Mediterranean diet food Jennifer Aniston eats for slim body and 'glowing' skin

The simple addition to your diet can achieve great results from head to toe - and it's loved by celebrities

One food item popular with A-list celebrities could help improve your skin and weight. Friends star Jennifer Aniston previously went viral for a salad she supposedly ate daily between scenes for the popular sitcom.

The salad was packed with flavourful ingredients and full of health benefits. However, the 55-year-old had to debunk the recipe during an interview, saying it was nothing like her go-to lunch back in the 90s.

But, it continues to be made worldwide with the star's name attached as a playful nod to the trend. Nonetheless, it has been reported that Jennifer enjoyed a salad as part of her wellness routine to maintain a flawless figure.

One standout ingredient in that dish wasn't the traditional lettuce base - it was quinoa. Quinoa is a key component of the Mediterranean diet and serves as an excellent source of plant-based protein for your meals.

It’s considered a complete protein because it includes all nine essential amino acids. Additionally, quinoa is gluten-free, rich in fibre, protein and packed with various vitamins and minerals.

According to BBC Good Food, the gluten-free grain has several health benefits, especially for those following vegetarian and vegan lifestyles. That high protein count is part of the reason quinoa is applauded by those looking to slim down and maintain their weight.

Protein's filling nature causes the body to stop producing hormones that tell our brains that it's time to eat. Instead, feeling fuller for longer will help you resist the urge to snack.

Some evidence suggests that the high fibre content (roughly 2.8g per 100g of cooked quinoa) is also a factor in better weight management, overall digestion, and gut health. Another huge benefit of adding quinoa to your diet is its richness in vitamins A and B2.

These vitamins keep the skin, eyes, and nervous system healthy. It reduces fine lines and makes your skin look young. And the riboflavin in quinoa (or vitamin B2) improves skin elasticity. It even helps inflamed skin become less acne-prone.

Quinoa also has a low glycemic index, meaning it won't cause a dramatic spike in blood sugar, making it an ideal food for diabetics. It is a good source of iron too, which can help prevent iron-deficiency anemia.

Quinoa contains plenty of antioxidants to help prevent damage to your heart and other organs. It also contains small amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart. Plus, quinoa is a good source of folate, manganese, thiamine, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.