Science has proven that the foods you eat will have either a positive or a negative impact on your body.
How could they not?
So, when you feed your body whole foods with their nutrients intact, it reacts positively. Healthy, beautiful hair is just one of the many benefits.
The following are the top vegan foods for healthy hair, along with the reasoning behind each.
Avocado
Besides being rich in protein and vitamin D (both essential to healthy hair), the omega-3 fatty acids found in avocados are the real superstars. Your body can't make the fatty acids needed to grow hair, but these fatty acids make up about 3% of the hair shaft. You can also find omega-3s in the cell membranes of the scalp and the natural oils that keep your scalp and hair hydrated.
More options: Pumpkin seeds and walnuts (see below for more good things about walnuts.)
Blueberries
Exotic superfruits may come and go, but it's hard to top this nutrient superhero when it comes to vitamin C. Vitamin C is critical for circulation to the scalp and supports the tiny blood vessels that feed the follicles. Conversely, too little C in your diet can lead to hair breakage.
More options: Kiwi, sweet potato, tomato, and strawberries.
Lentils
Tiny but mighty, these legumes are teeming with protein, iron, zinc, and biotin, making them an excellent staple for vegetarians and vegans.
More options: Toss in other beans, such as soybeans (the young ones are called edamame) and kidney beans, into your soup or salad.
Raw Walnuts
These are the only type of nuts with a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids. They're also rich in biotin and vitamin E, which help protect your cells from DNA damage. Since your hair rarely gets much sun protection, this is especially significant. On the other hand, too little biotin can lead to hair loss. Walnuts also have copper, a mineral that helps keep your natural hair color vibrant and lustrous.
More options: Try using walnut oil in your salad dressing or in your stir-fry instead of canola or safflower oil.
Spinach
The iron in spinach, along with beta-carotene, folate, and vitamin C, helps keep hair follicles healthy and scalp oils circulating.
More options: Try nutrient-rich dark, leafy vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and Swiss chard similarly.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of the antioxidant beta-carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A. Basically, without enough vitamin A, the body's cells cannot function. Vitamin A also helps protect your scalp and produce the oils that sustain it. On the other hand, being low on vitamin A can leave you with itchy, irritating dandruff.
More Options: Carrots, cantaloupe, mangoes, pumpkin, and apricots are all excellent sources of beta-carotene.
The secret to a healthy vegan diet is incorporating a variety of plant foods daily, staying well hydrated, and exercising regularly.
So what are you waiting for? Get chopping, get hopping, and get the healthy hair you desire!