If you want to promote healthy hair and encourage growth, it goes beyond using the best non-toxic shampoos, conditioners, and masks. You also have to eat nutrient-dense foods that will support the health of your hair.
Nutrition is where we get the building blocks that make up a strand of hair. Each strand of our hair is made up of a protein called keratin. The raw material needed for hair growth specifically comes from protein-rich foods. Without an adequate amount of protein, our hair cannot be best supported.
Here are five foods to incorporate into your diet for luscious and strong locks.
1. Healthy Fats
Foods rich in healthy fats (such as avocado, fatty fish, walnuts, and almonds) are essential to hair health. Omega 3 fatty acids help to nourish hair follicles, which supports the strength of hair strands and keeps them looking shiny. Avocados and almonds especially are high in vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps to nourish both the hair and scalp.
2. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are packed with zinc, which is not only important for our immune health, it also helps prevent hair loss.
3. Bone Broth
Bone broth is one of the best providers of collagen—which gives hair its strength and protects the connective tissues. Our bodies produce collagen naturally; however, it begins to decline as we age. Make sure you’re getting adequate collagen from organic bone broth or collagen powder that you can add to smoothies, oatmeal, and warm drinks. Poosh’s supplement collection with Vital Proteins is a great collagen source. Try their “Dream of me collagen tea.”
4. Citrus Fruits
Fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, and even papaya all boast high levels of vitamin C. Vitamin C is ideal for hair growth because it helps protect and maintain collagen stores. If you’re drinking bone broth, for example, squeeze some lemon or lime juice in it. If you’re adding collagen powder to your smoothie, add a dash of apple cider vinegar or some kind of citrus fruit to help encourage the absorption of collagen.
5. Broccoli
Broccoli is rich in folate, and when folate is low, it can lead to weak, thinning, or brittle hair. Eat more cruciferous vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower—all high sources of folate.
Neeyaz Zolfaghari is the founder of Unspoken Nutrition, a nutrition and lifestyle business aimed at helping others find harmony and balance with the full body and self. Her journey began over a decade ago, when she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. Her path toward healing broadened her passion for holistic healing practices. Now as an international nutrition and lifestyle coach, Neeyaz gives her clients the support, guidance, and tools they need in order to live a fulfilled and balanced life.
The content provided in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice and consultation, including professional medical advice and consultation; it is provided with the understanding that Poosh, LLC (“Poosh”) is not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical advice or services. The opinions and content included in the article are the views of the author only, and Poosh does not endorse or recommend any such content or information, or any product or service mentioned in the article. You understand and agree that Poosh shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in the article.
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