Eat These 6 Foods for Long, Gorgeous Hair
Many people want their hair to be long, healthy and shiny, but achieving these goals can be a challenge in today’s world. Unfortunately, hair gets exposed to damage in various ways. Being out in the sun, applying harsh chemical-based hair products and using hair straighteners or other heat styling devices all can lead to hair loss, dry hair and other unwanted hair issues. So while you can ease up on the harsh products and hot tools to help your hair, there’s something else you can do, too: Evaluate your diet.
In case you didn’t know, hair is made up of keratin, which is a tough protein that gives hair its structure. When keratin weakens, your hair strands become more prone to breakage. Yes, there are topical keratin treatments that can work wonders for the hair. However, consuming a diet rich in protein and other essential nutrients can also help your body produce keratin. fIn this article, you will learn about the six best foods that can be a game-changer for your dry, damaged hair.
Eggs
Eggs are a great source of protein; you’ll find 6 grams per large egg. But that’s not all. They also contain vitamin A and E, biotin and folate, all essential nutrients required for hair growth. In fact, biotin is a key player in keratin synthesis. Moreover, eggs contain amino acids and zinc that make hair strands long and healthy.
Spinach
Spinach is loaded with beneficial nutrients like iron and folate, which promote faster hair growth. Iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body to aid growth and repair. This healthy green vegetable is also a high source of vitamin A and C that helps your skin glands produce sebum. Sebum is an essential oily substance that keeps your scalp moisturized, which can help prevent hair issues.
Berries
Berries contain vitamin C and many other beneficial compounds necessary to promote hair growth. Our body requires vitamin C for iron absorption as it has strong antioxidant properties. Antioxidants play a huge role in protecting your hair follicles against damage from free radicals. Also, vitamin C produces collagen, which can help strengthen your hair strands. You can also get vitamin C from delicious citrus fruits like oranges, tangerines, limes and lemons.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids that help promote hair growth. Salmon, mackerel, lake trout, sardines and herring have nutrients that may reduce hair loss and make your hair shiny. Interestingly, Fatty fish also contain vitamin D3 and B, protein and selenium that nourish the hair and support thickening.
Nuts
Nuts contain nutrients like zinc, vitamin A, B and E, and essential fatty acids that help promote hair growth. Almonds and walnuts have a rich amount of Omega-3 fatty acids, making them an excellent addition to your diet. Besides hair growth, nuts offer other health benefits such as reduced inflammation in the body, glowing skin and a lower risk of heart disease.
Whole Grains
Whole grains contain biotin that plays a vital part in producing amino acids required for faster hair growth. Moreover, whole grains are rich in iron, zinc and B vitamins that keep your roots healthy and strong.
Final Thoughts
The old adage, “You are what you eat,” applies to your hair, too. And while there are many beneficial products available to promote stronger, healthier hair, caring for your hair properly takes a multipronged approach. And one of those prongs is paying attention to your diet. It’s a fact: Choosing to incorporate delicious, healthy foods like the ones mentioned can benefit your hair in numerous ways.