We have long known that zinc is good for hair, so it is recommended to eat wheat germ, pumpkin seeds and even oysters. You also know that omega-3 is a wonderful nutrient for happy hair because it helps improve the health of your scalp from the inside out. Additionally, vitamins: A, biotin and B 12 are the Holy Grail for shiny and beautiful cores. But the superfood on this list that you probably don’t know about is soy.
Research shows that drinking soy milk and other soy products can actually help reduce hair loss. Yes, the solution is available right in your pantry and on every supermarket shelf. And while soy isn’t a magic bullet—it doesn’t mean you’ll go to sleep with thinning hair and wake up with flyaway hair—but research on soy products clearly shows that they not only strengthen your hair, but also help it grow. This is because soy protein helps improve hair’s ability to retain moisture, and the isoflavones it contains help prevent hair loss. Listen to Rapunzel in the future.
Chomp it hints
Agree, the soy taste may seem intrusive, but for the benefits it’s worth a try. If you’re wondering how to include it in your daily diet, try these suggestions:
Blend 2 large bananas, 2 cups chocolate soy milk, and 1/4 cup soy nut butter in a blender until smooth. Cool and shake well before serving.
Combine mustard, honey, vinegar, turmeric, onion powder, celery seeds and pepper in a small bowl. Pour in the crumbled tofu and mash well. Add celery and green pepper and mix well. Let it cool for a few hours to allow the flavors to blend well.
Or try tofu ice cream – Using an electric mixer, mix 160g soft tofu, 1 cup soy milk, ½ cup vegetable oil, ¼ cup cocoa, 1 tablespoon vanilla essence and 1/8 teaspoon salt until smooth and creamy. Freeze for delicious, if a little unusual, ice cream.
Tip: Substitute soy milk for milk when making soups – try tomato, mushroom and carrot soup – the flavors work well together.
What did you always know?
Soy is a low-carb source of high-quality protein that keeps you full (meaning your appetite is satisfied longer and food cravings are reduced); it also stabilizes blood sugar levels, which in turn helps balance hormones that contribute to weight gain. Research also shows that consuming soy protein may help protect bones from weakness and brittleness, and its antioxidants also give it anti-cancer properties. There are also some reports of heart health benefits. A complete victory, you must agree!