THE PROBLEM: THINNING HAIR
FOOD SOLUTIONS:
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Salmon has all sorts of health benefits, including helping the body process insulin more efficiently. When it comes to your hair, the omega-3 fatty acids in salmon combat inflammation in the scalp cells causing hair shedding. In addition, salmon is chockfull of Vitamin D, which stimulates hair follicles that have become dormant.
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Walnuts contain niacin, playing a big part in repairing DNA in your hair follicles and improving circulation to the scalp. Deficiencies in linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid (both omega fatty acids) can cause hair changes including loss of scalp hair and eyebrows. Walnuts are packed with both of those.
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Kale is chock full of iron, a nutrient deficiency that's a common cause of hair loss. Anemia can prevent your hair follicles from getting the oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood they need to grow. Eating leafy green vegetables that are bursting with iron and magnesium are an important part of health hair.
THE RECIPE: BAKED SALMON WITH WALNUT KALE PESTO
- 1 ½ cup kale
- 1 cup walnuts
- 2 garlic cloves (add more if you like garlic!)
- ½ cup olive oil (I use a garlic chili olive oil)
- Any seasoning mix from your pantry (I used a blackened rub season mix) to taste
- Salt, as needed
- Salmon fillet, cut into 2 inch strips
- Pre-seasoned breadcrumbs (I use a garlic and herb one available in my grocery store)
- Grated parmesan
1. Preheat oven to 400™ F.
2. In a small food processor, pulse together the kale, walnuts, garlic, olive oil and seasoning mix until you get a smooth pesto. Season with salt, if needed.
3. Sprinkle a little salt onto the salmon fillets, skin side. Turn over.
4. Spread a nice, thick layer of the pesto on top of the salmon fillets. Sprinkle a good amount of the breadcrumbs over the pesto and repeat with the parmesan. 4. You should now have a lovely thick layer on top of the salmon. Brush with olive oil (or use an olive oil spray can if you have one).
4. Bake the salmon for 15 minutes in the oven. The parmesan/breadcrumb topping should be nicely browned.
5. Enjoy your dinner and watch that hair grow!
For the vegetarians in the house, use the kale pesto in a number of different ways. I roast a lot of veggies and if I have this pesto around, I’ll toss them with the pesto before putting them in the oven. Or make a traditional pesto pasta which my kids love – they don’t even realize they are eating kale!
