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Who doesn’t want a long, luscious and healthy mane of hair? If you do, then you should know that maintaining a healthy, balanced overall diet is critical. And so, studies show, is the addition of nutrient-dense foods that we know and celebrate the world over as superfoods. How do superfoods help hair health and long hair growth? Read on to find out.
Superfoods are often rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats. These nutrients play a vital role in promoting healthy hair growth, maintaining strong hair strands, and supporting overall hair health. Nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin E, biotin, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids found in superfoods can nourish the scalp, reduce inflammation, promote blood circulation, and support the proper functioning of hair follicles. Healthy follicles produce stronger and healthier hair strands, aiding in hair length and quality.
It is also important to note that we all lead high-stress lives nowadays and hair is affected by this as well as common air pollutants that cause damage. Superfoods rich in antioxidants can help protect the hair follicles and hair strands from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress, thereby preventing hair breakage, premature hair aging, and hair loss.
Wondering which superfoods to add to your diet to improve hair health and get long hair? Here are 10 superfoods for long hair.
Video Credit: YouTube/Sanjeev Kapoor Khazana
Fish
Fish is often considered a superfood for hair health due to its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and various nutrients. Fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and trout are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats nourish the hair follicles, promote scalp health, and improve hair texture and shine. Fish is also a rich source of high-quality protein and vitamin D, both of which are crucial for strong and healthy hair.
Avocado
Avocados are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, which are essential for maintaining a healthy scalp and promoting hair growth. They are particularly rich in vitamin E, which improves blood circulation in the scalp, promoting hair follicle health. Avocados also contain vitamins B5 and B6, which support hair growth and reduce hair loss. Avocados are a good source of biotin, which helps strengthen the hair strands and prevent hair breakage.
Nuts
Nuts are often considered superfoods for promoting hair health due to their nutrient content, especially omega-3 fatty acids. Many nuts are a good source of biotin, which is a B-vitamin that promotes healthy hair growth and strength. Nuts, such as almonds and walnuts, are rich in vitamin E, which is a potent antioxidant that helps protect the hair follicles from oxidative stress and damage.
Spinach
Spinach is a rich source of iron, which is essential for healthy hair growth. It also contains vitamin C, which enhances the absorption of iron from plant-based sources. Spinach is packed with vitamins A and C, both of which play important roles in maintaining a healthy scalp. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is present in spinach and supports hair growth and overall hair health.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a good source of dietary fiber and contain various nutrients such as potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, which contribute to overall hair health. Sweet potatoes are packed with antioxidants, including vitamins C and E. These antioxidants protect the hair follicles from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals.
Eggs
Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for healthy hair growth. They are a natural source of vitamin D, which is important for hair follicle health. Eggs contain various other nutrients that are beneficial for hair health, including biotin, vitamins A, E, and B vitamins such as folate, riboflavin, and vitamin B12. These nutrients support overall hair health and contribute to a healthy scalp.
Curd
Curd, also known as yogurt, is often considered beneficial for hair health, although it may not typically be classified as a superfood. High in protein and vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), curd helps in improving blood flow to the scalp and promoting hair growth. Curd contains beneficial bacteria, often referred to as probiotics, which promote a healthy gut. A healthy gut microbiome has been linked to improved nutrient absorption, including nutrients that are important for hair health.
Berries
Berries are often considered superfoods for promoting hair health due to their high antioxidant content. Berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries, are also excellent sources of vitamin C, which is crucial for collagen production. Collagen is a protein that strengthens the hair strands and supports their overall health and vitality.
Carrots
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining a healthy scalp and promoting hair growth. It helps in producing sebum, which is a natural oil that keeps the scalp moisturized and prevents hair from becoming dry and brittle. Additionally, the antioxidants present in carrots help in protecting the hair follicles from oxidative stress and damage.
Lentils
Lentils are an excellent plant-based source of protein, which helps in the formation of keratin, the protein that makes up the structure of hair strands. Lentils are rich in iron, a mineral that supports the delivery of oxygen to the hair follicles. Popularly known as dal in India, lentils contain biotin, also known as vitamin B7, which is essential for maintaining healthy hair.
