Yes ladies, it’s true — what you eat can and will affect the health of your hair. Stick with your in-shower routine, but make it a point to include a variety of these beneficial foods into your diet for even healthier hair.
1. Nuts
Believe it or not, incorporating nuts into your diet can help improve the health of your hair and scalp. WebMD says that Brazil nuts, one of the best sources of selenium, can help you attain a healthy scalp. Other types of nuts, such as walnuts, contain omega-3 fatty acids which may help condition and moisturize your hair.
Luckily, walnuts, cashews, pecans, and almonds are multi-tasking nuts because they are also high in zinc. Women with zinc deficiencies often have excess hair shedding, and adding nuts high in zinc to your diet may help reduce this problem.
2. Eggs
Eggs and other low-fat dairy products are excellent sources of protein, which is essential for healthy hair. If you aren’t getting enough protein, chances are that your hair will be weak, brittle, and lackluster.
If you aren’t a fan of eggs, try adding other dairy products into your diet such as yogurt, cottage cheese, and milk.
3. Green Leafy Vegetables
Vegetables are great for our overall health, but certain vegetables may actually help your hair and scalp stay healthy too! Green leafy veggies are an excellent source of a B vitamin known as folic acid, or “folate” when it shows up in food. This vitamin works by helping carry nutrients to your scalp through the creation of red blood cells.
4. Salmon
Incorporating salmon into your diet may play a vital role in hair and scalp health. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can naturally condition the scalp and prevent it from drying out.
In other words, those with a dry scalp or dandruff may benefit from including salmon into their weekly meal plan!
5. Carrots
Carrots are famous for being associated with healthy vision, but did you know they can also be beneficial for your hair? Rich in Vitamin A (or beta carotene), carrots can help maintain a healthy scalp. Without a healthy scalp, your hair will look dull, lack shine, and appear unhealthy overall.
6. Beans
Believe it or not, beans contain nutrients that are essential to healthy hair. Beans are chock full of protein, which can help promote hair growth, but they also contain zinc and iron for a healthy scalp. Additionally, beans contain biotin; those with a biotin deficiency, while rare, often have brittle and weak hair.
Taking care of your hair starts at the scalp, and many of these important foods contain nutrients that promote a healthy scalp. All of these foods can play a vital role in keeping your hair vibrant, conditioned, and healthy, so it’s important to make an effort to include these different foods into your diet.
If you are lacking in any of these essential vitamins and minerals and your hair seems to be suffering because of it, try incorporating these foods into your lifestyle for a healthy head of hair!
