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Diet For Natural Beauty

Just as diet and health are closely related, so also are diet and beauty. What we eat has a profound effect on our outward appearance as well as on our physical well being. An ideal diet for improved looks is one which supplies adequate quantities of all the nutrients essential to health and beauty. The nutrients which are of particular importance for beauty and their main sources are mentioned herein:

(1) Vitamin A :- This vitamin is essential for healthy hair and eyes and for prevention and clearing of infections of the skin. It also counteracts dry skin, dandruff and wrinkle formation. Vitamin A is needed for healthy blood circulation which gives a glow. to the skin. Lack of this vitamin is sometimes responsible for pimples or acne, visual fatigue and dull and dry hair. The main natural sources of this vitamin are cod liver oil, dairy products, carrots, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, papaya and melon.

(2) Vitamin B Complex :- All the vitamins of B group are directly related to the health of the skin and hair. They are vital for youthful looks and for delaying greying of hair. These vitamins also counteract stress, which has adverse effects on one's appearance. A deficiency of B complex vitamins can lead to greasy hair, dandruff, dry skin, redness and irritation, wrinkles and poor hair growth or grey hair. Valuable natural sources of these vitamins are wheat and other whole grain cereals, pulses, nuts, green leafy vegetables, molasses, meat, and brewer's yeast.

(3) Vitamin C :- This vitamin is essential for the health of the hair, eyes and teeth, resistance to infection, healing of wounds and firm skin tissues. It reduces pigmentation and prevents bleeding of the gums. A deficiency may cause dry skin and thread veins. This vitamin is found in green vegetables, fresh fruits, specialty citrus fruits, like lemon, oranges and grapefruit, the Indian gooseberry (amla) and sprouted bengal and green grams.

(4) Vitamin D :- This vitamin is essential for healthy teeth, bones and nails as well as for the assimilation of calcium and phosphorus. A deficiency can to dental decay. Valuable natural sources of vitamin D are rays of the sun, milk, butter, and sprouted seeds.

(5) Vitamin E :- This vitamin is one of the latest discoveries in the field of beauty. It is needed to prevent wrinkles, dry skin,brown age spots and dandruff. It helps to improve circulation and healing of scars. Whole wheat bread, whole grains, wheat germ, milk and raw or spouted seeds and nuts are the main natural sources of this vitamin.

(6) Protein :- Adequate protein is necessary for healthy hair, skin,teeth and nails and for firm skin tissues. Main natural sources are dairy products, nuts, pulses, wheat germ and brewer's yeast.

(7) Fats :- Fats are necessary to counteract dry skin and hair and for assimilation of fat-soluble vitamins. Main natural sources are butter, vegetable oils and nuts.

(8) Calcium and Phosphorus :- These two minerals work together for healthy teeth,hair, nails and bones. A deficiency of calcium in the diet can lead to tooth decay and recession of gUm~. The main dietary sources of calcium are milk products, whole wheat, leafy vegetables, orange and lemon. Phosphorus is found in abundance in cereals, ,pulses, nuts, fruit juices, milk and legumes.

9) Water :- Water should be taken in large quantities, from six to eight glasses, throughout the day, except during meals. It gives the skin the necessary moisture and a dewy look. It clears the system of all toxins and keeps the blood free from impurities. Water also protects the skin against pimples. In case of insufficient intake of water the body will draw on all its water reservoirs, including those of the skin, resulting in dehydration of the skin.