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If you’re someone who’s intentional about eating as healthily as you possibly can, it’s important that you not simply pick up items from your local produce section (or even better, a local farmers’ market”>, you should also try and get foods that are in season. Not only will that put you in the position to get more nutrients from the foods that you eat — oftentimes, the price tag is cheaper too.
Since we are deeply into the fall season at this point, I thought it would be a good idea to share with you some of the foods that are in season during this time of the year. And since we all know that this is a site that’s dedicated to hair health, here are seven foods that will be as good to your hair strands as they are to your taste buds and your health overall (even threw a few recipes in…Happy Thanksgiving in advance!”>.
1. Cabbage
I promise you that I don’t get how anyone can pass up a plate of fried cabbage. Whew. To me, it tastes so good that it’s merely the icing on the cake that it contains nutrients like protein, fiber as well as fairly high amounts of vitamins C, K and folate. Since cabbage is also rich in sulfur, it helps to synthesize keratin which helps your strands to produce more protein. Cabbage also contains properties that help to condition your hair, reduce hair fall and smooth your hair’s follicles, so that your hair strands appear smoother and shinier.
Try this Sautéed Cabbage Recipe.
2. Cranberries
Definitely a staple of fall meals is cranberries; especially cranberry sauce. Cranberries are good for you because they contain a good amount of potassium and Vitamin A along with vitamins C and K as well as phosphorus and magnesium. These nutrients work together to strengthen your hair follicles and enhance hair growth. By the way, if you’re looking for an all-natural and non-damaging way to give your hair a hint of dark red, cranberry can be used as a hair rinse/dye. As a bonus, cranberries also contain antifungal and antiseptic properties that will help to reduce dandruff too.
Check out this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe.
3. Eggplant
If you’ve never had some good old-fashioned homemade eggplant parmesan before, I promise you with everything in me that you are totally missing out. As for why this fruit — yes fruit — is so good for your hair, the reasons are vast. It’s got fiber, protein, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and iron. The enzymes in it can help to “feed” your hair follicles, the iron in it helps to reduce hair breakage and the magnesium in it helps to reduce hair loss. Since eggplant is made up of almost 93 percent water, it hydrates your hair which helps it to retain moisture.
Try Grandma’s Baked Eggplant Parmesan Recipe.
4. Pears
A delicious way to get your daily fiber intake in is to snack on a pear (or two”>. Pears are also a good source of Vitamin C which is loaded with antioxidants as well as copper which helps to reduce premature graying. Since pears also have various forms of Vitamin B in it, they also help to promote hair growth as well as strengthen hair strands. Some other benefits of this food include that it’s great at reducing hair dryness, getting rid of hair frizz and keeping a certain level of natural sheen to your locks.
Here’s an Easy Pear Cobbler Recipe
5. Pumpkin
Probably until the end of time, folks are gonna debate if pumpkin pie or sweet potato pie is better. Whatever side of the fence you’re on, just know that if you consume another fall food classic (pumpkin”>, your hair is gonna be all the better for it. Pumpkin contains a good amount of protein, fiber, vitamins A, E, K, biotin, copper, zinc and fatty acids as well as iron and magnesium. Your hair needs biotin because it helps to stimulate the production of keratin in your system. Your hair needs zinc because it encourages the production of collagen which helps your hair to keep a level of elasticity. Your hair needs fatty acids to keep your tresses moisturized. No doubt about it, pumpkin is great for your hair all the way around.
Give this Frozen Pumpkin Pie Martini Recipe a go.
6. Squash
Squash is definitely in season during the fall. If you’ve ever wondered which kind is the healthiest, reportedly,.” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”> acorn squash wins the prize — at least, as far as winter squashes go. Antioxidants, vitamins A, B, C, fatty acids and potassium are just some of the nutrients that squash has within it. Your hair will like you consuming squash because it helps to reduce breakage and even works to stimulate hair growth. Plus, squash is awesome when it comes to hydrating your hair, so that it remains well-moisturized from the inside out.
Check out this Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe.
7. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes make the list of being a “perfect food” and the title is well-deserved. Not only are they loaded with antioxidants, vitamins A, B6 and C, fiber, protein, potassium and copper, they also contain quite a few anti-inflammatory properties too. And since sweet potatoes (and pumpkin”> are orange, the thing that gives them their rich pigment, beta-carotene, helps with cell renewal for hair strands which can reduce hair thinning as it encourages hair growth at the same time. Think about all of this the next time you have a slice of sweet potato pie or a baked sweet potato with cinnamon, brown sugar and butter. Delicious.
Here’s a Sweet Potato Bisque Recipe.
