Everyone wants long, healthy hair and there are many factors that affect what your hair turns out to be. Some of them you have no control over like your age, your genes, your hormones and the rest. But some of them you do have control over like how you care for your hair as well as your diet.
In today’s article, we are going to be letting you know the top ten foods you should be eating if you want your hair to look like it was ripped right out of a TV commercial. The saying “you are what you eat” is indeed true. So, let’s begin to eat our hair into shape, shall we?
#1 Eggs.
Eggs are rich in biotin and protein which are necessary nutrients in the stimulation of hair growth.
You need to eat enough protein if you want your hair to grow because hair follicles are mostly protein. So, naturally, if your protein intake isn’t high enough, you can expect some hair loss.
Biotin, on the other hand, aids the production of a hair protein known as keratin. This is why you often see it touted in the market as a hair growth supplement.
Simply make sure you add eggs and other kinds of proteins to your diet and you’ll be fine.
If you suffer from biotin deficiency, then taking in more biotin would help correct issues with hair growth. However, generally, as long as you eat a balanced diet, you’re unlikely to suffer from a biotin deficiency which means you might not need biotin supplements.
#2 Almond butter.
Almond butter is rich in all kinds of nutrients ranging from vitamins, to healthy fats, to protein. And each of these nutrients contribute immensely to hair health and hair growth.
One particular vitamin, vitamin E, which has been scientifically proven to promote thick and lustrous hair is abundant in almond butter. And according to a study published in the Tropical Life Sciences Research journal, a daily supplement of 100 milligrams of vitamin E can cause an increase in hair growth up to 34%.
Even if you don’t like almond butter, regular almonds are fine too. Almonds remain one of the best sources of vitamin E which help to nourish both your hair and your scalp.
#3 Berries.
Berries are great for your hair because they contain a lot of vitamin C which also happens to be a highly effective antioxidant.
As an antioxidant, vitamin C protects your hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are harmful molecules that naturally exist in the environment as well as in your body. They cause damage to certain cells and tissues and can also cause premature ageing as well.
Vitamin C also helps in the production of collagen which helps to strengthen the hair so it does not become brittle and start to break easily.
In addition, vitamin C is also useful in helping your body absorb iron from your diet. Without iron, the body can suffer from anemia and anemia has been linked with observable hair loss in people.
#4 Salmon.
Salmon and other fatty fish like it are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and these nutrients have so many benefits which they bring to the table.
For one, they are anti-inflammatory which means that if your hair is shedding as a result of an inflammation, they can take care of that.
Omega-3 fatty acids are also known to add shine and lustre to your hair so it looks full and attractive.
Plus, salmon also helps in the efficient processing of insulin in the body and this can also help with treating hair loss.
Many times in cases of female hair loss and even male-pattern balding, insulin resistance is often at the root of the problem. And so, if the body begins to process insulin better, sometimes, the hair loss is reversed. Salmon fish can help with that.
#5 Spinach.
As a green, leafy vegetable, spinach is one of the healthiest meals you can have on your table. The vegetable is packed full of important nutrients, many of which are great for your hair. They include vitamins A and C, folate, and iron.
Vitamin A is known to help the skin produce sebum which helps to keep your hair and scalp constantly moisturized so it’s not dry and brittle. With just one cup of spinach, you already have more than half of your daily vitamin A requirements. That’s how great spinach is for your hair.
Also, as a source of iron, spinach helps to facilitate the efficient transport of oxygen round the body. This helps with metabolism which aids hair growth and helps with hair repairs as well.
#6 Greek Yogurt.
We doubt you’ve ever seen an ancient Greek statue that isn’t crowned with a thick mop of rich, wavy hair. Could it be an artistic choice? Well, probably. But more likely it is because the Greeks have it good when it comes to their hair.
This is probably due to centuries of consuming the thick, highly proteinous delicacy that is Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt contains pantothenic acids, also known as vitamin B5, and this vitamin is known for its benefit in helping to maintain healthy hair and skin.
#7 Sweet potatoes.
In sweet potatoes, you have a rich source of beta-carotene which the body converts into vitamin A that helps with hair growth. In fact, sweet potatoes are so rich in beta carotene, you only need one medium-sized potato to provide enough beta-carotene that can produce vitamin A that’s over four times what your body needs in a day.
Vitamin A not only triggers the production of sebum which moisturizes your hair, it also speeds up the rate of hair growth as well. Plus, it makes your hair thicker and keeps your hair follicles from damage.
#8 Avocados.
Avocados, just like fatty fish, have a high concentration of healthy fats. They also provide vitamin E as well as vitamin C, both of which are great for your hair.
As we’ve seen, vitamin E grows your hair and makes it look attractive while vitamin C protects your hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals.
But vitamin E does more than keeping your hair looking shiny. It also protects your scalp from damage and stress. If your scalp is damaged then you’re going to have fewer hair follicles and this will affect hair growth rate and even affect the quality of hair you grow.
#9 Seafood.
Seafood like oysters and shrimp are amazing for your hair.
Let’s begin with oysters.
Oysters are a rich source of zinc which is a mineral that is known to increase hair growth rate and also help in the repair of damaged hair.
When there’s not enough zinc in your diet, it could cause a condition known as telogen effluvium. This is a common condition where a person experiences hair loss due to a lack of essential nutrients in the diet. The condition is reversible, luckily, and if you suffer from that, oysters can help bring back your hair.
But beware because taking too much zinc can also cause your hair to fall out. So, it’s better to stick to getting your zinc requirements from seafood like oysters rather than taking supplements. This way, you don’t overdose and cause what you’re trying to cure or prevent.
Then, we have shrimp which is also a rich source of zinc as well as other nutrients like protein, iron, vitamin B and vitamin D.
Shrimps also provide a small amount of omega-3 fatty acids even though they are not particularly high in fats. These omega-3 fatty acids are great for the hair in making it grow and keeping it lustrous.
#10 Beans.
Beans is one of the best plant sources of protein there is and is therefore a key food to eat if you’re looking to grow your hair. Just like oysters, beans are also great sources of zinc as well as other hair-friendly nutrients like folate, biotin, and iron.
The good thing about beans is that they are inexpensive to buy and also quite versatile. There are a myriad of ways you can include beans in your diet. So, have fun with it while you watch your hair grow.
