It’s never been a better time to learn about foods that will help give your hair, skin and nails a boost, and give you a glow from the inside out, when we are more conscious than ever of what goes in to our bodies. Below is a list of 5 vegan foods that are not only delicious, but have major health and beauty benefits as well!
Avocados are one of the most well-known beauty foods. They are terrific for hair, skin and nails due to their monounsaturated fatty-acid content. Avocados also contain fibre, magnesium, folate and more potassium than a banana! Many hair and skin products now contain avocado or avocado oil because of its moisturizing effects.
Everyone knows it’s important to eat your greens, but some are definitely more palatable than others. Spinach is a leafy green that is mild in flavour and easy to add to many types of meals. It is high in vitamin A, a nutrient necessary for the growth of all body tissues including skin and hair. Spinach also contains vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene, which can help protect the skin from premature aging. Add a handful of spinach into your next smoothie and you’ll be surprised at how little you can taste it!
Oats are an amazing source of complex carbohydrates for vegans and non-vegans alike. They are a source of fibre and iron which are key components in a healthy vegan lifestyle. They are also low in fat and free of cholesterol, which is how they have earned their heart healthy reputation. Aside from being healthy for your insides, oats are also a great ingredient when used in body products. Oats are soothing to the skin and are effective in lotions and face masks to calm and reduce irritation and dryness.
In addition to being delicious, berries (such as strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and blueberries) are high in antioxidants which can minimize the damage caused to the skin by free radicals. Berries are also high in vitamin C - a vitamin that is involved in the production of collagen which helps with keeping skin looking young and firm. Try adding a mix of berries to your morning smoothie or on top of some oatmeal for an extra boost at breakfast!
Chia seeds are a vegan’s best friend. They contain a good amount of omega 3 fatty acids, which are often lacking in many people’s diet. Chia seeds are also a good source of protein and fibre which fill you up and keep you full longer. They absorb up to 12 times their weight in water, and create a gel-like substance which can be used to replace eggs in vegan baked goods. Another way to enjoy all the health and beauty benefits of chia seeds is by simply adding them to a smoothie or oatmeal.
Juices are a brilliant way to get a boost to your vitamin intake, a natural source of energy and aren’t too tricky to make. They can be vegan too! These recipes are sure to provide extra hydration, and give you a boost of easily absorbed nutrients. A juicer works best to produce the smoothest pulp-free juice, but if you don’t have a juicer, no worries! You can blend the ingredients in a blender and strain the juice through some cheesecloth (similar to how almond milk is made) to separate out the juice from the pulp. Happy juicing!
EACH RECIPE SERVES 2
Lather yourself with shower cream or gel, depending on your preference - we'd recommend our British Rose Shower Gel. A bath lily can make a little go a long way.
Buff away old skin and stimulate your circulation for a healthy, glowing appearance and super soft skin. For a natural exfoliant with no harmful microbeads, try the Fuji Green Tea™ Body Scrub.
The skin is one of your largest organs, so give it a treat with our Spa Of The World™ Himalayan Charcoal Body Clay. The charcoal draws out impurities and has been known to draw out tensions from the mind too.
Last but by no means least, moisturize to help rejuvinate skin cells and keep skin looking good during the warmer months. Our Strawberry Body Yogurt is gel-based and dries in just over 15 seconds, which makes it one of the best body moisturizers for summer.
We all know Canada’s a beautiful country, but did you know it has a ton of animal-friendly locations to offer, too? From burrowing owls and brown bears to puffins and whales, take a look at the wonderful variety of wildlife on offer this summer. Here are The Body Shop’s recommendations of eight animal-friendly spots to venture to this season, all year round.
This island is home to land animals like the adorable Atlantic puffin, and is a great place to go whale watching.
Source: Parks Canada.
Breathe in the fresh area and beautiful scenery while you're on the wildlife tour, and maybe even bump into some wild cats...!
Source: Jasper Wildlife
The perfect place for a picnic on a warm day - just make sure the elk or bald eagles don't steal your food.
Source: Wildlife Worldwide.
If you want to do a spot of bird watching, then Point Pelee is the place. It's host to a range of endangered and rare birds, including the vibrant Scarlet Tanager.
Source: Point Pelee National Park
Cross a bridge suspended in the tree tops, 70 metres above a river, and amongst the array of birds and other wildlife... as long as you're not scared of heights.
Source: Cap Bridge
Hike up to the spectacular rock formations caused by tidal erosions, and you just might see some white-tailed deer and moose on your journey.
Source: The Hopewell Rocks.
Not far from Hopewell Rocks, the Bay of Fundy has unique conditions for whales and seabirds.
Source: Wildlife Worldwide.
Burrowing owls, brown bears and pronghorns are only the beginning of a long list of animal residents here.
Source: Canadian Parks.