The premise behind nutritional shakes for hair is that hair health requires adequate protein and nutrients. The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey's website recommends boosting nutrition with "super foods" high in health-enhancing ingredients, and suggests a smoothie made with berries. Omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil, and antioxidant foods such as blueberries and cherries, might help in cases of nutritional deficiencies that affect your hair, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Flaxseed and walnuts combined with berries provide a healthy hair shake rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
Step 1
Add the water, flaxseeds, blueberries and one scoop of protein powder into the blender. If the protein powder product did not come with a scoop, use 1 tbsp. of it.
Step 2
Add four ice cubes, if desired. Ice gives your healthy hair shake a slushy texture and will help keep the shake fresh and cold if you're carrying it with you to drink later.
Step 3
Blend in three or four 10-second cycles, until you get a consistency you like, then pour into a glass or insulated bottle.
Tips and Warnings
- Most protein powder products include a measuring scoop that often settles to the bottom of the container. Buy whole flaxseeds and grind them fresh in a coffee grinder. Keep in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Flax provides fiber in addition to omega-3 fatty acids. Substitute other fruits for variety, such as strawberries and pitted cherries. In addition to being high in antioxidants and phytochemicals -- nutrients that protect your body from cancer -- blueberries, along with other fruits, contribute vitamins that support healthy hair. Walnuts are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which protect your heart and contribute to hair luster. Hair loss can be a sign of omega-3 deficiency, according to Purdue University.
- Excessive protein is harmful to your body. Consult your doctor or a registered dietitian about nutritional concerns. It's normal to lose 100 strands of hair in a day, but excessive hair loss could be a sign of a health problem, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Consult your doctor about an increase in hair loss. Though many supplement products advertise hair health benefits, often there's no evidence to support these claims.
Things You'll Need
- Blender
- 1 cup water
- Protein powder, such as whey
- 2 tsp. ground flaxseeds
- 1 cup chilled fresh blueberries or partly-thawed frozen blueberries
- 1 tsp. walnuts
- 4 ice cubes (optional)
- Insulated beverage bottle (optional)
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