It is no secret that what you eat or drink will have an effect on your physical appearance. Hair, skin and nails health are all affected by what we choose to eat. Analyzing the phrase “you are what you eat,” comes down to how crucial it is to eat healthy foods in order to feel and look healthy.

Eating your way to thick, coarse hair works far better than relying on chemical infused products. A diet deficient in certain vitamins and minerals may slow hair growth and the health of your hair. Specifically, vitamins A, C, and E to maintain a healthy scalp and other vitamins like biotin, vitamins B5, B6 and B12 are needed. The popularity of plant-based foods is growing and we are here for it! Our desire to help the environment and the need to resolve healthy looking hair is the reasons why we choose a plant-based lifestyle.

So, if we told you you’re a plate and a fork away from gorgeous looking hair, would you believe it? Listen, we can explain. Good news is we are here to help you pick out delicious plant-based foods. Sounds easy?

Plant based foods to help you beautify your hair are:

1. Avocados

Avocados are loaded with potassium (more than bananas do) and heart-healthy fatty acids. These healthy fats prevent hair breakage and can also help your hair grow longer and stay stronger. You can also apply these directly to the hair and scalp, to stimulate collagen and elastin production.

2. Almonds

Almonds are a great source of protein and have a large amount of vitamin E. Protein is known to help improve collagen in the body. Collagen is needed for proper hair growth and strength. Vitamin E intake is your way of resisting breakage.

3. Leafy Greens

Vegetables like kale, collard, cabbage and broccoli are cram-packed with anti-oxidants and fiber. Helpful vitamins include iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Iron carries oxygen to the hair follicles, vitamin A helps to create sebum and vitamin C protects the hair from destructive free-radicals.

4. Bananas & Berries

Bananas are a great source of healthy carbs and infused with vitamin B6. B6 is in charge of nutrients and the production of red blood cells to nurture hair follicles.

Any kind of berry, like strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries and blackberries are rich in antioxidants that help keep gray hairs and prevent thinning.

5. Cucumber Water

Drinking water alone is still healthy for you. However, once you add cucumbers to your water, your hair flourish and promote beautiful hair. Especially if you add them to coconut water. Cucumbers improve collagen in the body, and a great way to prevent your hair from breakage. Best to drink cucumber water in the summer when hair is prone to damage from the sun.

6. Chia & Pumpkin Seeds

Chia seeds are rich in calcium, iron, and B vitamins. They make you full longer, and have lots of protein in them.

Pumpkin seeds provide important nutrients for hair growth, they also contain beta-sitosterol which quells the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme. This enzyme is responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, which is implicated in pattern hair loss.