Best Food For Hair Growth Revealed - With Examples!

Rapunzel is a favorite among children for several reasons, one of them being her long, luscious hair! Well, was one of the reasons behind her hair’s length and strength the fact that she hardly stepped out of the tower and there were no toxic elements entering her system?

The modern-day Rapunzels like you have to struggle with a lot - from pollution to increasing levels of stress and even the mixture of chemicals that become toxic to hair growth and other natural systems eventually.

The following sections will take you through the different food groups and their types that can bring you the maximum results when you incorporate them into your diet.

Why is Food Important for Hair Growth? 

Every living thing (anything that has cells and undergoes cellular growth) needs nutrients to sustain itself and grow. It is a secret weapon against dullness, brittleness, and poor hair health.

Here’s the best part, hair-healthy foods work the double-shift. While they’re boosting your strands, they also give your entire body the necessary nutritional upgrade.

Ever noticed more hair on your hairbrush or dull hair? Often, it is your body’s way of saying there is a nutrient deficiency. Excessive shedding and dull hair aren’t just beauty concerns but visible signs of poor diet.

Don’t let something you do everyday hinder your hair’s growth. The following section has a list of all the foods that can improve your hair’s health.

It is important that you maintain the right balance of nutrients through the natural sources for best results. Just as your muscles, it is important for your hair proteins to get the essential nutrients.

You can get it through the help of different food groups such as:

1. Vitamins and minerals such as biotin, vitamin E, zinc, and iron, among others.

2. Protein

3. Vegetables

4. Fruits

5. Grains

6. Healthy fats

The following section will look at the best food for hair growth that can give you the necessary confidence boost.

6 Best Food For Hair Growth

 

The following list describes the six different food groups with examples that you can easily include in your diet. Let’s have a look at the best foods to eat for hair growth:

1. Vitamins and Minerals

Your hair thrives on the backstage crew of minerals and vitamins that work overtime. Here are all the team players:

Vitamins:

• Biotin or Vit B7 is the cheerleader of the squad. You can find it in salmon, eggs, avocados and nuts.

• Vitamin A is your scalp’s moisturizer. Abundantly present in spinach, sweet potatoes, beef liver.

• B12 is your hair follicle’s energizer. Grab it in eggs, salmon and liver.

• Vitamin C is collagen’s best friend and you can grab it in bell peppers, citrus fruits, guava or broccoli.

• Vitamin E is the shine booster your hair needs. Snack on almonds, spinach or sunflower seeds.

Minerals:

• Selenium is rich in antioxidants, you can get it from lentils, seafood, Brazil nuts.

• Zinc repairs your hair. Get it from pumpkin seeds, red meat, oysters.

• Silica is your hair’s strength trainer. Snack on bananas, oats and green beans.

• Magnesium balances stress. Get it from dark chocolate, organ meats and leafy greens.

Pro tip: Mix and match to make your own hair-healthy concoction. A handful of nuts, leafy greens and avocado with a dash of citrus juice and your strands will thank you!

2. Protein

I know you want to give your hair a growth spurt. How do you do it? Meet hair’s best friend - the mighty protein. The precious amino acids in proteins support happy and strong hair follicles.

Depending on your preference, pick from below:

Plant-based protein:

• Lentils such as green, black or pigeon peas.

• The charming chickpeas, get it from hummus.

• Munch on walnuts, almonds, flaxseeds for all the good proteins.

Animal sources include:

• Greek yoghurt (add berries for the extra vitamin C)

• Salmon (the right balance of protein and omega-3s)

• Eggs (nature’s multivitamin for healthy hair)

• Chicken, the classic lean protein.

Fun fact, your hair is made of protein, so eating enough will ensure your hair strands are taken care of from inside out.

3. Vegetables

Wishing for gorgeous hair? Vegetables are a must-have on your plate!

These nutritional powerhouses bring the necessary vitamins, minerals and fiber that nourish the follicles and strengthen your hair strands. These are important for a healthy scalp.

The best part is that you get salon-style hair right from grocery cart. No expensive treatments needed!

Pro tip: Roast a colorful mix of vegetables with olive oil for a hair-boosting side dish.

Some vegetables that can boost hair growth include 

• Spinach

• Sweet potatoes

• Bell peppers

• Carrots

• Onions

• Beans, peas and lentils

• Kale

• Avocado

4. Fruits

Fruits are also rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals that contribute to hair growth. They are important for preventing hair loss. Include berries, bananas, avocados, papayas, lemons, and oranges in your diet to see the difference. 

Want to know a juicy secret? Oranges and lemons are packed with vitamin-c which are your hair’s best friend too. They are a collagen factory (keeps hair strong) and protects the follicles with antioxidant shield.

Vitamin C from fruits also helps promote blood flow to your scalp and creates the perfect environment.

Pro tip: Squeeze fresh lime over your avocado toast or have citrus fruits with spinach to maximize absorption.

Berries such as raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries are also important for hair strength and elasticity. Papaya and pineapple are also very helpful in maintaining a healthy scalp. They promote sebum production, and promote hair growth.

5. Grains

Whole grains are necessary for hair growth as they are a rich source of biotin, zinc, and other B vitamins. These are essential for hair growth.

So, incorporate grains such as barley, quinoa, oats, and brown rice to promote healthy hair.

6. Healthy Fats

Healthy fats include omega-3 fatty acids (fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds), avocados, nuts and seeds, dark chocolate, and olive oil. These are essential for hair growth as they provide scalp hydration.

They also support the function of hair follicles, and provide an overall strength to the hair. 

Alternatives for Recovering Hair Loss

• PRP

• Hair transplant

• GFC

You are What You Eat!

Your journey to healthy hair growth awaits a change in your lifestyle that includes changing the food you consume. Your journey to better hair health includes holistic care, not just focusing on haircare products and salon visits. Include these food groups in your diet - start small - and you’ll see.

Get in touch today to start your medical journey.