The month ahead inspires you to boldly take your place in the world by kicking things off with the Full Moon on the 3rd inviting you to transform the narrative of your destiny. Once Mercury enters Leo, you'll have the confidence you need to unwaveringly pursue your vision. On the 7th, Venus gets cozy in Cancer, sweetening up your relationships and home life. Around the middle of the month, Uranus joins the retrograde party, inviting you to embrace your changing value system.
The New Moon on the 18th encourages you to embrace the healing power of creativity and play. Mercury shifts gears on the 20th, helping you streamline your routines so you can stay on track toward those big dreams of yours. When the Sun enters Virgo on the 22nd, the cosmos tests how disciplined you are in balancing self-care with how much you're serving others.
Check out what's in store for your zodiac sign in the month ahead.
Aries
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The beginning of August encourages you to expand your social network which you shouldn't have any problem doing with Leo season amping up your charm factor. The Full Moon on the 3rd is a perfect time to launch that online business, blog, or project you've been working on behind the scenes. You're in the mood to spice things up romantically and creatively when Mercury moves into Leo on the 4th. The planet of love creates a steamy effect when she enters Cancer on the 7th, making the next few weeks the perfect time to call out of work for a staycation. Indulge your senses by cooking your favorite comfort foods, cuddling up with a blanket (or bae), and watching your fave rom-coms from the comfort of your home.
On the 15th, Uranus goes retrograde, making this a good time to check in with yourself. Are you making money doing what you love? These next several months will help you get clear about your personal values and how to align those with opportunities that are truly a match for you. The New Moon on the 18th has you inspired to get back into the dating scene or start that new hobby that recently caught your interest. Towards the end of the month, Mercury and the Sun meet up in Virgo motivating you to whip your butt, and your work routine (or lack thereof), into shape. Hit the gym, try that detox, and organize your environment to help you stay clear-headed and grounded.
Taurus
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The month begins with a Full Moon on the 3rd creating a little friction between you and an authority figure—whether it be your nosey dad, micromanaging boss, or the "institution". You're ready to go your own way and this lunation could give you the push you need to strike out on your own. The next day, Mercury enters Leo and conversations with family or in the home can get a little heated if you don't keep your ego in check. However, this transit can serve as the fire beneath your ass to make some changes in your living environment if you've simply had enough with your current circumstances.
Your ruling planet, Venus, attempts to smooth things out when she enters Cancer. Spending some quality time with your siblings can be just what you need to bring you back down to earth. On the 15th, Uranus goes retrograde in your sign, inviting you to reconnect with your inner wild, child. Embrace what makes you unique (and even a little rebellious). The New Moon on the 18th could suggest a relocation, the beginning of a renovation project, or a new addition to the family. When the Sun meets up with Mercury on the 22nd, the energy becomes more harmonious for you. Indulge in some creativity, play, and romance to bring some balance into your world.
Gemini
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The Full Moon on the 3rd is an exciting time for your big reveal, whether you're launching that novel, a workshop, or that blog. It's time to showcase your expertise and receive the acknowledgment you deserve for your forward-thinking approach to life. On the 4th, Mercury enters Leo which could result in sudden emotional outbursts if you feel like your intelligence or beliefs are being challenged. Choose your battles, wisely. As long as you're confident in your truth, there's no need to convince others to believe it, too. Venus, planet of love, enters Cancer on the 7th and you're receiving tons of support (and possibly some gifts and money) from people who want to nurture you.
Around the middle of the month, Uranus goes retrograde, making your psychic sense all the more sensitive. Divine inspiration, and some million-dollar ideas, are bound to come your way during this transit. Make sure to connect with your spiritual allies for assistance in growing your finances during this transit. On the 18th, the New Moon is a good time to start a new creative project that pushes you to express yourself more authentically. Towards the end of the month, Mercury and the Sun enters Virgo, encouraging you to get your home life in order by decluttering and getting organized. As family comes into greater focus, make sure to practice more compassion in your interaction instead of passing judgment so easily.
Cancer
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The beginning of the month is a little more quiet for you thanks to the Full Moon illuminating your psyche—including the limiting beliefs that inhibit you from embracing the weird qualities that people have criticized about you. This is a powerful time to break free from the chains of "normalcy" to allow yourself to truly blossom. On the 4th, Mercury enters Leo, motivating you to get to the bag in ways that highlight your natural gifts and talents. A few days later, Venus is bringing the blessings––and the affection––when she enters your sign. Bask in the love, babe! You deserve it.
On the 15th, Uranus goes retrograde, inviting you to reconnect with your friends or make some new ones that reflect the changes you've been making in your life. Sometimes we grow together and sometimes we grow apart. Give yourself, and others, grace during these times of transition. The New Moon on the 18th invites you to plant the seeds for a new source of income that will require you to develop confidence in yourself. Consistency is key and maybe a new outfit that will help you feel the part. On the 22nd, the Sun links up with Mercury, making this a good time to get your thoughts organized for that business plan, brand, or website you're working on. It's time to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
Leo
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Happy birthday, goddess! The month kicks off with a Full Moon highlighting your relationships and any contractual agreements. This a great time to renegotiate the terms of any existing partnerships to make sure you both are still on the same page. On the 4th, Mercury enters your sign, making you the talk of the town. You live for a little drama and you may very well find yourself at the center of it during this transit. Venus attempts to soften the energy when she enters Cancer on the 7th, encouraging you to balance out all of that playtime with some rest. The spirit world often communicates to us through our dreams but you can't receive the messages if you're not getting quality sleep.
Around the middle of the month, Taurus goes retrograde which could present some career changes that will gift you with a greater sense of individuality and freedom once the dust settles. On the 18th, the New Moon invites you to blaze a new path that aligns with your truth. Can you say that you're truly proud of yourself or do some of your wins feel empty? As much as you care about making your loved ones proud, it's time to assert more of your authority by living a life that you can be proud of. Towards the end of the month, Mercury and the Sun shift into Virgo, inviting you to build up your self-esteem so you won't be easily swayed by the opinions of others. When it comes to your finances, this is an opportune time to revamp your budget and strategize new ways to gain income.
Virgo
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Your health and wellness are top priority at the onset of the month due to the Full Moon revealing a troublesome area that could use a little improvement. Don't fall down the trap of diagnosing yourself with WebMD before you consult with your doctor. On the 4th, Mercury enters Leo which is sending your dream time into overdrive. This placement could also make you the center of some gossip due to your rising affluence. However, this is a powerful time to release an old narrative that requires you to dim your shine so others aren't intimidated by you. On the 7th, Venus enters Cancer where she'll be sweetening your friendships and providing the space for any healing that's necessary.
Around the middle of the month, Uranus goes retrograde encouraging you to be flexible when it comes to your beliefs. There's a possibility to hold space for multiple truths at once and this transit can help you better embrace how connected everything truly is. If you're in school, you may decide to switch your major or go in a completely new direction with how you choose to share your wisdom with the collective. On the 18th, the New Moon in Leo reminds you that every accomplishment starts with a dream. Plant the seeds for what you'd like to manifest—specifically by the Full Moon in Leo six months from now. On the 20th, Mercury enters your sign shortly followed by the Sun on the 22nd. All eyes are on you, birthday girl! It's time to celebrate your growth over the past year and the new heights you'll be reaching in the year to come.
Libra
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The Full Moon on the 3rd lights up your life with some much-needed romance and creativity. This is a supportive time to reveal your more artistic side. Even if you're no Van Gogh, it's important to flex your creative muscle from time-to-time. Organize a Sip & Paint with bae or your girls to give your inner child a little love. On the 4th, Mercury enters Leo, making you the life of the party. So many moves to make but so little time. You're in the mood to network and connect with your friends. Host a Zoom mixer to get some of your faves together while still practicing social distancing. Your ruling planet, Venus, moves into Cancer on the 7th, helping you attract more support when it comes to your career endeavors. You don't necessarily need someone to provide you with solutions to all of your work problems. Sometimes you just want to enjoy a glass of wine with a friend while venting about your annoying ass boss. Let that be enough, my love.
On the 15th, Uranus goes retrograde which could shake up the power dynamics within a close relationship or someone you share finances with. In matters of intimacy, this is a powerful time to shift your narrative related to experiences that negatively impacted your self-esteem. The New Moon on the 18th encourages you to expand your friendship circle. It's OK to meet new people that you vibe with more organically. Use this energy to also set an intention to boldly (re)commit to a dream of yours that has gone neglected. On the 22nd, the Sun and Mercury meet up in Virgo, inviting you to rest up and reflect on the past year as you prepare for your birthday season. Reassess what needs to be purged from your life so you can step into your new year feeling lighter, happier, and more at peace.
Scorpio
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The month begins with a Full Moon on the 3rd which could stir up some tension on the home-front. You're feeling an intense need to assert your individualism while your family's expectations attempt to overshadow your desires. When Mercury enters Leo on the 4th, you'll have the confidence you need to express yourself without fear of your family's disproval. During this transit, you'll be adjusting your relationship with authority as you come into your own power. On the 7th, Venus gets cozy in Cancer in a part of your chart that has you longing for home which could easily be some far off place that you've always dreamt of traveling to.
Relationships may be a little strained around the Quarter Moon on the 11th. Do you want to be right or do you actually want to compromise? Make sure to hold that standard to others as well to discern whether this matter truly deserves your energy. On the 15th, Uranus goes retrograde, giving you a chance to establish more freedom for yourself within your relationships. Sudden "a-ha" moments about codependent tendencies will come to the light. The New Moon on the 18th invites you to shine more authentically in the work that you do. A few days later, Mercury and the Sun link up in Virgo, encouraging you to take an honest assessment of your social circle to weed out who you don't click with and reprioritize your energy for those that you're more compatible with.
Sagittarius
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August kicks off with a Full Moon on the 3rd, encouraging you to speak life into your dreams! There could be cause for celebrating a recent win that affirms how much it pays off to just be yourself. On the 4th, Mercury enters Leo, enticing your wanderlust that much more. If you're dealing with travel restrictions, you may find a little relief in getting lost in travel blogs or TV shows that give you a little taste of culture and adventure. A few days later, Venus moves into Cancer, inviting you into deeper levels of intimacy within your connections. You deserve softness, Saggie. Let other people take care of you, too.
On the 15th, Uranus goes retrograde which could cause some sudden changes in your daily routines (but you're not one to complain about switching things up). This could be just the shift that you needed to reinvigorate your drive. Your health and wellness also take the front seat during this transit, making this a supportive transit for revolutionizing the way you take care of yourself. The New Moon on the 18th is a great time to start writing that book, organizing that workshop, or looking into options to further your education. On the 18th, Mercury enters Virgo followed by the Sun a few days later, making your career the center of your focus over the next few weeks. It's time to buckle down and handle your responsibilities like a boss. More success and influence is coming towards you. All you have to do is meet it halfway.
Capricorn
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The Full Moon at the beginning of the month helps you break through any financial barriers by providing you with the perfect strategy for increasing your flow of abundance. It's not just about the money you make but HOW you're making the money. With the Moon in Aquarius, it's important to prioritize authentic ways of aligning with wealth. What do you actually enjoy doing that you can make a profit from? On the 4th, Mercury enters Leo which could be triggering some soft spots related to your confidence and ego. Owning up to your insecurities can actually lessen the effects of them. A few days later, Venus moves into Cancer to sweeten up your relationships. Just make sure you're available to receive the love being offered to you.
On the 15th, Uranus goes retrograde, stirring up some changes in your dating life and creative expression. If you're suddenly overcome with the burning desire to hire an acting coach, learn photography, or invest in some new sketchpads and pencils, go for it! Your inner child needs some attention from you. What your parents may have not been able to do for you in the past is something you have the ability to do for yourself now. The New Moon on the 18th is a great time to apply for a loan or to reconsider that offer from that sugar daddy that's been hanging out in your DMs. On the 20th, Mercury enters Virgo and the Sun follows behind on the 22nd, making it a good time to expand your knowledge through going back to school, attending seminars, or reading books to sharpen your expertise.
Aquarius
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The spotlight is on you at the beginning of the month, thanks to the Full Moon in your sign. This lunation could have you feeling on edge especially if you've been repressing some emotions lately. Remember—"The truth shall set you free." Communication may be even more difficult once Mercury enters Leo but try to look at any uncomfortable moments as opportunities to grow. On the 7th, Venus invites you to adjust your routine if you've been feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes less is more. Say "no" to any invitations that don't feel like a complete "yes". Get into some gentle forms of exercise to soothe any anxiety.
Be mindful of squabbles with family, roommates, or a landlord around the Quarter Moon on the 11th. On the 15th, Uranus goes retrograde, bringing some changes to your household dynamic. A sudden relocation may be on the horizon for some while others of you are breaking through the chains of your family's expectations to create a life that you can be happy with. The New Moon on the 18th has you signing your name on the dotted line for your new condo, work contract, or business partnership. When it comes to romance, talks of the next level of commitment may be on the table. On the 20th, Mercury enters Virgo followed by the Sun on the 25th, bringing your attention to intimacy blockages. How are you overthinking your way out of getting close to others?
Pisces
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August kicks off with a Full Moon enlivening your dream world with the clues you need to actualize a long-term vision of yours. You could even receive intuitive insights about who will play a key role in helping your manifest your dreams into reality. On the 4th, Mercury enters Leo, motivating you to get your eating habits and body into shape. Luck is on your side when Venus enters Cancer where she'll be sweetening up your world with an abundance of romance and creative inspiration. You could even be making some extra money from a project you've recently launched.
Around the middle of the month, Uranus goes retrograde, encouraging you to speak your mind. Oftentimes, you're a little too considerate of other people's emotions to the point that you water down your truth. This transit will challenge you to let people know how you really feel and what matters most to you. On the 18th, the New Moon invites you to make some changes in your routine or work environment that cultivate more adventure and creativity in your busy (and boring) schedule. On the 20th, Mercury moves into Virgo with the Sun following behind. Important conversations about your close relationships and business partnerships are on the table. It's time to address what isn't working in the connection or detox it out of your life entirely.
Join our xoTribe, an exclusive community dedicated to YOU and your stories and all things xoNecole. Be a part of a growing community of women from all over the world who come together to uplift, inspire, and inform each other on all things related to the glow up.
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For Us, By Us: How HBCU Alumni Are Building Legacies Through Entrepreneurship
Homecoming season is here, and alumni are returning to the yard to celebrate with their friends and family at the historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) that have changed their lives forever.
No matter where their life journeys have taken them, for HBCU students from near and far, returning to where it all started can invoke feelings of nostalgia, appreciation for the past, and inspiration for the future.
The seeds for these entrepreneurs were planted during their time as students at schools like Spelman, North Carolina A&T, and more, which is why xoNecole caught up with Look Good Live Well’s Ariane Turner, HBCU Buzz’s Luke Lawal and Morehouse Senior Director of Marketing and Comms and Press Secretary Jasmine Gurley to highlight the role their HBCU roots play in their work as entrepreneurs, the legacy they aim to leave behind through the work that they do, and more as a part of Hyundai’s Best In Class initiative.
On Honoring HBCU Roots To Create Something That Is For Us, By Us
Ariane Turner
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When Ariane Turner launched Look Good, Live Well, she created it with Black and brown people in mind, especially those with sensitive skin more prone to dryness and skin conditions like acne and eczema.
The Florida A&M University graduate launched her business to create something that addressed topical skin care needs and was intentional about its approach without negative terminology.
Turner shared that it is important to steer clear of language often adopted by more prominent brands, such as “banishing breakouts” or “correcting the skin,” because, in reality, Turner says there is nothing wrong with the way that our skin and bodies react to various life changes.
“I think what I have taken with me regarding my HBCU experience and translated to my entrepreneurial experience is the importance of not just networking,” Turner, the founder and CEO of Look Good, Live Well, tellls xoNecole.
“We hear that in business all the time, your network is your net worth, but family, there’s a thing at FAMU that we call FAMU-lee instead of family, and it’s very much a thing. What that taught me is the importance of not just making relationships and not just making that connection, but truly working on deepening them, and so being intentional about connecting with people initially, but staying connected and building and deepening those relationships, and that has served me tremendously in business, whether it’s being able to reach back to other classmates who I went to school with, or just networking in general.”
She adds, “I don’t come from a business background. As soon as I finished school, I continued with my entrepreneurial journey, and so there’s a lot of that traditional business act and the networking, those soft skills that I just don’t have, but I will say that just understanding how to leverage and network community and to build intentional relationships is something that has taken me far and I definitely got those roots while attending FAMU.”
On Solving A Very Specific Need For The Community
Luke Lawal Jr.
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When Luke Lawal Jr. launched HBCU Buzz, his main focus was to represent his community, using the platform to lift as they climbed by creating an outlet dedicated to celebrating the achievements and positive news affecting the 107 historically HBCUs nationwide.
By spotlighting the wonderful things that come from the HBCU community and coupling it with what he learned during his time at Bowie State University, Lawal used that knowledge to propel himself as an entrepreneur while also providing his people with accurate representation across the internet.
“The specific problem in 2011 when I started HBCU Buzz was more so around the fact that mainstream media always depict HBCUs as negative,” Lawal says. “You would only see HBCUs in the mainstream media when someone died, or the university president or someone was stepping down. It was always bad news, but they never shed light on all the wonderful things from our community."
So, I started HBCU Buzz to ensure the world saw the good things that come from our space. And they knew that HBCUs grew some of the brightest people in the world, and just trying to figure out ways to make sure our platform was a pedestal for all the students that come through our institutions.”
“The biggest goal is to continue to solve problems, continue to create brands that solve the problems of our communities, and make sure that our products, our brands, our companies, and institutions are of value and they’re helping our community,” he continues. “That they’re solving problems that propel our space forward.”
On How Being An HBCU Alum Impacts The Way One Shows Up In The World
Jasmine Gurley
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Jasmine Gurley is a proud North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University alum. She is even more delighted with her current role, which enables her to give back to current HBCU students as the Senior Director of Brand Marketing and Communications and official press secretary at Morehouse College.
“It was a formative experience where I really was able to come into my own and say yes to all the opportunities that were presented to me, and because of that, it’s been able to open the doors later in life too,” says Gurley of her experience at North Carolina A&T. “One thing I love about many HBCUs is that we are required to learn way more about African American history than you do in your typical K through 12 or even at the higher ed level."
She adds, “It allowed us to have a better understanding of where we came from, and so for me, because I’m a storyteller, I’m a history person, I’m very sensitive to life in general, being able to listen to the stories and the trials that our ancestors overcame, put the battery pack in my back to say, ‘Oh nothing can stop me. Absolutely nothing can stop me. I know where I came from, so I can overcome something and try anything. And I have an obligation to be my ancestors’ wildest dreams. Simultaneously, I also have a responsibility to help others realize that greatness.
Gurley does not take her position at an HBCU, now as a leader, lightly.
“People think I’m joking when I say I’m living the dream, but I really am,” she notes. “So I wake up every day and know that the work that I do matters, no matter how hard it might be, how frustrating it may be, and challenging it. I know the ripple effect of my work, my team, and what this institution does also matter. The trajectory of Black male experiences, community, history, and then just American advancement just in general.”
On the other hand, through her business, Sankofa Public Relations, Gurley is also on a mission to uplift brands in their quest to help their respective communities. Since its inception in 2017, Sankofa PR has been on a mission to “reach back and reclaim local, national, and global communities by helping those actively working to move” various areas of the world, focusing on pushing things forward for the better.
“Through Sankofa, we’ve worked with all different types of organizational brands and individuals in several different industries, but I would think of them as mission-based,” says Gurley.
“So with that, it’s an opportunity to help people who are trying to do good in the world, and they are passionate about what they’re doing. They just need help with marketing issues, storytelling, and branding, and that’s when my expertise can come into play. Help them get to that moment where they can tell their story through me or another platform, and that’s been super fulfilling.”
Join us in celebrating HBCU excellence! Check out our Best In Class hub for inspiring stories, empowering resources, and everything you need to embrace the HBCU experience.
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8 Fall Foods That Will Give Your Hair The Length You Want
I think that we all know, in theory, that no matter what we put on our hair, if we want to have a healthy head of it, we’ve got to care about what we put into our bodies as well. That’s because, in order for your strands to be strong and long (if that’s what you’re after), you’ve got to make sure that your hair follicles have the nutrients that they need — and that means making sure that your diet is full of vitamins and minerals that will nurture them.
Since we are knee-deep into fall at this point, let’s get into some foods that are both in season and proven to help your scalp, your follicles, your strands, and your hair goals.
1. Grapes
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Even though grapes are in the produce section year-round, you can definitely tell that they are in season right through here because of how big they are and how sweet they taste. Yeah, this is definitely the best time to put some grapes in the freezer and consume them after they’ve frozen. Anyway, as far as what their overall health benefits are, grapes are good for you because they’re a low-calorie snack that contains protein, fiber, copper (bookmark that), antioxidants, and vitamin K. Not only that, but if you’re looking for a fruit that will help to reduce your cholesterol and blood sugar levels, improve your mood and memory and even help to keep your bones strong, grapes will totally have your back.
And what can grapes do for your hair? Aside from the fact that their high concentration of copper can help to slow down premature graying (check out “This Is How To Naturally Treat Premature Greying”) and certain properties in grapes can also decrease the irritation that is associated with dandruff, the antioxidants in grapes will help to keep free radicals from damaging your hair cells. Not only that, but the vitamin E in grapes will support a healthy scalp and help prevent hair loss, while the melatonin in grapes will help you get a good night’s rest so that your hair cells are able to rejuvenate themselves.
Fall Grape Recipe: The “Autumn Twilight” Grape & Rosemary Cocktail
2. Pumpkin
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Pumpkin is packed with protein, fiber, and a ton of vitamin A. It’s also a good vitamin B-sourced food, and if you need some extra vitamin C or potassium in your system, it can help in those departments as well. Something that I like about this particular fruit (it contains seeds, so…yeah, it’s a fruit) is it’s great for your immunity when it comes to helping to keep colds and the flu at bay. Also, thanks to all of the vitamin A that it has, pumpkins are great at keeping your eyes in a healthy state. Plus, it fights off the kind of bacteria that can ultimately lead to heart disease and certain cancers.
Hair-wise, pumpkin is outstanding because the vitamin C in it will help increase the collagen that will help to prevent hair breakage. Also, some studies reveal that pumpkin (especially pumpkin seeds) helps to block elevated levels of testosterone that can sometimes lead to hair loss. Not to mention the fact that vitamin A also helps strengthen your hair follicles too.
Fall Pumpkin Recipe: Pumpkin Sandwich Rolls
3. Butternut Squash
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It is my personal opinion that if you’ve never had butternut squash soup before, you are truly missing out — well, if your palette likes things that have a bit of a sweet yet nutty taste, that is. Although there are different kinds of winter squash, butternut is certainly one of the most popular. Protein, fiber, an overwhelming amount of vitamin A (a whopping 457 percent of the Reference Daily Intake), various forms of vitamin B, vitamin C, magnesium, manganese, potassium — geeze, no wonder butternut squash is considered to be a superfood!
Again, the vitamin A that’s in it is good for your eye and bone health while the vitamin C that it contains helps to reduce bodily inflammation and boost immunity. Something else that’s worth taking note of with this vegetable is, if you happen to be diabetic, it’s actually a sweet treat that has antidiabetic properties in it. How awesome is that?
There is also vitamin E in butternut squash; that’s dope because that helps with scalp health as far as slowing down premature aging and increasing blood circulation. Vitamin E is also super beneficial when it comes to moisturizing your hair shaft, which always reduces breakage. Plus, vitamin B is a nutrient that both strengthens and moisturizes your hair.
Butternut Squash Fall Recipe:Slow-Cooker Vegan Lentil Chili
4. Brussels Sprouts
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I don’t know about y’all, but I somewhat have a fickle relationship with Brussels sprouts. The reason why I say that is I like them (most) based on how they’re prepared (and who prepares them). I do try to get them into my system around this time of year, though, because they do the body good. As another food that is high in protein, fiber, and antioxidants, it’s a great food for vegetarians and vegans who may be looking for a protein source that doesn’t contain meat.
It’s also a good veggie when it comes to getting some vitamin C and K into your body. Aside from that, Brussels sprouts are really healthy because they help to manage blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, fill you up with anti-cancer compounds, regulate your blood pressure, and they can also help you to maintain a healthy gut as well.
When it comes to hair growth and retention, vitamin K gets slept on far more than it should. For one thing, it helps to prevent scalp calcification (which is basically when too much calcium gets into your hair follicles and slows down blood flow and nutrients to them), so that you have less of a chance of dealing with brittle hair or even hair loss.
Brussels Sprouts Fall Recipe:Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
5. Cranberries
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Want a snack that is low in calories and high in hydration? Look no further than a handful (or two) of cranberries. They’ve got fiber and 87 percent water in them. They’re also a fruit that contains vitamins A, C, E, K, and copper, along with a variety of plant compounds. Although it’s probably best known for being a natural way to treat a UTI (urinary tract infection), cranberries are also good for you when it comes to lowering your cholesterol and blood pressure levels, maintaining digestion, and helping to prevent kidney stones and even cavities.
Thanks to the copper that is in cranberries, they also can help to prevent premature graying, and, as far as hair length goes, their antioxidants can help to strengthen your hair follicles. Another cool thing about cranberries is they’re a rich source of potassium, and since hair loss has been linked to potassium deficiency — well, there ya go.
Cranberries Fall Recipe:Cranberry Apple Crisp
6. Cauliflower
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I’m pretty sure we all can agree that if there’s a food that is a vegan favorite, it would have to be cauliflower. Perhaps not so much because of how it tastes when it’s in its rawest form but because it’s been “upcycled” into so many other things like cauliflower rice and even cauliflower pizza crust. In the health benefits department, you can feel good about consuming this vegetable because it’s a good source of fiber, multiple forms of vitamin B, vitamin C, and antioxidants. It’s also a food that helps to fight heart disease, can be of great support if you’re looking to lose weight and the choline that’s in it is great for your metabolism and your cell membranes.
Cauliflower has also been proven to reduce oxidative stress and free radicals, help your body absorb iron better (being low in iron can lead to hair breakage and hair loss), and contain sulfur (which helps to strengthen hair) as well as silicon (which also reduces hair loss), so yes, it’s a great veggie to consider if gaining inches is a top priority for you right now.
Cauliflower Fall Recipe:Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
7. Pears
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There’s nothing like a juicy pear in the middle of the day. Every time you bite into one, you can feel good about it, too, because pears are high in fiber and a good source of copper and potassium. Pears also contain plant compounds that can protect your heart and reduce your chances of being diagnosed with cancer and diabetes. Plus, pears are able to fill your system up with good bacteria and they are great at relieving constipation, too.
Since pears also have vitamin C in them, it can’t be said enough that your locks will benefit from them because vitamin C maintains scalp health, adds strength and shine, boosts collagen, which increases elasticity and even makes your hair shinier.
Pear Fall Recipe:Caramelized Pear French Toast Bake
8. Pomegranates
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If you’re looking to get an unbelievable amount of fiber and protein from one fruit, pomegranates got you. As a bonus, they’re a good source of potassium, folate, vitamin C, and antioxidants. If you happen to deal with some type of chronic inflammation, pomegranates can help to bring you relief. They also have antimicrobial properties that can help you to maintain your oral health. Some other impressive things to take note of, as far as pomegranates are concerned, are they help to protect your brain cells, they can increase endurance for you (as far as workouts and even sex are concerned) and they can improve the level of prostate health in men.
Your tresses will enjoy this fall fruit because the antioxidants that are in it will strengthen your hair follicles as well as increase blood circulation to your scalp so that those follicles are able to receive the nutrients that they need. They are also able to reduce the oxidative stress in your system that can break down collagen which could make your hair brittle and lack flexibility (which can cause breakage).
Pomegranate Fall Recipe:Pomegranate-Glazed Salmon with Oranges, Olives, and Herbs
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Now that you know some autumn-season foods that are able to help your hair thrive, make sure to get a few of them. They’re delicious, they’re healthy and they’re just what your tresses need — from your scalp to your ends. Enjoy!
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