Many spend copious amounts of time searching for products or remedies that will promote and improve their hair growth. It seems all too common that glancing in the mirror reveals dull hair that has not grown an inch in months. The battle for healthy, luscious hair can seem futile as consumers are bombarded with hundreds of products that leave them feeling overwhelmed and lost amidst the sea of companies toting a holy grail product.
Hair growth is influenced by a plethora of factors such as age and genetics; both of which are predetermined and usually out of a person’s immediate control. Lifestyle choices such as diet and nourishing treatments can be easily adjusted or modified but are frequently overlooked when it comes to addressing hair development. It has become common knowledge in recent years that the foods used to fuel our bodies can have lasting implications on overall health and wellness, including the health of our hair!
This article will touch on the top 10 natural foods that help encourage hair growth, so keep reading to see what yummy additions you can add to your plate.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is highly nutritious and is packed full of protein which is essential in allowing your hair to grow long and healthy. This tasty food is also chock-full of vitamin B5 which is proven to increase blood flow throughout the body. Increased blood flow to the scalp promotes overall scalp health and follicle growth which are vital components of healthy hair. If you are vegan or vegetarian, you need not worry because there is an abundance of dairy-free yogurt alternatives that contain these same essential nutrients and vitamins.
Eggs
Eggs are a great source of biotin which is another vitamin that encourages natural hair growth. While biotin supplements can be readily found in most grocery stores nowadays, many scientists and doctors agree that eating healthy foods that contain these key nutrients is the best way to maintain a healthy lifestyle and therefore promote hair growth. Again, if you do not consume eggs or animal products, there are a variety of plant-based alternatives that contain biotin as well such as many nuts and seeds.
Berries
Berries are well known for their wonderful health benefits, as they are filled with essential antioxidants. While most famously associated with supporting the immune system, these antioxidants as well as other vitamins are extremely important when it comes to supporting natural hair development. Vitamin C is also found in berries and has been linked to the promotion of hair growth. Berries are an easy food to incorporate into your diet, so make sure to throw in a handful of blueberries or raspberries when you make your next smoothie.
Spinach
This leafy green may appear unassuming, but it packs a powerful punch when it comes to containing vital nutrients. Spinach contains iron, folate, and Vitamins A and C which are all very useful in promoting hair growth. This is another superfood that can be easily incorporated into a variety of meals whether you cook it with your favorite pasta or toss it in with your next fruit smoothie.
Sweet Potatoes
Also frequently touted as a superfood, sweet potatoes are the perfect addition to your diet for promoting positive hair growth. These orange tubers contain beta carotene that your body then converts into Vitamin A-a fantastic compound for advancing hair development. Again, it is best to gain your vitamins and essential nutrients from whole food sources as supplementing without direct physician guidance can lead to oversaturation of certain nutrients within your body. Excess amounts of certain nutrients, such as Vitamin A, can actually lead to decreased hair growth in some cases. So, try adding these vibrant potatoes to your diet in order to improve your hair growth naturally.
Avocados
These creamy green fruits are wonderful sources of Vitamin E, which is a vitamin known for its restorative abilities. This vitamin is extremely important in the hair growth process and is a key component to maintaining a healthy scalp. Vitamin E helps protect and nourish the skin of the scalp, and research suggests that a healthy scalp is integral to long, thriving locks.
Seeds
Seeds are another natural food that contain a wide array of important nutrients and vitamins. There are numerous varieties of seeds such as flax seeds, chia seeds, and sunflower seeds, to name a few, and it is no surprise that their benefits are useful in the promotion of natural hair growth. Seeds contain zinc and selenium-these nutrients help promote a balanced scalp and encourage hair development. Seeds also contain Vitamin E which, as we know, aids with hair growth. Being versatile foods that are easily incorporated into a variety of meals, seeds are a perfect food to have on hand. They can be added as a garnish, baked into bread, or simply eaten for a snack. The options are endless when it comes to these tiny treats.
Salmon
Salmon is a phenomenal source of protein, biotin, and omega-3s. These three nutrients are all essential in the hair growth process and this fish contains them all. Other fish such as anchovies, herring, and trout contain similar nutrients, so if one is more readily available or sustainable in your area, you can easily substitute it and reap the same benefits. If you do not eat fish, don’t fret! These nutrients can be found in other whole foods that have been mentioned previously on this list and omega- 3s can also be found in nuts and plant-based oils.
Beans
Beans are another whole food that contain a tremendous amount of protein content. In order for hair to optimally grow, protein is needed to encourage this process. With countless varieties of beans like black, kidney, and garbanzo available at supermarkets, they are a wonderful, natural addition to your diet that will promote hair growth. Add a handful to your next salad or omelet and prepare to achieve your hair growth goals.
Brussel Sprouts
These tiny greens pack quite the punch, as they offer high concentrations of an assortment of vitamins and nutrients. Among the primary vitamins in brussel sprouts is Vitamin C, which as mentioned previously is helpful for advancing hair growth. A common cause for a lack of hair growth is iron deficiency, but luckily, these versatile veggies are a great source of iron that will certainly promote hair growth and the overall health of your scalp. While brussel sprouts may have seemed unappetizing in your youth, you will definitely want to give these green wonders another try. Roasting brussel sprouts in the oven and topping them with your favorite seasoning to complete the dish is a fantastic and delicious way to advance your nutrition-based quest for longer hair.
Adjusting your diet to incorporate natural foods that are packed with key nutrients is an exceptional way in which to promote hair growth, as the food you eat can greatly impact your overall health. However, a nutritious diet combined with a nourishing hair care routine is the best way in which one can attain noticeable hair growth improvement.
In addition to fueling your body with some of the wholesome foods listed above, it is important to care for your scalp and locks with products that focus on promoting strong and healthy hair. Many people have learned that it is best to wash their hair every 2-4 days and condition it regularly, but many are missing out on the key step of using hair oils to nourish their strands. Products such as this Universal Hair Growth Oil is a wonderful addition to your self-care routine, as it assists in the external upkeep of your locks while your nutrition focuses on the internal health of your hair.
Oils such as the one linked above target common hair issues such as brittleness, breakage, and dryness which often result from excessive heat styling or aging; these conditions are all known to detrimentally impact hair development. With nourishing ingredients such as Vitamin E and lavender oil, the Universal Oil for Hair Growth is the perfect remedy for all of your hair care concerns.
Adjusting your diet to incorporate some of the natural foods discussed in the article combined with a well-rounded hair care routine featuring nourishing products is the best way to attain noticeable hair growth. Making sure to adhere to your new habits is essential, but well worth the effort once you gain the hair growth results you’ve always dreamt of.
Also Read: 10 Best Organic Hair Oil For Hair Growth