7 Foods for Healthy Hair

There’s a reason they say, “You are what you eat.”It’s because food has a remarkable impact on your body. Depending on what you eat, that impact could be positive or negative.

Did you know that your hair requires nutrients just like the rest of your body?

After all, hair is simply another body part. It needs nutrients to grow lush and healthy, which means incorporating certain foods into your diet is essential.

Remember, some of the signs of unhealthy hair include dryness, brittleness, breakage, lost color, and thinning.

You can avoid such problems and maintain healthy hair by eating more of these seven foods.

1. Salmon

Fatty acids are an important component of a good diet. They have an array of health benefits and can reduce your risk of developing serious chronic illnesses.

Omega-3s, one type of fatty acid, has also shown potential for promoting healthy hair.

According to one study, a type of omega-3 fatty acid called docosahexaenoic acid can improve hair growth by activating certain proteins in the body.

Not sure which foods contain omega-3 fatty acids?

Try salmon. It’s an oily fish that’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains biotin, a key ingredient in the production of keratin. Mackerel, pilchard, and trout are also excellent sources of omega-3s.

If you follow a vegan diet or don’t eat seafood, some plant-based options packing decent amounts of omega-3s include chia seeds, flaxseed, brussels sprouts, canola oil, and walnuts.

2. Lentils

Lentils are legumes that have a lot of health benefits. They are also rich in L-lysine, an amino acid that can promote healthy hair. While L-lysine may not necessarily boost hair growth, it can prevent hair loss and thinning.

Aside from lentils, other excellent sources of L-lysine are eggs, nuts, and beans. You can also take L-lysine as a supplement if you don’t think you’re getting enough from food.

Word of caution:

It’s important to seek professional advice before starting to take dietary supplements.

3. Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a delicacy with a wide array of nutritional benefits ranging from vitamins to minerals to antioxidants. In fact, mushrooms are the best plant-based source of vitamin D you can eat.

But how does vitamin D promote healthy hair?

Well, it aids in the formation of new hair follicles, which increases hair volume and prevents thinning.

4. Meat and Liver

Selenium is a mineral with various health benefits, including hair growth.

According to one scientific report, selenium is directly extracted in trace amounts from the bloodstream and channeled into the hair-creation process.

It’s also worth noting that too much selenium is terrible for your health and can actually damage your hair. Therefore, it’s best to avoid foods with extremely high doses of the mineral, such as brazil nuts.

Meat and liver are both good sources of selenium in small concentrations. Other alternatives include eggs, dairy products, and whole grains.

5. Onions

Onions are popular vegetables used worldwide to flavor dishes. But did you know they also promote keratin production in the body?

As you may know, keratin is a protein that plays a key role in the growth of hair and nails.

Onions are rich in a plant antioxidant called N-acetylcysteine. When eaten, the body produces a type of keratin called L-cysteine by converting this antioxidant into an amino acid.

Additionally, onions are rich in folate, a type of B vitamin that assists in the formation of healthy red blood cells. Folate is also associated with healthy hair follicles.

6. Kiwis and Oranges

Kiwi fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C, a compound that supports the production of collagen for healthy hair and skin.

This vitamin is also an antioxidant that can assist in the prevention of free radicals.  This maintains healthy hair follicles by strengthening the blood vessels surrounding the hair shaft.

Aside from kiwi fruits, oranges are also packed with vitamin C, making them a great alternative.

It’s worth noting that a deficiency in this vitamin could have physical consequences on your hair. This is because vitamin C leads to weakened capillaries, in turn affecting hair follicles.

One of the physical symptoms of vitamin C deficiency is the formation of corkscrew hair.

7. Walnuts

You’ve probably heard the buzz surrounding walnuts, haven’t you?

Well, it’s not without reason. Walnuts are super nutritious, with tons of health benefits to offer. One of these benefits applies to hair health.

Walnuts are a rich source of selenium, biotin, zinc, B vitamins, C vitamins, Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, as well as plenty of proteins — talk about an all-in-one solution!

All these nuts play a significant role in strengthening hair cuticles and maintaining healthy hair.

For instance, zinc and selenium are crucial in preventing hair loss. The same applies to biotin, which can help boost hair growth, while a deficiency in the mineral results in thinning and hair loss.

Conclusion

Remember, diet plays a major role in the overall health of your body. If you’re not eating healthy, it’s going to reflect on your appearance. Your hair, in this case, is not an exception.

If you want to keep your hair lush and shining without the aid of hair products, eat healthy! Besides, this approach offers comprehensive health benefits for the rest of your body.

It’s that simple!

Author Bio:

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