11 Foods For Healthy Hair

Hair is considered as an essential element when we define beauty. You are said to hold a strong personality if you own strong, beautiful hair. Your hair is the result of what you eat. Your diet should consists of food that provide Iron, Zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Omega – 3 Fatty Acids, Protein and Biotin to get healthy hair from within. You can buy various expensive shampoos, conditioners, and hair treatment from the market or opt for various homemade hair masks to get added benefit; but there is no comparison to healthy diet. If you eat healthy, your hair will get all the required nutrition from within and you will not face any hair related problem like dandruff, breakage, hair fall, premature graying, dry and dull hair, etc.

You inherit the length, growth, type and strength of your hair from your parents but the condition of your hair depends on the internal state of your body. For the hair to be beautiful, strong and shiny, the cortex and cuticle have to be strong. The structure of hair is formed from hardened proteins called keratin. Hair grows slowly and individual strands become weaker in absence of enough protein. There are certain foods that provide the required nutrition for healthy hair.

Here Is The List Of Such Foods:

1. Egg

Hair is made of proteins and amino acids. Egg is a great source of proteins, fatty acids, selenium, zinc, sulfur, iron and vitamins. Egg provides perfect nourishment to hair. It is helpful in most of the hair related problems. Egg is inexpensive and easily available in the market. It provides dual benefit to the hair as it can be consumed internally and used as shampoo, conditioner and various hair treatments for hair growth. Egg is helpful to restore the natural oils present in the scalp and hair.

2. Spinach

Spinach contains many nutrients like vitamin B and iron to keep your hair healthy, strong and shiny. These nutrients are helpful in circulating scalp oils and keeping hair follicles healthy. If you don’t like to eat spinach, you can opt for broccoli to get the same nutrition.

3. Lentils

Lentils are a great source of biotin protein, iron and zinc. Lentils and cereals are beneficial in preventing hair breakage and hair fall. Lentils and Cereals like soybeans, black eyed peas and various beans are great source of iron rich protein for vegans. These iron rich foods should be consumed in combination with foods high in Vitamin C as it helps improve the body’s ability to absorb iron.

4. Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are a great source of Vitamin C which helps to carry oxygen to hair follicles. Vitamin C is also helpful to form collagen (a structural fiber which helps our body hold everything together). Collagen is equally important for our body and hair to stay healthy and for optimal growth. It is advisable to have daily dose of vitamin C in required amount to avoid breakage, dryness and split ends in hair.

5. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a good stock of vitamin A which is vital for our hair as it produces oils that sustain our scalp. Lack of Vitamin A leads to problems like dull, dry, lifeless hair and results in unwanted dandruff; whereas excess of vitamin A causes hair loss. Carrot is also a good source of vitamin A and works wonders for hair.

6. Oysters

Oysters provide mineral zinc for hair growth. It helps control the hair loss. Zinc deficiency causes hair loss, dandruff and slow hair growth. You can also opt for peanut butter, cheese, wheat germ and nuts to get the required amount of zinc.

7. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt (Hund Curd in India) does wonders for hair. Greek yogurt is a great source of Vitamin B5 which helps build a healthy scalp.

8. Guava

Guava is extremely rich in Vitamin C. Fruit does wonders for hair. It promotes healthy hair growth and prevents hair loss.

9. Salmon

Salmon is a rich source of protein, omega – 3 fatty acids, vitamin B12 vitamin D and other vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are essential for hair growth and prevent dry hair, hair loss and other hair problems. Eat salmon at least twice a week to reap the benefits.

10. Poultry

Meat is equally important for hair growth as it provides iron, protein, zinc and vitamin B. It helps build strong and healthy hair.

11. Walnuts

Walnuts are a rich source of omega – 3 fatty acids, vitamin E and biotin. It helps prevent damage to hair DNA and hair loss. You can also opt for walnut oil for salad dressing to get the benefits.

Your hair is the reflection of your overall health and personality. Stress, sickness, excess work affects your health and hair condition. You can also use the above foods to make various hair masks but if they give the best results when consumed regularly in your daily diet. Drink a lot of water, eat healthy, exercise regularly and follow hair care routine to get those gorgeous locks.