There’s nothing like a great hair day. On the flip side, a bad one can derail your confidence and kill your spirit.
It may sound trivial but hair plays a big role in how we see ourselves and others see us. The important thing that can get overlooked is that hair health depends heavily on what we put inside our bodies.
While lotions, potions, and creams help, most professionals suggest that internal wellness has the biggest impact on hair growth. The old saying, you are what you eat stands. Junk food, stress, and bad habits ultimately affect your appearance, and hair. Maintaining a healthy diet along with exercise, however, will keep your entire body in balance.
Here’s a list of delicious and nutritious food recipes that will help promote healthy hair and overall internal wellness:
Wilted Spinach and Chickpeas
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/4 tsp ground coriander seed
- 2 tbsp sliced red onions
- 1 ripe mango, peeled/pitted and cut into large chunks
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp sea salt
- Several large handfuls of spinach
Directions
Clean and rinse 1 can of organic chick peas. Drain them.
Heat a large saute pan over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon coconut oil. When the oil is melted, add and gently cook the onions for 2-3 minutes.Toss in the mango and cook just until warmed through. Add in the chickpeas, spinach and lemon juice.
Gently toss to combine and then cover the pan, allowing the spinach to steam until tender and wilted. Sprinkle (to taste) with a pinch of sea salt and serve immediately.
Tal Ronnen’s Mediterranean Chickpea Wrap
Ingredients
- sea salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 carrot, peeled and finely diced
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 1 banana pepper, seeded and finely diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/8 tsp ground cayenne, or more to taste
- freshly ground black pepper
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, with liquid
- 1 white potato, peeled and finely diced
- 5 whole oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
- 4 pieces of vegan naan bread or tortillas, heated or toasted
Directions
Place a large saute pan over medium heat. Sprinkle the bottom with a pinch of salt and heat for 1 minute. Add the oil and heat for 1 minute, being careful not to let it smoke. This will create a non-stick effect.
Add the carrot, onion, banana pepper, and garlic to the pan and saute, stirring frequently, for 5 to 7 minutes, until the vegetables are just beginning to soften. Add the cumin, red pepper, cayenne, and black pepper to taste and saute for 1 minute.
Add the chickpeas and their liquid and 11/2 cups water. Bring to a boil. Add the potato and sun-dried tomatoes and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft. Serve wrapped in the naan bread or tortillas.
Dr. Oz’s Berry Strong Spinach Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen spinach
- 1 1/2 cups frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup frozen raspberries
- 1 cup orange juice
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a blender with ice and blend until smooth.
Hearty Lentil and Veggie Soup
The spinach in this recipe is just one food that contains cancer-combating folate. Eggs, oranges and asparagus are also members of this potent food group.
Ingredients
- 1 onion
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 carrots
- 2 stalks celery
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 large fresh tomatoes
- 2 cups dry lentils
- 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup spinach
- 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
Asian Salmon With Brown Rice Pilaf
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup uncooked short-grain brown rice
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- salt and freshly ground black pepper (optional)
- 4 skinless salmon fillets (about 4 ounces each)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, pressed or minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 2 green onions, chopped
Directions
To make the rice, heat oil in a medium saucepan. Add onion and bell pepper; cook 3 minutes. Add water and rice; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 50 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Fluff with a fork; stir in parsley. Season with salt and pepper if desired. Meanwhile, place salmon in a pie plate or shallow dish. Combine remaining salmon ingredients; mix well.
Pour marinade over salmon; let stand 15 to 20 minutes. Heat a ridged grill pan over medium heat until hot. Add salmon, discarding marinade; cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until salmon is opaque and firm to the touch. Serve with brown rice.
Click here for a full list for Healthy Hair Recipes.
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