Edible Beauty

This article originally appeared in Optimum Wellness, Winter 2020, December 2019.

Edible Beauty

Foods and supplements with nutrients to nourish hair, skin and nails

It goes by many names yet is not well understood. But that’s not stopping its growth. Edible Beauty. Beauty-from-within. Skingestibles. Call it what you will, the goal of products associated with these terms is to supply the body with nutrients that will protect skin, nourish and restore hair, and toughen fingernails. Nutrients up to the task range from familiar Vitamins C and E, collagen protein from animal and fish bones, and various roots, herbs, and even medicinal mushrooms.

Edible beauty products are multiplying thanks to keen interest in battling sun damage on faces and skin, and protecting them from future degradation, in staving off signs of aging, and in keeping bones and joints strong and supple. They can also offer relaxation and sleep benefits, good bugs for gut health, and energy balancing, all which contribute to glowing skin and a healthy body. How do they do it all? And, do they taste good?

Gummies

Many beauty-enhancing foods are actually supplements in gummy formats. Sundown Naturals Biotin Gummies support skin, nails, bone health and immunity. They come in Raspberry, Sour Apple and Cherry flavors, making for a tasty shot of Vitamin B7. Grapefruit Glam-flavored Olly Undeniable Beauty Multivitamin Gummies provides biotin plus Vitamins C & E which help the body produce collagen. Another Olly product which touts “Beauty From The Inside Out,” is Glowing Skin in Plump Berry flavor; it taps the powers of hyaluronic acid, collagen and sea buckthorn, a tart berry high in Vitamin C that also promotes collagen production. Hyaluronic acid is typically found in face moisturizers and serums and hydrates the skin.

Powders & Bars

Speaking of collagen, more food-like products serve up hefty doses of bone-derived collagen for those seeking joint support as well as healthier skin and nails. Ancient Nutrition has Bone Broth Collagen and Collagen Protein Powders that can be added to smoothies for a regular beauty boost. Bulletproof Collagen Protein Bar is made from cashew butter with added grass-fed collagen plus other good fats for satiety plus flavorings, like chocolate chip, upping the yum factor for edible beauty bites. 

Beverages

Beauty beverages are also available. Vital Proteins Collagen Water, in a host of fruity flavors like Blueberry Mint and Blackberry Hibiscus, offer 10g of bovine collagen per serving. Medlie Glow Shot with Collagen refreshes and beautifies with cucumber, lemon and celery blended with collagen protein, all in a 2-ounce shot.

Novelties

Supportive collagen is also turning up in oatmeal cups from Purely Elizabeth and in a novel frozen dessert, Radiant Beauty Ice Cream, made from a blend of nut and oat milks plus collagen and keratin. In flavors like Earl Grey Dark Chocolate and Oatmeal Almond Crunch, anybody will be willing to sample a spoonful of edible beauty.