Our hair is often one of the first things that other people notice about us. Whether it’s the color, the style, or the accessories, our hair says a lot about us and our personality. As such, it is important to keep your hair in the best state possible and avoid suffering from negative conditions such as hair loss. Read on to discover the best foods to eat for healthy, happy hair.
Looking After Your Hair
Of course, it’s not all about food. In addition to eating well, you should take care not to damage your hair by overheating it, pulling it up into tight hairstyles, brushing it vigorously when it’s wet, or using too many chemical products or dyes on it. Not all hair loss can be prevented by dietary change — some are due to factors like hormones, stress or genetics — but it’s certainly a good place to start. If you’re worried about hair loss, having a consultation with a hair loss clinic can also be extremely helpful.
Top Foods to Help Avoid Hair Loss
For strong, shiny and healthy hair, you should aim to eat a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and other nutrients. Some of the most important to look out for are protein, iron, omega-3, zinc, and biotin, plus vitamins A, C and E.
Here are some of the best foods to add to your diet to achieve thick, lustrous locks:
- Spinach – this dark leafy green is packed with iron as well as A, C, K and B vitamins, and helps to strengthen hair follicles. Kale makes a great alternative.
- Avocado – ever popular, avocados are rich in healthy fats and vitamin E which can promote hair growth.
- Seeds – there are lots of different types of seeds which are fantastic for keeping your hair in good condition. Flaxseeds nourish your hair and scalp, pumpkin seeds contain protein and zinc which promote healthy hair, sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E, and tiny chia seeds are packed with key nutrients for beautiful hair.
- Eggs – as a great source of both protein and biotin, eggs can boost the production of keratin, which is a key structural protein that makes up your hair and prevents breakage.
- Salmon – rich in omega-3, salmon and other types of fish can help to increase hair density and prevent hair loss.
- Berries – naturally high in vitamins, berries such as strawberries and blueberries are packed with antioxidants and can assist in the production of collagen, which helps to strengthen your hair.
- Sweet potatoes – these are a fantastic source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for keeping your hair shiny and healthy.
- Nuts – a convenient snack, nuts provide a wide range of vitamins and minerals that can promote hair growth, including zinc and vitamin E.
- Legumes – pulses such as chickpeas, lentils, and soybeans contain plenty of protein, as well as folic acid and other nutrients that are important for healthy hair, such as zinc, iron, and biotin.
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