Hair grows and is replaced continuously, and follicles are constantly producing new hairs from nutrients in the body. In fact, the foods people eat affect how their hair grows and the quality of their hair. Specific proteins, vitamins, fats, and minerals are particularly beneficial for developing robust and healthy hair.
Consuming a varied, nutritious diet can also help improve the health of your nails and skin. The effects will be most noticeable in individuals who have previously suffered from vitamin or nutrient deficiencies. Even so, positive results in terms of hair growth may take time to manifest.
What Causes Hair Loss?
Hair loss can spread throughout the body or affect your scalp, and it can be temporary or permanent. It can be caused by hormonal fluctuations, heredity, medical conditions, or simply be a natural part of aging.
Anyone can experience hair loss, but it is more prevalent in men. Baldness is a general term that refers to severe hair loss from the scalp.
The common cause of baldness is hereditary hair loss at a certain age. Unfortunately, specific individuals prefer to allow their hair loss to progress untreated and unnoticed. Others conceal it through hairstyles, hats, makeup, and scarves.
Still, others opt for one of the available treatments to halt further hair loss or restore growth. If you’re currently having hair loss issues, consult your doctor about the cause and possible hair loss medications before beginning any treatment.
Best Foods For Healthy Hair Growth
Consuming a balanced diet rich in nutrients can aid hair growth, particularly if you are experiencing hair loss due to poor nutrition. The following are the best foods to eat to encourage hair growth.
Eggs
Eggs are an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients for hair health, including choline and vitamins B12, D, and A. Keeping the yolk in your scramble to obtain the maximum amount of Vitamin D will be a great idea. Two specific carotenoids found in eggs, zeaxanthin, and lutein, also contribute to the health of cells, particularly those of the skin, eyes, and hair.
Salmon
Salmon, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, can help maintain the strength of those strands. However, salmon has numerous health benefits and promotes hair growth, such as reducing inflammation and benefiting the central nervous system.
Avocados
Avocados are delectable, nutritious, and high in healthy fats. Additionally, they are a good source of vitamin E, which may help promote hair growth. One medium avocado (approximately 200 grams) provides 21% of your daily vitamin E requirement.
Vitamin E, like vitamin C, is an antioxidant that contributes to the fight against oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. Additionally, vitamin E protects sensitive areas of the skin, such as the scalp, from oxidative stress and damage. Damaged scalp skin can result in brittle hair and fewer hair follicles.
Additionally, avocados contain a high concentration of essential fatty acids. These fats, which the body cannot produce, are necessary building blocks for your cells. Hair loss has been linked to a deficiency in essential fatty acids.
Citrus Fruits
Because your body requires Vitamin C for iron absorption, you should include citrus fruits in your diet. Nutritionists recommend that one lime per day be sufficient to meet your daily vitamin C requirement. Simply prepare a chilled glass of lemon juice (using honey or a healthy substitute for refined sugar), and you're good to go. Oranges are another option.
Vitamin C is also necessary for the production of collagen, which strengthens the capillaries that connect the hair shafts, ensuring a steady supply of nutrients and rapid hair growth.
Yogurt
Greek yogurt contains protein and iron, making it ideal for hair growth. If you're vegan, you can still benefit from yogurt's hair growth benefits by substituting a plant-based yogurt, such as almond or cashew.
Simply choose another protein option that contains a sufficient amount of hair growth nutrients to assist in growing your hair long and healthy.
Red Meat
Around the world, many consider red meat as a hair superfood. Red meat contains the highest percentage of bioavailable iron of any food. Additionally, there is a large amount of B complex, biotin, and zinc, all of which contribute to the health and volume of your hair.
Animal protein is also the most common source of that macronutrient. It is another reason why plant-based eaters must pay special attention to their protein intake from hair growth and other sources. Beef liver is also an excellent vitamin C, vitamin A, and fatty acid.
Final Thoughts
What you consume will have an impact on the health of your hair. Consequently, once hair loss has begun, you must alter your diet to maintain your hair. Before attempting to use any hair loss drugs, you must first contact your doctor to avoid any unforeseen outcomes.
