Wedding Wednesdays: Health Benefits for the Bride-to-Be

Believe it or not, there are some foods out there that work to keep you healthy and gorgeous—inside and out. Today, we're going to share a few with you! And trust us, they are just what a bride-to-be needs when preparing for her wedding day. With good-for-you nutrients and amazing beauty benefits, these five foods do double-duty to get you feeling great from your head to your toes!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Health Benefit: Enzymes in apple cider vinegar not only aid in digestion, they also encourage good gut flora.

Beauty Boost: Create an at-home topical solution by mixing one part apple cider vinegar with four parts water. You'll start to see skin that's "just right"—not too oily or dry.

Avocado

Health Benefit: Oleic acid, the healthy fat found in avocados, has been linked to better heart health and may help burn fat.

Beauty Boost: Avocado fatty acids can lock in moisture and replenish hair. To get the benefits, mix an avocado with a quarter cup olive oil and a bit of lemon juice. Apply the mixture from root to tip. Wait 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse.

Ground Oats

Health Benefit: Oats are dense in beta-glucan, a type of dietary fiber proven to lower blood cholesterol. A bowl of oatmeal for breakfast will also keep you feeling full throughout the morning.

Beauty Boost: Oats can make a gentle exfoliant, perfect for people with sensitive skin, itchiness or rosacea. For your face, mix ground oats with water until it becomes like a paste, then apply to your skin. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse. For your body, just pour oats into a warm bath and soak.

Cucumber

Health Benefit: Cucumbers are incredibly hydrating, both internally and externally. They're also packed with antioxidants, which may help lower your risk of chronic diseases.

Beauty Boost: Cucumbers have vitamins C and K, which combat inflammation and aging. But it's the gel in a cucumber's center that has the most moisturizing benefits, making it perfect for use on your face, hands or body.

Tea

Health Benefit: Green tea leaves contain theanine, an amino acid that's been shown to reduce stress and improve cognitive function, while black, white and green teas all have healthy antioxidants.

Beauty Boost: Black tea is a known astringent that will reduce under-eye puffiness. Just let the bags cool to room temperature after steeping and apply! If acne is your issue, the catechins in green tea are antibacterial and can help reduce breakouts.

Try these tricks today and devour the details of feeling and looking great on your wedding day—inside and out!