5 VEGAN SMOOTHIE RECIPES FOR YOUR BEST HAIR YET
We’ll admit it – we’re sort of obsessed with our haircare products. However, did you know that in addition to using quality products, you can actually drink your way to healthier strands? It’s true! By giving your morning smoothie an added boost of hair-healthy ingredients, you can actually take your beauty routine to the next level.
1. The Refreshing Watermelon Smoothie
BENEFITS
Feel refreshed on your morning commute with this watermelon smoothie. Not only does it taste delicious, but it’s filled with ingredients that can help improve hair health. For instance, the chia seeds in this recipe are filled with Omega-3 fatty acids, which, according to Amy Shapiro MS, RD, CDN of Real Nutrition NYC, are essential for keeping your hair looking shiny and glossy. It also contains lemon juice, which is high in vitamin C and can promote hair growth over time. Lastly, watermelon, the star of the smoothie, is filled with vitamin A. This helpful vitamin is a must for those with dry scalps as it helps support sebum production at the roots. Who knew such a tasty treat could be so beneficial for your hair?
INGREDIENTS
½ cup watermelon, frozen
½ cup cucumber, chopped
1 teaspoon chia seeds
1 cup almond milk
¼ cup lemon juice
1 cup ice
2. The Detox Smoothie
BENEFITS
Meet your new favorite green smoothie. It’s loaded with ingredients to promote a healthier you. One of our favorites, green tea is a key player in this detox smoothie and for good reason. Not only is green tea packed with antioxidants, but it contains important nutrients that can help give your hair a boost. Next, we kicked this recipe up a notch by adding spinach and kale. According to Shapiro, leafy greens are filled with iron, which helps to make our hair strong and prevent hair loss.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup green tea, brewed
1 cup spinach
¼ cup lemon juice
1 cup kale
1 cup almond milk
1 cup ice
1 teaspoon coconut oil
3. Summer-In-A-Smoothie
BENEFITS
Craving the sweetness of your favorite summertime drinks? Then this is the smoothie for you. This two-part treat contains two layers that are filled with delicious and healthy ingredients you’re sure to love. Do be aware that some of these ingredients are high in natural sugar, so adjust the ingredient proportions as needed for your diet.
The first layer of this flavorful smoothie contains coconut oil and coconut milk. Both are high in medium chain fatty acids that can help to improve hair growth, according to WellnessMama.com. Plus, the coconut flavor makes this smoothie taste like a tropical dream.
The next layer also contains coconut milk and mixed berries, which are filled with helpful vitamins to support a healthy diet.
INGREDIENTS
LAYER ONE
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup ice
1 cup coconut milk
LAYER TWO
1 cup mixed berries, frozen
1 cup coconut milk
1 cup ice
1 banana, chopped
4. The Ultimate Breakfast Smoothie
BENEFITS
Give your day the jumpstart it needs with this filling smoothie. The wheat protein powder is not only amazing for keeping you feeling full throughout your morning, but it’s also a great way to include protein in your diet, which as Shapiro points out, is a must for healthy hair. “Protein sources including nuts, seeds, eggs, chicken, fish, and steak to name a few keep your hair strong and healthy. Without enough protein, hair can become brittle, dry and weak. Diets too low in protein may even cause hair loss.” If you’re looking to keep a vegan or vegetarian diet, plant-based protein powders can be a helpful resource for ensuring that your body gets the protein it needs throughout the day.
INGREDIENTS
½ cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon ginger powder
1 banana, chopped
1 cup almond milk
½ cup wheat protein powder
5. The Fresh & Fruity Smoothie
BENEFITS
Love the idea of kale, but want to hide the taste? We get it. You can still get the benefits of this leafy green without the taste by hiding the superfood in your favorite smoothie. Pairing kale or other greens with fruit and coconut oil can sufficiently hide the taste of the veggies, while still giving you all the benefits. Talk about a win-win! Plus, the iron from the kale paired with the fatty acids of the coconut oil and the Omega-3s from the flax seed make an amazing power boost for any time of day.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup blackberries, frozen
1 cup kale
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1 banana, chopped
1 teaspoon flax seed
1 cup ice
Have a favorite smoothie recipe of your own? Tag us @pureology to show off how you start your morning!