Boosting Your Immunity Through Yellow Foods
Although we can’t change factors like age and genetics, diet is one thing you have control over. In fact, consuming a diet lacking the right nutrients can lead to hair loss, dull skin and brittle nails. On the other hand, eating a balanced diet with the right nutrients can help promote hair growth, bright, hydrated skin, stronger nails especially if you’re experiencing any of those changes due to poor nutrition.
Iron, Protein, Biotin, vitamins A, C, D, E & K, Folic Acids (Vitamin B) all play a huge role on your hair, scalp and skin health, so to help you get the most out of these nutrients and properly combine these beautiful foods, we have partnered with the lovely Laura Wilson.
Laura is a Certified Holistic Health Coach with focus on digestive health and an amazing yoga instructor based out of Carolina Beach, NC. Make sure to check her website linked at the end of the blog post to learn more about all of her offerings!
💛 GINGER
Ginger increases the scalp circulation that results in the flow of blood to the scalp. It also stimulates the hair follicles and encourages growth. The fatty acids in the ginger are beneficial for thin hair. Ginger root can prevent hair loss. It can be consumed in the form of food or tea or sometimes you can make it a paste and place it on your hair and allow it to dry for some time.
💛 TURMERIC
Turmeric root is rich in an active compounds called curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and acts as a natural antiseptic. Wondering how that translates to your natural hair? Well, those same compounds have the ability to absorb vitamin D and stimulate hair growth. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties also help to purify the scalp and reduce dandruff.
💛 Vitamin A
All cells need vitamin A for growth, including hair, the fastest growing tissue in the human body. Vitamin A also helps skin glands make an oily substance called sebum, which is essential to moisturize the scalp and helps keep hair healthy. Diets deficient in vitamin A may lead to several problems, including hair loss. Sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, yellow peppers and pumpkins are all high in beta-carotene, which is turned into vitamin A.
💛 Biotin
Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin. Too little biotin can cause brittle hair and may lead to hair loss. Include biotin rich foods such as bananas, sweet potatoes and eggs (if you are a vegetarian) in your diet to boost strong, healthy hair growth.
💛 Vitamin C
Free radical damage can block growth and cause your hair to age. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against the oxidative stress caused by free radicals. In addition, your body needs vitamin C to create collagen — an important part of hair structure and skin! Vitamin C also helps your body absorb iron, a mineral necessary for hair growth. The bright yellow and orange hues of citrus fruits are all good sources of vitamin C!
And… As we approach that last stretch of winter and can already smell spring right around the corner, enjoy this delicious immune-boosting & anti-inflammatory soup that is bright, perfect for early spring and yet super comforting for those not so warm nights during this season change!
Immune-boosting, Anti-inflammatory Soup:
4 cups of butternut squash
About 7 medium carrots
1.5 cups low sodium vegetable broth
1 can full fat coconut milk
1.5 Tbsp fresh ginger
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 clove of garlic
1.5 teaspoon fresh turmeric
Dash of cracked black pepper
Directions
1. Heat the oil on medium high heat until hot
2. Add the fresh ginger, turmeric and garlic and sauté for about 1 minute
3. Add the carrot and squash and sauté for about 5 minutes
4. Add the black pepper, coconut milk and veggie broth
5. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 15 minutes or until the veggies are soft
6. Remove from heat and carefully transfer to a blender (unless you have an immersion blender)
7. Blend and serve (makes about 2.5 servings)
8. Top with fresh herbs such as parsley and seeds such as hemp and pumpkin seeds.
Enjoy and I’ll see you at the Casa!
Rebecca. :)
