Hair is a barometer of everyone’s health, especially women. Many women go to any lengths and spare no expense to get the hair they want. But let me make it clear, when it comes to hair, it is not what you apply on your hair that makes it lustrous but what counts the most is your diet. Crash diets and deficiencies in iron and protein can all contribute to dry, damaged and unhealthy hair. Here, I am going to share the strong healthy hair foods which are not only rich in nutrients like vitamins A, B, and C, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and zinc but are delicious too.
Strong Healthy Hair Foods – EGGS
Some people apply raw eggs directly onto their hair to get super soft, shiny hair. You can also eat eggs for these benefits. Eggs are wonder foods that provide high quality protein along with the goodness of biotin. Biotin is a B vitamin which is essential for scalp health and hair growth. It makes hair smooth and stronger.
You can eat scrambled, fried or boiled eggs, depending on your preference. For maximum benefits, eat both the egg white and yolk. Egg white, in particular has lots of protein.
ALMONDS
Almonds contain hair-friendly nutrients like Vitamin E, magnesium, omega 3 fats, zinc and biotin. Deficiency of any one of these, especially magnesium in the human body can lead to hair fall. Start incorporating almonds in your diet. The best way to prepare them is to soak them overnight and peel the skin off in the morning. They not just add volume and shine to your hair but also prevent split ends. Being rich in antioxidants, they help in promoting healthy skin and hair.
ALSO READ: Natural Home Remedies To Prevent Hair Fall
FLAX SEEDS
Flax seeds contain high amounts of omega 3 fatty acids which increase the hair’s elasticity, making it less prone to breakage. It reduces dandruff, dry, scaly scalp, and nourish your hair.
Start your morning with a healthy dose of flax seeds. Sprinkle a tsp of roasted flax seeds over cold cereal or stir it into hot cereal like oatmeal. They add a slightly nutty flavor. You can also add 1 tablespoon of whole seeds into your morning smoothie for an extra 2 grams of protein.
AMLA
“An amla a day keeps your hair thick, shiny and long.” Amla is one of the best strong healthy hair foods that not only promotes hair growth but also reverses grey hair. This wonder berry is loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants. Eating an amla moisturizes your hair and keeps dandruff away.
Eat alone or dip it in honey, since amla has a very sour taste. You can also take 30 ml amla juice, mix it with vegetable or fresh fruit juice or dilute it with 30 ml water or have it concentrated as an amla shot.
SALMON
Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids that promote hair growth. It also contains a good amount of protein along with B vitamins, including B12, and other vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are essential to solve problems like dry hair, excessive hair loss and so on. To prevent hair loss, it is essential to eat salmon at least twice a week. Grilled, baked or smoked salmon will add shine to your locks.
QUINOA
A rich source of protein, quinoa is an excellent way to treat hair problems. Vitamin E in quinoa balances the generation of natural oils and keep your strands and scalp moisturised. Apart from reducing split ends, biotin and niacin in these tiny seeds repair damaged hair.
SWEET POTATO
Vitamin A deficiency causes dry skin and may lead to dry scalp and dandruff. The presence of vitamin A or beta-carotene in sweet potato makes it an ideal food for hair growth. For those with thinning hair out there, you must up your intake of sweet potatoes. It’s loaded with unique nutritional benefits that may increase hair growth and provide you with healthier hair follicles.
WALNUTS
They are high in alpha-linolenic acid, and omega-3 fatty acid that can help keep hair moisturized. Walnut is packed-full of B-vitamins. Biotin or commonly known as vitamin B7 nourishes the hair, reduces hair fall, and improves the hair growth.
Try to have two-four walnuts daily. These can be easily added to your diet. You can toss it in salads, add it to your hot and cold cereals, dishes, soups, and baked goodies.
SPINACH
Spinach is a super food comprising of vitamins B, C and E, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and folic acid, all of which are required for healthy hair growth. It helps the red blood cells carry oxygen to the hair follicles and promote hair growth.
PUMPKIN SEEDS
Pumpkin seeds contain nutrients like omega-6 fatty acids, protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin E, all of which are important for your scalp and hair’s improved health. They add shine and help prevent pre-mature balding. Lack of androgens in the body is believed to be a primary cause of hair loss.
The oil from pumpkin seeds are believed to affect testosterone and androgen levels in the body. Eating a handful of roasted pumpkin seeds a day can definitely benefit in the fight for hair growth! You can add it to your salad as well.
