Australian Natural Health Magazine

Beauty from within

It’s what we put in our bodies that can help wind back the clock, not products that simply address skin and ageing concerns from the outside in.

With that philosophy in mind, superfoods and supplements are fast becoming a beauty routine norm, said to boost nourishment of those who already follow healthy diets, while providing much-needed vitamins and minerals to those who do not.

Here, Shannon Dun reveals the top beauty superfoods:

Avocado: Containing high amounts of antioxidant lutein, which protects the skin from UVB damage, avocado is an ideal beauty food thanks to its high concentrations of skin-nourishing vitamin E, vitamin C and oleic acid.

Try: Melrose Organic Avocado Oil topically or internally

Bee pollen: Composed of 22 amino acids with higher amounts of the eight essential amino acids than most high-protein foods, bee pollen is rich in B-complex vitamins, as well as vitamins C, D and E. It’s also high in lecithin, cysteine, RNA, DNA, good calcium, magnesium, beta carotene, and selenium. It helps to clear acne and reverse wrinkling.

Try: Loving Earth’s Jarrah Bee Pollen

Cacao: One of the most antioxidant-rich foods, cacao’s beautifying properties come from its high levels of magnesium, chromium, iron and manganese.

Try: Forest Superfoods Certified Organic Raw Cacao

Coconut oil: High in antioxidants, coconut oil is also said to control blood sugar levels, assist the thyroid gland and repair skin. Eat it from the spoon, blend into smoothies, use for high-heat cooking and as an all-over body moisturiser.
Try: BioMedicals Certified Organic Coconut Oil

Cucumber: A powerful internal cleanser, cucumber helps to clear skin thanks to the high levels of silicon in the vegetable’s skin.

Try: Juicing organic cucumbers with spinach, apple and a squeeze of lemon

Figs: Alkalising and high in minerals such as calcium, figs are great for digestion thanks to an abundance of fibre.

Try: Soaking and blending into your favourite green smoothie

Hemp seeds: One of the most nutritionally complete foods, high-protein hemp seeds contain all nine essential amino acids. Their omega 3 and 6 properties also promote healthy skin.

Try: Lariese Certified Organic Hemp Seed Oil

Macadamia nuts: High in selenium, zinc and fatty acids, macadamia nuts are highly beneficial for skin.

Try: Brookfarm Cold Pressed Macadamia Oil

Pumpkin seeds: Mineral-rich and a great source of B vitamins, pumpkin seeds also boast phytonutrients and fatty oils, which help to foster clear skin.

Try: Australian Pumpkin Seed Company’s Pumpkin Seed Oil, from $25.45. pumpkinseed.net.au

Shannon Dunn is a wellness writer at Eco Beauty Editor

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