To look good on the outside, start on the inside! The food we eat plays a crucial role in our external appearance, including our hair, skin and nails. Below is a list of Food for Hair to keep your locks looking healthy.
Protein: Hair is composed primarily of protein and protein is a great food for hair. This includes leans meats, nuts and seeds.
Vitamin B: Research indicates that foods rich in vitamin B are good for stopping the loss of hair. Great sources of vitamin B include: meats such as turkey, whole grains, potatoes, bananas, lentils, chili peppers, and beans.
Essential Fatty Acids: Essential fatty acids are also a great food for your hair. You can find essential fatty acids in oily fish such as tuna, sardines, trout, salmon, herrings and mackerel. They are also found in seeds, nuts, avocados and olives.
Water: Keeping your body well-hydrated is excellent for your overall health including the health of your hair. While not a food, per se, it must be included here. To keep your body hydrated, drink six to eight, 8-ounce glasses of water ever day.
Silica: Silicon is an abundant element found on the earth and has great benefit to our hair, skin and nails. Foods that a rich in silica are rice, oats, lettuce, celery, rhubarb, cauliflower, green leafy vegetables, parsnips, asparagus, onion, strawberry, cabbage, cucumber, and sunflower seeds.
Iodine: When the thyroid is not working properly it can cause hair loss. If you suspect thyroid issues, see your doctor immediately. Often, naturally-oriented doctors will recommend foods rich in iodine, such as seafood, to stimulate the thyroid gland.
Antioxidants: Antioxidants help slow the aging process, contributing to healthier tresses. This includes vegetables and some teas.
Vitamins E, B, C, A and K: Overall, a diet with sufficient vitamin content is great food for hair.
- Vitamin E is found in the following food sources: avocados, nuts, dark green vegetables, legumes and whole grains.
- Vitamin B: Green vegetables, beans, sunflower, seeds, nuts and peas.
- Vitamin C: Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, melons and berries all contain Vitamin C.
- Vitamin A: Carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, broccoli, cantaloupe and apricots.
- Vitamin K: Seafood, dairy, figs, broccoli, lettuce, brussels sprouts and cabbage.
In order to keep your hair healthy, start from the inside out eating food for healthy hair!
