What Foods Make Your Hair Grow Faster?
It's true that the right diet can spur hair growth. But what foods make your hair grow faster? Click here for a comprehensive guide.
As humans, we are constantly shedding and growing new hair. In fact, human hair cells are one of the fastest-growing cells in the body, second to intestinal cells.
This means that we all have a responsibility to take care of our scalp in the form of nourishment in order for growth to flourish. Even more so because hair is not considered a vital organ and it's nutritional needs are not made a priority by the body.
So, with this in mind, what foods make your hair grow faster, longer, and thicker? Learn all about ideal nutrition for beautiful, luscious locks.
Important Nutrients For Healthy Hair Growth
Due to the expendable nature of hair, it's one of the first things to be affected by a nutritional imbalance. While hair loss is also attributed to hormone imbalances and genetics, hair loss is most commonly associated with nutritional dysfunction.
Aside from a healthy diet, the way in which you care for your hair is equally important. This includes how frequently you wash your hair, how often it's exposed to heat and the products you use. This is especially important when it comes to fine hair care.
Some of the most vital nutrients that contribute to healthy hair growth include:
- Iron – which can be found in beans, lentils, tofu, fortified cereals, dark, leafy green vegetables and more
- Vitamin C – which aids in the absorption of iron
- Vitamin E – which acts as an antioxidant, reducing the amount of oxidative stress in the body
- Vitamin D – which aids in the stimulation of hair follicles and healthy cell growth
- Biotin – also known as vitamin B12, it helps to strengthen hair follicles
- Omega-3 fatty acids – they are anti-inflammatory and help to reduce hair loss/shedding
The definition of a healthy diet in today's day and age is not always inclusive of all the important nutrients for hair health and hair growth. With so many different diets doing the rounds, some are far more nutrient-dense, while others just don't cut it.
But generally, the human body requires a general balance of macro and micronutrients for optimum hair growth. This includes protein, complex carbohydrates, omega-3 fats, iron, vitamin, and minerals.
Insider Tips on What Foods Make Your Hair Grow Faster
While you think you may already consume a relatively well-balanced diet, you could be lacking essential nutrients from certain foods due to diet restrictions. If you're looking to improve hair growth, make sure to include some of these top foods that your hair (and body) will love:
- Nut Butter
All variations of nut butters are packed with protein, healthy fat, and vitamins. Almond butter, in particular, is especially effective in growing and maintaining healthy hair due to its high vitamin E content.
So the next time you make yourself some toast, add almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter for an extra kick of vitamin E.
- Spinach
Spinach is known as a powerhouse vegetable and is packed with a plethora of vitamins and minerals to boost your hair and overall health. Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as magnesium, iron, and manganese. This leafy green food reduces oxidative stress in the body and helps hair follicles produce healthy amounts of sebum.
- Oily Fish
Not enough can be said about the health benefits of healthy fats for the body and the growth of your hair. Omega-3 fatty acids are also crucial for brain health and memory function. Incorporating oily fish, such as salmon and mackerel into your diet will boost your levels of omega-3 fatty acids. This helps to reduce inflammation in the body and prevent hair loss/thinning.
Other important sources of omega-3 fatty acids include nuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.
- Eggs
For a natural source of biotin (vitamin B12), eggs are your go-to. They are also a brilliant source of vitamin D, which locks in hair strength and shine. Vitamin D is important for cell regeneration, which ultimately stimulates hair follicles to improve hair thickness and reduce hair loss.
- Oatmeal
Oatmeal and other various grains such as barley, and quinoa are one of the best additions to your diet for hair health. This is because they are rich in healthy fiber, as well as vitamins such as zinc, and iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fats.
- Mixed Berries
High levels of oxidative stress in the body are closely linked to hair loss and the poor health of your scalp. Packing your diet with mixed berries, including raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries helps to fight off oxidative stress. These fruits are high in antioxidants, B vitamins, and compounds such as proanthocyanidins.
- Bell Peppers
For a high-dose of naturally occurring vitamin C, bell peppers should be another addition to your diet, specifically, red peppers. Vitamin C is one of the only vitamins that the body cannot produce on its own. This means that it must be supplemented through the diet for the healthy function of so many bodily processes, including hair growth.
The next time you're making a salad, make sure to incorporate spinach for a dose of iron, and red pepper for a dose of vitamin C. This way both nutrients are better absorbed by the body.
- Legumes (Black Beans)
Legumes are an incredible addition to the diet and play a significant role in supplying a range of essential micro-nutrients. Black beans, in particular, are high in a compound called lysine. It's an amino acid that helps with the absorption of iron and zinc in the body.
Black beans are also high in protein, which aids in the synthesis of hair cells, and healthy hair growth. Generally, a half-cup of black beans is loaded with over 500 milligrams of the amino acid, lysine.
Fashion and Beauty Expertise Are Just a Click Away
Now that you have the inside scoop on what foods make your hair grow faster, you know a little more about what your diet could be missing! Start by making small changes to your diet over time, and before you know it, your hair will look healthier than it ever did.
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