20 superfoods for healthy hair

Last week we told you about 30 foods for glowing complexion. Today we list out 20 foods that can help you keep your hair healthy without going to a nutritionist or dietician. Read on...

Basic hair facts

Health of hair follicles is determined by the amount of essential nutrients that it is fed like Protein, Iron, Zinc, Sulfur, B Vitamins, Essential fatty acids, especially Omega-3 and Oleic acid (or Omega 9).

Courtesy: Gud2eat.com

Healthy hair requires a variety of nutrients.

Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Niacin, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Iron, Zinc, Silica, Sulphur and Germanium are required for healthy hair.

Water keeps your hair silky and shiny.

Drink plenty of water. This will rehydrate your scalp and follicles and ensure the blood is circulating well to feed the hair with vital nutrients.

Dark green vegetables are super food for hair.

Spinach, Broccoli and Swiss chard contain Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Calcium which are important for hair growth.

Almonds are super food for hair health.

Almonds has Protein, Iron and Vitamin E which are all essential for healthy hair. Vitamin E helps strengthens the hair roots and prevents hair fall. Other Vitamin E foods are Peanuts, Pulses, Spinach, Papaya.

Eat Walnuts for thick, shiny hair.

Almonds contain Vitamin E that improves blood circulation to the scalp that is essential for hair growth. Almonds are good source of Zinc that is critical for hair health as it helps build hair Protein.

Why is Poultry good for hair health?

Poultry meats are rich in high quality Protein and Iron that are hair nutrients important for new hair growth. Hair becomes brittle and weak if diet is Protein deficient or if Protein is of low quality.

Do eggs boost new hair growth?

Eggs scrambled or fried both are good for healthy hair as they are rich in protein and contain Biotin and Vitamin B12. Egg protein is considered high quality Protein and is excellent for hair growth and hair strength.

Skimmed milk is food to choose for healthy hair.

It contains whey and casein both are high-quality protein sources required for healthy hair. Skimmed milk is a great source of Calcium, an important mineral for hair growth.

Lentils are good for hair health.

Lentils provide plentiful Protein to promote hair growth. Lentils contain Iron, Zinc, and Biotin which are nutrients that are essential to keep your hair healthy.

Eat nuts for thick, shiny hair.

Walnuts contain Alpha Linolenic Acid that helps condition your hair. Almonds, Walnuts, Cashews, contain Zinc that helps build hair Protein and Brazil nuts are rich in Selenium that protects your scalp.

Why is chicken good for hair health?

Chicken is rich in high quality protein and iron that are hair nutrients important for new hair growth. Chicken also contains iron with a high degree of bio-availability which is vital for the blood circulation in the scalp.

Cashews are good for hair health.

Cashews are good source of zinc that is critical for hair health as it helps build hair protein. A zinc deficiency can lead to hair shedding, so make sure nuts are a regular on your healthy hair menu.

Do soy foods help strengthening your hair?

Soy foods contain high quality protein which is essential for healthy hair. Protein rich foods help strengthen the hair follicles and prevent the hair from falling out. Try soy milk, tofu, miso or soy beans.

What nutrients to eat for dry and brittle hair?

You can give back your hair its strength and luster by including plenty of foods that contain Omega 3  fatty acids like Tuna, Sardines, Salmon, Herrings and Mackerel or Flaxseeds, Nuts, Olives and Avocados.

Can foods help strengthen my hair?

Silica is a trace mineral found in foods is vital for hair strength and hair growth. Silica rich foods are rice, oats, strawberry, onion, cabbage, cucumber, cauliflower and green leafy vegetables.

Foods for greasy or oily hair.

If your hair is too oily you may lack in B Vitamins. B Vitamin rich foods include whole grains, nuts, seeds, dairy products, eggs, wheatgrem, legumes and green, leafy vegetables. Try to avoid oily foods.

Whole grain bread, food for healthy hair.

Zinc in whole wheat bread helps build hair protein; Iron helps increase blood circulation leading to healthy hair growth; Biotin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 are vital for hair growth and help prevent hair loss.

Choose oysters to boost your hair health.

Eating oysters boosts hair health as it contains zinc that is critical for hair health as it helps build hair protein. You can also get zinc from whole grains, nuts, beef and lamb.

Why is broccoli good for healthy hair?

Broccoli is rich in vitamin A that stimulates secretion of Sebum (the oily substance) that is the body's natural hair conditioner. Vitamin C, vitamin E, iron and calcium in broccoli are also important for hair growth.