While there is no magical food that guarantees hair growth, maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet can support overall hair health. While factors like genetics, overall health, and hair care practices also play a role in hair growth, consuming foods that are rich in hair-friendly nutrients, eases common issues like hairfall, dandruff, dryness and dullness of hair. As one of the key physical features that defines our unique physical appearance, hair plays a role of more than being just an aesthetic element in our lives. That being said, here is a list of seven foods that are often recommended for promoting healthy hair growth.
Fatty Fish
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamin D, fatty fish like mackerel, sardines and salmon can help support a healthy scalp and promote hair growth. The good fats present in these oily fish varieties also help in giving hair a lustrous shine as well as strengthening the roots of the hair, reducing hairfall considerably.
Eggs
Eggs are an excellent source of protein, biotin, and B vitamins, which are essential for hair growth. They also contain zinc, selenium, and iron, which contribute to healthy hair follicles. The presence of biotin in eggs also promotes the growth and maintenance of healthy nails, along with greatly benefitting hair growth.
Spinach
Loaded with vitamins A and C, iron, and folate, spinach helps nourish the hair follicles and maintain scalp health. The nutrients present in spinach prevent hair from becoming brittle, thereby resulting in breakage while combing or washing hair. The vitamins and beta carotene present in spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables also keeps the hair moisturised and increases elasticity.
Sweet Potatoes
Suffering with having dull hair and not sure how to bring back its shine? Eat sweet potatoes, which are packed with beta-carotene, that the body converts to vitamin A. This vitamin helps promote healthy hair growth and prevents dryness and dullness. Sweet potato consumption also encourages the glands on your scalp to produce an oily fluid known as sebum, which prevents the roots from drying out and accelerating hairfall.
Also Read:
Nuts & Seeds
Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and biotin. These nutrients support scalp health and contribute to shiny, healthy hair. Nuts and seeds are also excellent sources of zinc, which promotes tissue regrowth on the scalp, stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss.
Greek Yogurt
Packed with proteins, Greek yogurt is excellent for hair growth as well as scalp health. The vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid discourages hair thinning or hair loss, helping in increasing blood flow to your scalp and hair, making it look healthy at all times.
Berries
Strawberries, mulberries and other local berry varieties like jamun and karvanda, are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that promote hair growth. They also contain vitamin C, which aids collagen production, an essential component for hair strength. Berries are a great superfood, aiding in blood circulation to the scalp and can be eaten as is or included in your bowl of cereal or breakfast smoothies.