It is often said, ‘you are what you eat.’ Although this is an adage, it has been proven time and again that the nutritional value of the foods we eat can aid our hair growth. The fact that long hair is just a spoonful away should send us rushing to our nearest supermarket right away! But which foods are the best for hair growth? Andreen Rose Cephas, CEO & Certified Trichologist of Hair Extreme Beauty & Barber Concepts, has a few recommendations:
Eggs
The yolk (yellow) of the egg is an eggs-elent source of Vitamins A, D, Folate, and is nutrient-rich in Biotin. The biotin hair growth craze has been around for a few years and with good reason. It increases the length and strength of hair as it improves the body’s keratin reserves. Eggs help stimulate hair growth, volume, and length and increases the strength of the hair. Forget pricey vitamin supplements, because eggs are one of the most affordable sources of nutrition for growing long hair, and that’s no yolk.
Fatty Fish
What do salmon, tuna, and mackerel all have in common? They are rich sources of fatty acids, protein, selenium, Vitamins D & B, essential oils, and Omega 3s. These are beneficial for the length, strength, and also the health of the hair. A diet rich in these foods contributes to healthy, voluminous, shiny, and resilient hair. Mrs. Rose- Cephas reminds us, that “a shortage of protein, vitamins, and minerals in the diet may stunt hair growth or result in hair loss.” So for longer hair, incorporate as much fatty fish into your diet as you are able.
Sweet Peppers
Often overlooked, are a great source of Vitamin C, one sweet pepper, packs more than five times the amount of Vitamin C in an orange. This is good news for our hair, as Vitamin C strengthens hair strands by increasing collagen production. It is also a nutrient-rich source of antioxidants, thus protecting hair from the ravages of pollution, oxidative stress, and premature graying. The Vitamin A contained in these sweet peppers speeds up hair growth and contributes to sebum production, which makes the hair healthier.
Nuts & Seeds
Tasty, low calorie and nutrient-dense, nuts are packed with healthy fats, oils, and essential vitamins for hair growth. These include Zinc, Selenium Vitamin E, and B vitamins. Easily accessible and available in many varieties, nuts are a vital source of health benefits, including hair growth. Just a small handful a day (appx. 28 grams) can meet our daily nutritional requirements. For the picky eater, you can choose from a variety of peanuts, pistachios, cashew nuts, almonds, flaxseeds, pumpkin, sunflower, and chia seeds, to name a few. You can eat them raw, in a salad, as a snack or even in a smoothie. The combinations are endlessly delicious and are right for your hair length, strength, and shine.
Spinach
this antioxidant-rich leafy vegetable classified as a superfood is not just a lowly backyard plant. It is nutrient-rich and loaded with Iron, Vitamins A & C, which is good for the growth, repair, and strength of our hair. Vitamin A aids in cell turnover, including on our scalp, keeping it moisturized naturally and healthy. A healthy scalp is a key to hair growth, which is supplemented by the iron found in the spinach, which boosts and repairs the hair. The nutrient-packed spinach leaves can be eaten raw, steamed, in a salad or a green smoothie, and is one of the best foods for healthy, long hair
Sweet Potatoes
This widely available and affordable root is a rich source of beta carotene, and high in vitamin A. In fact, an average-sized sweet potato will provide more than four times the daily nutritional requirement. Vitamin A speeds up hair growth, encourage sebum production, thicken hair, and contribute to healthy long tresses.
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