Jul 15, 2015 10:32 PM EDT
Food That Keep Hair and Skin Healthy

According to experts, coffee, watermelon, pomergranates, blueberries, lobster, kale, eggs, walnuts, avocado, and cantaloupe help people look young and fresh, TIME reports.

"Your diet directly affects your day-to-day appearance and plays a significant role in how well you age," said Joshua Zeichner, MD.

These food items contain vitamins and minerals that keep the hair and skin healthy.

According to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, drinking coffee keeps you away from melanoma. Researchers found out that people who drink four cups daily have 20% lower risk of acquiring skin cancer than those who don't.

Lycopene found in watermelons can serve as a sunscreen as it contains the same amount of sun protection equivalent to SPF3. "This antioxidant compound gives watermelon and tomatoes their red color-and helps skin stave off UV damage," said NutritiousLife.com founder, Keri Glassman.

Pormegranates give the skin Vitamin C to prevent dryness and wrinkles, anthocyamins for firmer skin, and ellagic acid that protects us from UV damage.

Blueberries also contain Vitamin C, as well as Vitamin E and arubtin, which Dr. Zeichner describes as a "a natural derivative of the skin lightener hydroquinone."

Cooking green leafy vegetable, Kale, gives nutrients that keep the blood healthy like Vitamin K and iron. "Insufficient levels of iron in your diet can cause your skin to look pale, making it easier to spot blood vessels under the skin," associate clinical professor of medicine, Howard Murad, MD explained. 

Cantaloupe also provides the skin with Vitamin A, also known as beta carotene, which regulates skin cell growth on scalp and keeps people away from flakes.

Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E found in Walnuts help produce natural oil to keep the hair strong and hydrated. Walnuts also contain copper, which keeps the hair's natural color.

Lobster, which is high in Zinc, may help people get rid of acne. "Zinc accelerates the renewal of skin cells," said Mt. Sinai's Icahn School of Medicine clinical assistant professor of dermatology, Whitney Bowe, MD. "That's why you find the nutrient in many acne medications." 

According to NYC's Eleven-Eleven Wellness Center director, Frank Lipman, "Eggs are a good source of biotin, a B complex vitamin that metabolizes amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein." So eggs also keep our fingernails and toenails healthy.

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