5 foods to help you look bride beautiful

We all know that the weeks leading up to your wedding will be one of the most stressful and exhausting times of your life. Yet, have we ever thought about what this stress and fatigue is doing to our skin? Nothing good that’s for sure! From wrinkles to dark circles, dry skin to acne, this busy time preparing for your wedding will take its toll on your looks. Don’t worry though girls (or boys), because although the pressure is inevitable, the poor complexion is not. Try eating some of these beauty foods to have you looking your best on your wedding day.

Bridal beauty food 1: Spinach

Spinach, like many other dark green leafy vegetables, is rich in an antioxidant called lutein. Not only is this great for healthy eyes, but more recent research has shown that it is also good for preventing wrinkles by helping to retain the skin's moisture and elasticity, increasing lipid levels and preventing damage caused by free radicals. The benefits of spinach do not stop there, as the leafy vegetable also has the power to reduce dark circles under the eyes due to its high levels of vitamins K and C. By eating more spinach your skin will remain looking young. Your bridesmaids will be very jealous!

Bridal beauty food 2: Oysters

Besides being a well-known aphrodisiac (always a bonus), oysters can also enhance your beauty. If you are suffering from pale, sallow skin or dark circles under your eyes, this may be due to vitamin B12 or iron deficiencies, both of which can cause anaemia. To beat pasty skin, try boosting your intake of these essential nutrients by stocking up on oysters, which have high levels of both. Other good sources include seaweed, clams and mussels. The perfect excuse to enjoy a romantic meal before the wedding.

Bridal beauty food 3: Garlic

It may not have the most fragrant smell but garlic is a super food that can have great skin benefits. As a natural antibiotic with blood cleansing, immune boosting, antibacterial properties, garlic is an effective, cheap and healthy way to help naturally treat acne. While there are many reasons people suffer from spots, garlic – particularly when eaten raw and crushed – can help reduce future breakouts, while its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce swelling of acne.

Bridal beauty food 4: Avocados

Avocados often get a bad press due to their high levels of fats, however the healthy fats contained in an avocado can actually do wonders for your skin. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, avocados can help to condition your skin from the inside and increase collagen production, helping to prevent wrinkles. The anti-inflammatory properties of avocado are also good for helping to reduce acne and psoriasis, while the high levels of vitamin E will help to keep your skin supple and prevent premature ageing. So, if you’re honeymooning in Mexico eat as much guacamole as possible! Alternatively, you can mash it down and apply as a conditioning face mask! Delicious.

Bridal beauty food 5: Bananas

Many people know that fluid retention is the primary cause of belly bloating, but it can also be responsible for a puffy face and bags under the eyes. Fortunately, fluid retention can be treated through the diet by restoring the body's sodium/potassium balance. As these two minerals work against each other to balance water in the body, too little potassium – or too much salt – is one of the most common causes of water retention. Amend this by increasing your intake of potassium through foods such as bananas. Other potassium rich foods include strawberries, melon and papaya; making a fresh fruit salad a great choice for a supple, youthful face and a happy tum. Why not treat your bridal entourage to a potassium rich picnic in the park, or if it’s too cold, have a fruit fondue evening.