Say aye and read on if you are suffering from stunted hair growth and hair loss (well, who is not?). Added preservatives, MSGs, steroid injected meat, pollution, and depleting ozone layer, all lead to premature ageing.
Other factors such as age, genetics and diet also determine how fast the hair growth is. However, the only factor you can control is the food you consume, so, we have put together a list of fifteen super foods that will not only help your hair grow faster, but will also combat hair loss, and will promote the growth of new hair.
Eggs
Hair follicles are made of a protein called keratin, and eggs are a rich source of protein, biotin and other nutrients such as zinc and selenium. Consuming adequate amount of protein is essential for hair growth, and biotin mediates the conversion of other forms of protein to Keratin. It is essential to include a couple of eggs in your diet for healthy hair.
Berries
Berries are a rich source of Vitamin C, and immensely contribute to healthy, strong hair. Our body uses vitamin C to produce collagen, which prevents hair from breaking by strengthening the roots and the strands. Vitamin C also combats production of free radicals, thereby protecting the hair follicles from damage.
Spinach
Spinach is loaded with folate, iron, and vitamins A and C. It is your regular hair vitamin in its most raw form. All these nutrients promote hair growth, and repair. Iron deficiencies have proven to be a cause of hair loss, and spinach is a power pack that can be consumed in any form. People who do not like the taste of spinach can put it in their smoothies, and you won’t even know it is there.
Fish
Fish is a rich source of Omega-3, which helps form new hair follicles, leading to increased hair density, and of course, contributes to the hair quality as well. Fatty fish such as salmon, herring and mackerel are rich in Omega-3 fats. Alternatively, fish oil capsules are a great source of Omega-3, and Omega-6 fats.
Sweet Potato
Sweet potato, or any orange vegetable/fruit has a high percentage of beta carotene, which is converted by the body into vitamin A. Vitamin A contributes to the production of sebum, an oily substance that protects hair follicle from damage, and nourishes them, keeping them healthy a
Avocados
Avocados are a reservoir of healthy fats, and vitamin E. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, which protects the scalp from free radicals. It also heals the scalp from damages caused by the sun, and chlorine. The essential fatty acids found in avocados help nourish hair, and promote growth.
Bone Broth
Bone broth is a rich source of collagen, a type of protein that helps strengthen hair follicles. Collagen present in bone broth also nourishes hair, preventing it from breakage. Consuming a cup of bone broth every day will transform your hair, making it healthy and shiny.
Nuts
Nuts are a rich source of vitamin A, B complex and vitamin E. All the vitamins present in nuts are equally important in promoting hair growth. These vitamins also play an important part in the nourishment of hair, making it appear healthier. Nuts are also super filling, and make an ideal healthy snack.
Seed
Seeds such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and sunflower seeds are reservoirs of vitamin E, Omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc. All the nutrients present in seeds are effective hair growth boosters. The seeds are not only packed with nutrients that are great for your hair, but are also very low on calories, and can easily be incorporated in your diet.
Sweet Peppers
Sweet peppers are rich in vitamin C and beta carotene. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which protects hair follicles from the harm caused by free radicals. Sweet peppers are an excellent, and not so expensive way of increasing the quantity of antioxidants in your diet. Beta carotene is converted to vitamin A by the body, which is not only good for hair, but is also great for eyes.
Oysters
Oysters are packed with zinc. Zinc is one nutrient that has proven to accelerate hair growth, and even reverse hair loss caused by deficiency of zinc. Consuming foods rich in zinc is better than taking zinc supplements because an overdose of zinc can backfire and cause hair loss. Quantity of zinc in supplements can go unchecked, so it is better to incorporate food rich in zinc in your diet.
Shell Fish
Shell fish such as prawns and lobsters are rich in Omega-3 fats, and vitamin D3. Recent studies have linked deficiencies of vitamin D3 with hair loss, and loss of hair vitality. Shrimps have a high ‘good’ fat content, and are beneficial for maintaining the vitality of hair, skin, and nails.
Meat
All forms of meat, especially red meat is rich in protein. Since hair is mainly protein, consuming meats can fortify hair, which would result in healthy locks. Having abundant protein in your diet means the body has more protein to utilize in the growth of hair, leading to fast growth.
Legumes
Legumes include beans of all types, and also the bean sprouts. Legumes are a great reservoir of plant proteins, and zinc. Beans are also relatively inexpensive, and can be easily included in the diet. The nutritional value of legumes is high, and the caloric index is low, which makes them an ideal class of food. It is a versatile ingredient to work with, but do watch out for allergies.
Soybean
Soybean has spermidine in it, a compound that has the ability to prolong the developmental phase of a hair follicle. Prolonging the developmental phase leads to the formation of a stronger hair strand, which leads to healthier, and fuller hair. The research on spermidine is new, and does not have many documented cases, but trying it out will not cause any harm.