How the Mediterranean Diet Could Promote Healthier Hair, Skin, and Nails

Plus, an effortless recipe to rev up your glow

Healthy hair, strong nails, and flawless skin take the lead on the list of universal beauty traits that women are after. Every day, we purchase products that promise miraculous results, but what if the easiest and most effective way to enhance our natural beauty was simply by adopting new eating habits? If you're considering the Mediterranean diet, chances are you might be onto something.

Sure, A-list glam squads may have something to do with it, but celebs with Mediterranean roots like Penelope Cruz and Jennifer Aniston, are known for their their even complexions and full heads of hair. Penelope has been the face of major beauty brand Lancôme and who can forget the days when nearly every woman in America wanted the Rachel Green 'do?

Unlike American diets, which tend to rely heavily on red meat, butter and cheese, Mediterranean meals are typically made up of fish, olive oil, and fresh vegetables. These staples not only make for a healthy diet, but pave the way for added beauty bonuses. Omega-3 fatty acids are known for its hydrating benefits as well as its ability to protect from UV damage. Incorporating ingredients rich in these fatty acids into your meals may promote a lit-from-within glow and strong hair. That means salmon, avocado, almond oil, and more. (We recommend consulting your physician before making any dramatic changes to your diet.)

Start by whipping up this Mediterranean-inspired meal for dinner tonight.

Easy Mediterranean Salmon Dinner for Two (20 minutes):

Ingredients:

8-inch square baking pan

2 cups, chopped asparagus

2 cups, sliced zucchini

Olive oil

Salt

Pepper

Whole grain linguini

1 small bag, salmon fillets (Buy frozen, thaw before cooking)

Balsamic Vinegar

1 Lemon

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Drizzle olive oil onto a baking pan and place sliced zucchini and chopped asparagus onto the pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Bake 10-12 minutes.

3. Bring pot of water to a boil with 1/2-cup of salt. (Your pasta water should always taste like the sea.) Cook pasta al dente.

4. Drizzle a hot skillet with olive oil, and sprinkle salt and pepper onto the salmon fillets. Cook 4-5 minutes on both sides. You’ll knowit’s ready when the fish flakes with a fork.

5. Toss 1 cup of pasta with 1 tbsp. of balsamic vinegar, one tsp. of olive oil, and pepper to taste. Lay salmon fillet on top of pasta and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Add a side of cooked vegetables of your choice to complete your Mediterranean meal. Feeling like a Greek goddess yet?