Lustrous locks, dewy skin and bright eyes allow us to radiate wellness from the inside out—but sometimes we forget that beauty benefits are linked to vitamin, mineral and antioxidant stores in the body, along with hormone balance. Believe it or not, hair is the last to see these benefits, because the hair follicle is technically dead and growing at a slow rate. It takes hard work to see real turnover unless you’re consistently taking vitamins and minerals. Thankfully, high-grade supplements like adaptogens, greens, mushroom and berry powders help ensure my clients are adding beauty foods to their Be Well Smoothie daily. Adding a few teaspoons of these ingredients to your smoothie is a simple way to calm stress, prevent hormone-related hair thinning, and stimulate sebum production (oil from the follicle that keeps hair shiny). Here, eight smoothie add-ons that can take your hair to its healthiest state yet.

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ADAPTOGENS

Adaptogens are herbal remedies that help the body respond to stress. Continuous stress causes our adrenal glands to go into fight-or-flight mode, which leads to spikes in adrenaline levels. If we don’t take the time to relax and calm stress, our adrenal glands work in overdrive and our body functions suffer. We may begin to feel irritable and worn out – two major symptoms of adrenal fatigue. Adaptogens combat adrenal fatigue by balancing and restoring us internally so that we’re better able to cope when confronted with stressors.

ASHWAGANDA

Ashwaganda helps your body reduce cortisol and combat stress. High cortisol levels and chronic stress —secreted through hair—are linked to weight gain, anxiety and decreased energy, naturally making strands dull and lifeless. Ashwaganda aids the body in lowering Cortisol, and when consumed on a regular basis, relax and balance you from the inside out.

RHODIOLA ROSEA

Like most adaptogens, Rhodiola stimulates your body’s physiological response to stress and restores your mane’s natural shine. This herb is growing in popularity because of numerous studies proving its system wide efficacy to promote homeostasis, your body’s mechanism to maintain normal conditions. Beauty benefits include revitalizing natural antioxidant stores, like Vitamins C and E, and most recently, it’s been linked to weight loss.

MORINGA OLEIFERA

Moringa Oleifera leaves include vital trace minerals such as magnesium, selenium, potassium, calcium and iron, all of which are essential for cell and hair health. Moringa is often used to promote a good night’s sleep because it stabilizes blood sugar levels. Studies have confirmed that balanced blood sugar improves the quality and length of sleep. Sleep is essential for a lush mane because it balances and restores cell health.

VITAMINS, MINERALS & ANTIOXIDANTS:

CORDYCEP MUSHROOMS

Cordycep mushrooms naturally store free fatty acids, which help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins that are needed for hair growth – especially Vitamins A and E. Vitamin A aids in the production of sebum, the oil secreted from hair follicles that protects your hair from dehydration. And fyi—Cordyceps have been associated with increased libido by restoring sexual hormones.

BROCCOLI SPROUT POWDER

Broccoli sprout is rich in Vitamin K, Potassium, Manganese and Iron, as well as Vitamin C—an antioxidant vital for collagen production. Broccoli contains folate, a powerful nutrient used in DNA repair. Scoop half a tablespoon of broccoli powder in your smoothie for a fiber-packed meal replacement and shiny locks in the long run.

ACAI POWDER

Acai powder is associated with anti-aging properties because it contains antioxidants and essential fatty acids that repair damaged hair cells. Acai powder is also a primary source of Vitamin E, which stimulates collagen production and benefits hair elasticity.

PEARL

Pearl delivers essential trace minerals into the bloodstream, making it a good source of calcium, niacin, copper, vitamin B2, and choline (a member of the B vitamin family useful in the fatty portions of cell membranes production and essential for healthy hair). Zinc, pearl’s beauty bonus, also influences healthy hair by strengthening hair follicles.

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Follow @bewellbykelly for more healthy #manespiration.