Best Foods For Healthy Hair

Just like skin, the condition of your hair is an outward sign of inside health. The cells that make up each strand of hair require a regular supply of key nutrients. ‘That’s important to understand with respect to eating whole foods because they contain tons of nutrients, phytochemicals and enzymes that work synergistically to keep us healthy.

Best Foods For Healthy Hair

1. Eggs

For better hair growth and texture, you need to eat lots of protein. Hair is made up of keratin, which is a kind of protein. Eggs are one of the best sources of protein. The protein present in eggs is considered high-quality protein and is excellent for hair growth and strength.

Plus, eggs contain biotin and B vitamins that play a major role in preventing hair loss problems and improving overall scalp health. Try to eat one egg daily or every other day. You can eat scrambled eggs, fried eggs or boiled eggs depending upon your preference.

2. Fish

Fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids have incredible beauty benefits, including glowing skin and shiny strands. About three percent of the hair shaft is made up of omega-3 fatty acids. They’re found in cell membranes on your scalp and in the natural oils that keep your scalp and hair hydrated. While salmon is usually the superstar choice, Foy says mackerel, sardines and anchovies are even better. ‘They’re great because they’re at the bottom of the food chain, so they’re not living for very long, which means toxins like mercury do not accumulate in them.

3. Almonds

Nuts like almonds, pecans, cashews and walnuts are good for your hair. But almonds are considered the best for preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth. Almonds are loaded with zinc that plays a key role in maintaining healthy circulation in the scalp, which in turn provides shiny, healthier, well-moisturized hair. Almonds also contain a high level of omega-3 fatty acids that add shine and volume to your hair. Being rich in vitamin E, almonds also help prevent split ends and promote growth of healthy hair.

Keep a small bag of dry roasted almonds with you and eat them as snacks whenever you feel hungry. You can also soak two or three almonds in one-half cup of water overnight. In the morning, peel the skin and eat them.

4. Coconut

The water from coconuts is a great natural hydration aid and contains potassium, an electrolyte that helps move nutrients into our cells. Coconut oil, which is high in healthy fats, vitamins E,K and minerals, is one of the best natural nutrients for your hair, boosting growth and shine by moisturizing the scalp. It’s also highly effective in reducing protein loss when used as a pre-wash conditioning treatment ‘ protein loss can leave strands weak and prone to damage. You can also try swapping vegetable oil for coconut oil when cooking ‘ it has a high smoke point, which means it’s great for high-heat cooking.

5. Avocado Oil

We all got the message about the benefits of eating whole avocados; now it’s the oil that’s getting all the attention. Avocados contain good amounts of vitamins A, D and E and omega-9 fatty acids ‘ one of the building blocks of healthy skin ‘ which is highly concentrated in the oil. All of these nutrients help to even out skin tone over time when added to your diet regularly. Avocado oil has a high smoke point, so it’s versatile enough to use when sautéing or roasting veggies or as a drizzle on a cold summer soup.

6. Blueberries

A lot of people talk about superfoods and the various amazing benefits they have for the body. These pop culture trends come and go; however, blueberries are here to stay, and between their impressive level of antioxidants, which protect the scalp from free radicals, and the huge levels of vitamin C, which boost collagen production and stimulate the circulation of the scalp, these delicious little fruits should definitely be added to your healthy diet.

7. Broccoli

Broccoli is a rich source of vitamins A and C, which help produce sebum. Sebum is the oily substance secreted by hair follicles and works like a natural hair conditioner. Plus, broccoli is rich in iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids that are required for healthy hair growth. To take full advantage of the nutrients present in broccoli, eat raw broccoli heads as a snack or in salad three or four times a week.

8. Green Leafy Vegetables

Green Leafy Vegetables are considered to be the best natural diet for healthy hair. These are very rich in Vitamins, Minerals, Proteins and Iron. Consuming them in your regular diet helps maintaining healthy and beautiful hair. Green leafy vegetables are rich in Vitamin A and C, which helps to produce essential oils required by our hair. Some of the most healthy and nutritious vegetables are Cauliflower, Bitter Gourd, Bottle Gourd, Broccoli, Fenugreek leaves, Green Peas, Mint, Spinach, etc.

9. Oysters

When you are looking for a big boost of zinc in your diet, oysters are about as good as it gets. They deliver nearly 500% of your daily requirement, which will ensure that you don’t start losing your hair anytime soon. Zinc is vital for avoiding hair loss and strengthening the hair you have so it continues receiving nutrients from the scalp and staying smooth.

10. Quinoa

This type of whole grain is extremely good for your hair. Loaded with protein, quinoa aids in strengthening hair strands. In fact, the protein extracted from this grain is used in high-quality hair products. Plus, the vitamin E present in quinoa balances the production of natural oil so the scalp and hair stay properly moisturized and free of dandruff. Quinoa also has biotin, niacin, and vitamins B6 and B12 that are all vital for hair growth. Quinoa has a nutty, earthy flavor and is great in stews and curries. It is also perfect for adding to salad or baked goods.

11. Walnuts

Walnuts are a surprising source of biotin, which is a water-soluble B-vitamin that is needed for scalp and hair health. Walnuts are also the only type of nut that provides omega-3 fatty acids. Various types of nuts are praised for their impact, particularly those that contain copper, as that mineral helps to maintain hair color and shine.

12. Kidney Beans

Kidney beans are an excellent source of essential hair care nutrients. Along with protein, kidney beans are a rich source of iron, zinc and biotin. Protein helps strengthen the hair strands and promotes hair growth. Biotin is also essential for optimum hair health and its deficiency can cause brittle hair. Even the American Dietetic Association recommends three or more cups of kidney beans each week to enjoy stronger, shinier and thicker hair. Kidney beans can be added to salads, casseroles and side dishes. You can also puree them into dips and spreads.