Avocados are a hair healthy superfood packed with nutrients that will “guac” your world! This delicious fruit (fun fact: fruits have seeds, vegetables don’t) helps your hair grow long and strong while nourishing your scalp to keep your hair follicles happier than a trip to a cantina on taco Tuesday. So why are avocados good for your hair, it’s because of the nutritional benefits.
Avocados contain the following nutrients which are all good for your hair.
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- B-Vitamins
- Antioxidants including Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin
- Vitamin E
- Folic Acid
- Potassium
- Magnesium
Now that you know which nutrients are involved, here’s how they work with your body to help prevent premature graying, strengthen your hair, and nourish your scalp.
Strong Hair
Avocados are rich in biotin, a vital nutrient your body uses to create keratin, which is what your body uses to make hair. Along with the omega-3 fatty acids and long list of antioxidants, this keeps your hair thick while helping to reduce shedding. And Potassium maintains proper nerve function that is essential for your hair to maintain a regular growth cycle
Fun fact: Half an avocado has more potassium than a banana and less than half the carbs. So have that piece of avocado toast at brunch instead of the banana smoothie!
Folic acid from avocados plays a crucial role by renewing growth cells throughout your hair’s growth cycle, and it’s doubly good if you’re pregnant because it helps your baby's hair, nails, and skin develop.
And guess what! When it comes to avocados, the juice is worth the squeeze since you can rub the oil through your lusciously long locks to keep them moisturized and help prevent split ends.
Healthy Scalp
Avocados keep your scalp healthy with antioxidants that fight inflammation and free radicals inside your body. And they promote blood flow and circulation to your follicles in the scalp. The vitamin B12 helps your body produce red blood cells and the niacin, magnesium, and potassium work together to promote circulation, which brings more oxygen and nutrients to your hair follicles.
Fight Off Damage and Greying
If avocados were a person, you’d say they were magnanimous with their magnesium, which is a key nutrient to keep stress at bay. And yes indeed, stress can make you go gray. Magnesium also plays a pivotal role in forming the proteins that your hair follicles use to grow hair.
Even if you live a life of zen, eating plenty of this flavorful fruit will keep your strands colorful and beautiful, both inside out. The powerful mix of antioxidants helps fight free radicals inside your body, and they ward off sunburn, dryness, damage, and premature graying caused by oxidative damage from sun, wind, dirt, and chemicals in the air.
Now that you know how good Avocados are for your hair and scalp, go ahead and spread it on toast at brunch, put some slices on a burger (hamburger meat is also great for your hair), or even blend up a tropical Avo-Pina-Colada for an extra rich indulgence.
