Many people desire robust and healthy hair. You can invest in top of the line shampoo, conditioners, and even expensive treatments to achieve this goal. Though these products can help, if your diet is not up to par, then it could be making all of these proactive efforts null. The rate at which your hair grows depends on many factors, such as age, genetics, health, and diet.
The saying “you are what you eat” does derive from some historical truths. In this case, “your hair is what you eat!”
Consuming healthy foods not only drastically impacts your overall wellbeing, but it’s also the key to having long, glamorous hair. For hair-boosting benefits, here are some excellent food options you can try adding to your diet, or eating more of.
Fish
Fish are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to glowing skin and shiny hair. Nearly 3 percent of your hair shafts are made up of omega-3 acids. They are also a critical nutrient for promoting natural oils that will encourage scalp hydration. Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are all great options to increase your omega-3 fatty acid intake.
Coconut
Coconuts are known to be one of the best natural ingredients for your hair. They contain tons of potassium, vitamins E and K, and provide an immense amount of minerals that assist with healthy hair growth. Also, coconut is excellent at reducing protein loss when used as a pre-washing treatment, leaving your scalp and hair wonderfully moisturized.
Oats
For those who want incredible locks, it is time to start eating oats. Oats have a large amount of biotin, magnesium, zinc, and potassium. If you are deficient in any of these nutrients, it can lead to brittle hair that breaks easily. Eating oats for breakfast, or whenever you feel like adding them to your diet throughout the day, will ensure your body has the perfect balance to promote luscious hair.
Avocados
There is a reason why avocados are best known for being a superfood. They are used in all sorts of beauty products, from facial masks to shampoos. Avocados contain antioxidants, fiber, magnesium, and potassium, all of which are perfect for enhancing your hair, nails, and skin.
Certain Proteins
In addition to the foods above, eggs, spinach, oysters, nuts, etc are an excellent source to get your daily dose of protein and biotin, which are the two main components for promoting hair growth. Ensuring you have enough protein in your diet is crucial because your hair follicles are made up mostly of a protein called Keratin. They also have other essential ingredients, such as zinc and selenium, for optimal hair prosperity.
If there is one thing you should gain from this article, it is that nutrients are vital. If you lack essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, C, D, E, iron, biotin, and protein, it can drastically reduce hair development and may even cause hair loss.
Knowing where you are falling short is the first step to correcting the deficiency and reversing damage. The more nutrient-dense ingredients you eat, especially foods containing phytochemicals and enzymes, the more likely you will achieve your goal of having magazine quality hair.