Hair is every girl’s crowning glory. We spend tons of money on different products that promise beautiful, healthy hair. But what we don’t know is that there are foods we consume daily that have a powerful impact on our hair and health.
Which nutrients does my hair need?
Hair is made of protein, and there are lots of different proteins present in your body. The main structural protein in the hair is called keratin. Keratin is a tough, fibrous protein that gives hair strength and durability. To have healthy hair, you need to ensure that you have enough protein in your diet.
Fatty acids are also one of the most important nutrients for healthy hair. They are necessary for cell membranes, which form a barrier between cells and their environment. They help protect cells against damage from free radicals and other environmental stressors.
Hair grows from the root of your scalp, which is alive and constantly regenerating itself (similar to how our fingernails grow). So it’s important to keep your scalp healthy by providing it with enough nutrients to keep producing healthy new cells for your hair follicles.
Research studies have shown that these foods can encourage healthy hair growth and prevent hair loss:
Walnuts
These delicious nuts are packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. They also contain biotin, which helps to keep your scalp healthy. They can help prevent hair loss and can also treat existing baldness in men and women alike.
You can add walnuts to salads or use them in baked goods like cookies and muffins. You can also make walnut milk by blending walnuts with water and straining the pulp.
Grapes
Grapes are high in vitamin C, which has been shown to help prevent hair loss, promote healthy circulation and strengthen the immune system. A cup of grapes contains about 90 milligrams of vitamin C. You can eat them fresh or freeze them later in smoothies and salads.
Ginger Root
A common ingredient in Asian cooking, ginger root is often used to treat upset stomachs and motion sickness. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and redness in your skin — this includes your scalp! Ginger root can be eaten raw or chopped up into soups or stir-fries.
Avocados
Avocados are rich in vitamin B6, which is needed to make the hair protein keratin. They also contain vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for hair health.
Avocado oil is one of the best oils for hair because it’s rich in vitamins A, C, and E — all of which are known to promote healthier-looking tresses. It helps repair split ends while leaving your hair soft thanks to its moisturizing properties.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a whole grain that contains vitamin B6, magnesium, zinc, iron, and folate. It helps prevent hair loss by improving blood circulation to the scalp.
Green Leafy Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, collard greens, and Swiss chard are rich in iron, magnesium, and calcium — all essential nutrients for healthy hair growth. These green veggies are also packed with antioxidants like beta-carotene and lutein to help prevent premature graying of the scalp.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a great source of beta carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A promotes healthy hair growth and prevents dry and brittle hair by keeping the scalp moisturized.
Takeaway
Visiting a doctor is the best thing you can do if you suffer from hair problems. Using drugs and taking vitamins can be risky if they are not prescribed by a doctor. These are just the food you can add to a balanced diet that can offer all the nutrients that are necessary for healthy hair growth.
About Bea
Bea is a copywriter specializing in adept research and creating all kinds of content. She’s all about getting creative, developing relationships, and contributing to making businesses succeed through her writing.
When she’s not writing (professionally), you can see her binge-watching RuPaul’s Drag Race or writing film reviews on Letterboxd.
