If you have dark circles under your eyes and you’re looking for easy ways to get rid of them, you’re not alone, and the foods you eat can make them worse or help get rid of them! Many of us are addicted to eating crap, but if we clean up our diets, our skin stands to benefit.

For the last couple of years, I’ve been haunted by a familiar face. Mine. Yes, familiar, but not quite right. I need to do a double take. Who is that? And why does she look so bloody tired? Many of us ladies start noticing a more sullen face peering back at us when we enter our late 20s or early 30s. Suddenly, we’re needing more and more makeup while wishing we could instead look fantastic without makeup. It’s the end of the glory days, and all of those hard partying nights (and mornings… and afternoons) are finally catching up to us, with these dark circles under our eyes which definitely don’t look attractive. We’re paying for every bar-hopping Saturday, every Netflix binge session – as we sacrificed our beauty sleep to watch one – nay, three – more episodes before bed. Why couldn’t we have done ourselves a favor and skipped last call, switched to water, closed the laptop or just put our damned selves to bed at a decent hour?

C’est la vie. Woulda, coulda, shoulda… but we didn’t, so it’s time to roll with it. Hello dark eye circles, nice to meet you. Will you staying for long?

And while not getting enough shut-eye is often the main culprit, those ghastly dark circles under our eyes can also be attributed to our diet. Luckily, there’s a few ways eat our way pretty, help slow down the trickle of time under our tired eyes, and bring back that glow we took for granted before. Try incorporating these 6 things into your diet to get rid of those unsightly dark circles:

1. EAT MORE IRON TO ELIMINATE DARK EYE CIRCLES

One common reason for seeing dark eye circles is low iron! An iron deficiency results in our tissues not getting enough oxygen- thus bringing more unwanted definition to the tiny veins under our eyes. Not getting enough iron in the diet is an extremely common problem, but one that can be easily fixed.

Some great vegan sources of iron include lentils, tempeh, collard greens, swiss chard, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, squash and quinoa. When you’re suffering from an iron deficiency, your body will absorb as much as 35% of the nutrient from your foods, vs only 10% when no deficiency exists.

10-15mg of iron (15mg for menstruating women) is needed daily to maintain a healthy diet.

2. BEAUTIFY DARK EYE CIRCLES WITH VITAMIN C

And while making sure to get enough iron in your diet is crucial for oxygenated tissues, it’s equally as important to consume lots of vitamin C! Vitamin C plays an integral role in the synthesis of red blood cells and, when eaten with iron-filled foods, helps to greatly increase the amount of iron being absorbed by the body. Not only this, but vitamin C is important for defending our cells from free radicals and for rejuvenating collagen! Very important for getting rid of dark eye circles and bringing forth that gorgeous glowing skin we want.

There are also many delicious, readily available sources of vitamin C to choose from! Most fruits are very rich in vitamin C, including papaya, oranges, strawberries, pineapple and kiwi. Red bell peppers and chilli peppers are also very high in vitamin C, as well as broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts and cauliflower.

3. BANISH DARK EYE CIRCLES WITH A B12 SUPPLEMENT

Vitamin B12, which works alongside vitamin C & iron for the healthy functioning of red blood cells, is tricky for vegans and vegetarians because it’s most often obtained through animal sources. When maintaining a vegan diet it’s crucial to find food sources fortified with vitamin B12- like nut milks- or to take a vitamin B12 supplement which provides at least 10 micrograms daily.

4. GOT DARK EYE CIRCLES? EAT YOUR GREENS, K?

Vitamin K is used in the body for blood coagulation and circulation. If you’re seeing those dreaded dark eye circles- you might be skipping the greens that get you the most K for your cash! Broccoli, brussels sprouts, leafy green vegetables, and spinach, are fantastic sources of vitamin K, as well as sage, oregano and thyme!

5. THINK VITAMIN A FOR ANGEL EYES!

If you want to be remembered for glowing angel eyes, make sure to stock up on papaya, mangoes, peaches, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, carrots, squash and cantaloupe! All of these vitamin A-rich foods promote strong, firm skin. If sweeter foods aren’t your thang try turnips, beet and mustard greens, or green peas- all superb choices for your vitamin A needs! Eating a vitamin A rich diet will help banish those dark eye circles!

6. VITAMIN E-ASY, BREEZY, BEAUTIFUL!

If you want eyes that looks young, well-rested, and refreshed, think about the entire face first. The stage must be equally as striking as the stars they showcase! Vitamin E has long been touted as the miracle vitamin for younger, firmer, more elastic skin and is essential for fighting the enzymes that break down collagen. Want younger looking eyes without those big ‘ol bags? Start incorporating more vitamin E-rich foods into your diet like hazelnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, and swiss chard.

And now that you know what causes those dreaded dark eye circles, you can start combating the culprits by eating these vitamin-rich foods!