When the temperatures rise during these summer months, I tend to eat much lighter and cooler. Something about fresh fruits and crisp veggies are perfect for this time of year. They just scream summer vacay!

Some of my summer favorites are white peaches, cherries, watermelon, strawberries and blueberries – just to name a few. The heat of summer can also put a strain on our hair, so here are some summer fruits and vegetables that promote healthy hair growth and how I like to incorporate them into my summer diet.

Carrots

Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which keeps your scalp healthy – leading to well-conditioned shiny hair. I am not a huge fan of cooked carrots, but I love fresh ones. I add shredded carrots to my salads for a sweet crunch, or snack on baby carrots for a filling snack.

Swish Chard/Spinach

These two contain vitamins A and C, which help your body produce sebum. Sebum, an oily substance produced by hair follicles, acts as a natural conditioner for your hair. These vegetables also have calcium and iron, two minerals needed for hair growth. Spinach is readily available in my local grocery store, and I like to frozen spinach to my fruit smoothies. I also like to saute it in olive oil with just salt, pepper, and garlic just until it wilts for a tasty side dish.

Red Bell Peppers

One red bell pepper contains more vitamin C than a cup of orange juice. Eat the pepper raw, as cooking destroys some of the nutrient content. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which increases circulation to the scalp and promotes hair growth. Red peppers are a great way to add a pop of color to a dish, whether its a fresh salad or a stir-fry. I also like to add sliced red peppers to my wraps for a nice crunch!

Avocados

Avocados are a good source of vitamin E, which is important for healthy hair growth. Add sliced avocados to salads and sandwiches – especially for anyone who is not a meat eater as they are a great source of healthy fats.

Berries, Cherries, & Plums

Fruits that are dark in color — such as berries, cherries and plums — contain natural chemicals called bioflavanoids that also act as antioxidants in your body, raising levels of blood circulation in your scalp to help your hair grow. I’ve gotten “cherry wasted” on many occasions – they are absolutely my summer favorite!

Remove the pits, and simmer in balsamic vinegar with a touch of sugar or agave nectar until reduced for a spin on the typical ice cream topping. Try sliced strawberries instead of tomatoes on your salad. Slice a few plums in half, brush with agave nectar or honey, and grill for healthy dessert at your next cookout – that’s if you don’t serve them with ice cream.

What are your summer faves?

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