Read on if you suffer from hair growth and hair loss. Many environmental factors lead to premature aging. Other factors such as age, genetics, and diet also determine how fast hair growth occurs. However, the only factor you can control is the food you consume, so we’ve compiled a list of 15 superfoods that will not only help your hair grow faster, but also fight hair loss and encourage new hair growth.
1. Eggs
Hair follicles are made of a protein called keratin. Eggs are a rich source of protein, biotin, zinc and other nutrients such as selenium. Consuming adequate amounts of protein is essential for hair growth. Biotin mediates the conversion of other forms of protein to Keratin. It is important to add a few eggs to your diet for healthy hair.
2. Berries
Fruits are a rich source of Vitamin C and contribute immensely to healthy, strong hair. Our body uses vitamin C to produce collagen, which strengthens roots and strands and prevents hair breakage. Vitamin C also fights the production of free radicals, thereby protecting hair follicles from damage.
3. Spinach
Spinach is loaded with folate, iron, vitamins A and C. All these nutrients support hair growth and repair. Iron deficiency has been proven to cause hair loss, and spinach is a powerhouse that can be consumed in any form.
4. Fish
Fish is a rich source of Omega-3, which helps the formation of new hair follicles, increases hair density and of course contributes to hair quality. Oily fish such as salmon and mackerel are rich in Omega-3 fats. Alternatively, fish oil capsules are a great source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats.
5. Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes or any orange vegetable/fruit contain high levels of beta carotene, which is converted into vitamin A by the body. Vitamin A contributes to the production of sebum, an oily substance that protects and nourishes the hair follicle from damage, keeping them healthy and strong.
6. Avocado
Avocado is a storehouse of healthy fats and vitamin E. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects the scalp from free radicals. It also heals the scalp from damage caused by sun and chlorine. The essential fatty acids found in avocados help nourish the hair and promote growth.
7. Bone Broth
Bone broth is a rich source of collagen, a type of protein that helps strengthen hair follicles. Collagen in bone broth also nourishes the hair and prevents it from breaking. Consuming a glass of bone broth every day will make your hair beautiful, healthy and shiny.
8. Nuts
Nuts are a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin E. All the vitamins found in nuts are essential for hair growth. These vitamins also play an important role in the nutrition of the hair, making it look healthier. Nuts are also super satiating and make an ideal healthy snack.
9. Seeds
Seeds such as flaxseed, chia seed and sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E, Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc. All the nutrients found in the seeds are effective hair growth boosters. Not only are the seeds packed with great nutrients for your hair, they’re also very low in calories and can be easily incorporated into your diet.
10. Pepper
Sweet pepper is rich in vitamin C and beta carotene. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals. Sweet peppers are an excellent and inexpensive way to increase the amount of antioxidants in your diet. Beta carotene is converted by the body into vitamin A, which is great not only for hair but also for eyes.
11. Oyster
Oysters are packed with zinc. Zinc is a nutrient proven to boost hair growth and even reverse hair loss caused by zinc deficiency. Consuming zinc-rich foods is better than taking a zinc supplement because an overdose of zinc can backfire and cause hair loss. The amount of zinc in supplements can go unchecked, so it is better to include foods rich in zinc in your diet.
12. Shellfish
Shellfish such as shrimp and lobster are rich in Omega-3 fats and vitamin D3. Recent research has linked vitamin D3 deficiencies with hair loss and loss of hair vitality. Shrimps have a high ‘good’ fat content. It is beneficial for maintaining the vitality of hair, skin and nails.
13. Red Meat
All types of meat, especially red meat, are rich in protein. Having plenty of protein in your diet means the body has more protein to use for hair growth, which leads to rapid hair growth.
14. Legumes
Legumes are a large reservoir for plant proteins and zinc. Beans are also relatively inexpensive and can be easily included in the diet. Legumes are high in nutrients and low in calories, making them an ideal food grade.
15. Soybean
Soybeans contain spermidine, a compound that has the ability to prolong the developmental phase of a hair follicle. Extending the developmental stage leads to stronger hair growth, which leads to healthier and fuller hair. The research on spermidine is new and there aren’t many documented cases, but it doesn’t hurt to try.