help your skin, hair and nails to press pause on the ticking age clock. They will repair and protect your skin, hair and nails allowing you to wake up with the confidence to seize the day, every day.

Don’t just trust me, trust the science and the experts and trust yourself by clicking on the product links below and trying it out for yourself today. They could transform your appearance and your bank statement.

Author: Eva McCarthy

Share this post

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Select your currency
EUREuro
Cart
  • No products in the cart.