When it comes to hair health and ways to promote proper growth, much of the discussion is focused on the products we apply to our hair and scalp, such as shampoo, conditioner, and various treatment products.
However, there has been a great deal of research that suggests that our diet is perhaps just as important of a factor. According to researchers, diets deficient in certain vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids are prone to poor growth patterns and unhealthy hair.
Furthermore, there are a variety of antioxidants and specific vitamins that can accelerate hair growth and boost hair health when incorporated into one’s diet. Below, we’ve outlined four superfoods that can help you get your healthiest hair yet!
Eggs
Few foods are more beneficial for health hair than eggs. Regardless of whether you prefer them scrambled or sunny side up, eggs contain a multitude of nutrients proven to directly enhance hair growth. Egg yolks feature an abundance of biotin, which is one of the primary building blocks of the hair structure. Additionally, eggs are a terrific source of protein, which is one of the key components of the hair follicle. When factoring in additional minerals like iron, potassium, and zinc, it’s easy to see why eggs are one of the key superfoods for healthy hair!
Sweet Potatoes
Aside from being a terrific ingredient in numerous Thanksgiving dishes, sweet potatoes also serve as an incredible source of beta-carotene. A reddish-hued terpenoid that gives sweet potatoes their characteristic reddish-orange color, beta-carotene is converted by the body into vitamin A. Vitamin A is a crucial promoter of sebum, which is an oil produced by the hair follicle to keep the hair moist and hydrated. However, a lack of vitamin A can lead to reduced sebum production, meaning a diet deficient in vitamin A can lead to scalp dryness and hair breakage. Given that one sweet potato can provide the body with up to four times the daily vitamin A recommendation, what better choice for a hair-healthy food option?
Salmon
If you consume a primarily western-oriented diet that focuses more on meats instead of fish, then it is a necessity for you to incorporate salmon into your diet. Salmon is a rich source of omega fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6, which have been linked to hair growth and thickness. Omega-3 deficiency is particularly common in diets with low fish consumption, making salmon an excellent option due to its abundant source of omega-3 fatty acids. If you’re noticing thinning hair and/or hair loss, then adding salmon to your diet could be a perfect choice.
Strawberries
Vitamin C is well known for its positive effects on skin health, but its effects on promoting hair health are quite remarkable, as well. If you’re looking to add vitamin C to your diet, few options are better than a delicious serving of strawberries, which contain enough vitamin C to meet your daily intake requirements. Vitamin C is an incredibly powerful antioxidant, as it does a terrific job of neutralizing free radicals that cause damage to hair follicles. Additionally, vitamin C helps boost collagen production, which is a crucial factor in strengthening the hair structure.
