Eat These 12 Foods If You Want Better Hair Slideshow
Those lush hair commercials flaunt luscious locks and unattainable curls, and it's so unfair. Even with regular hair care and too much money poured into your hair routine, you still don't look like the ad. You have frizzy days, your products never work like they're supposed to, and it seems the season is never right for the shine of your hair. We feel you.
Though it's an underrated perk to your diet, your hair can benefit hugely from a few vitamins and minerals. The shine, texture, and even length of your hair are all dependent upon healthy hair follicles. Those follicles need to be properly nourished to perform at their best.
Of course, hair products infused with minerals are a good way to add those revitalizing compounds. But the best way to improve your hair's nutrition is from within — by eating healthy and getting all the nourishment you need from your diet.
Almond Butter
Unlike other varieties of nut butter, ground almonds contain a hefty portion of vitamin E, which has been linked to thicker, more lustrous hair. The protein and healthy fats can help, too. Spread some on a slice of toast or a banana, or dollop it over your morning oatmeal.
Cinnamon
If you buy the right kind, cinnamon is a superfood in and of itself. The compounds in cinnamon can help to boost circulation and increase blood flow, which brings more oxygen and nutrients to your hair follicles as a result. It's also the coziest scent for the colder seasons; we can't wait to start sprinkling it all over our desserts.
Eggs
These powerhouses of nutrition have protein, healthy fats, iron, and even biotin in their whites and yolks. If you skip the yolk, you're missing out on a lot of that, though — just stick to two eggs per day and your cholesterol will be completely fine.
Greek Yogurt
Protein is the building block of all growth that goes on in your body, including hair growth. Greek yogurt is a meatless, healthy way to get the protein you need. Its other secret ingredient is vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid. This vitamin could assist in preventing hair thinning and loss; you'll find it on the labels of many hair products.
Guava
Brittle hair breaks all too easily — guava's fortifying blend of vitamins prevents against the breakage. It's a common shampoo scent for a reason! Just one cup of guava has 377 milligrams of vitamin C, which is over four times the recommended daily amount.
Lean Meat
When you don't eat enough protein, hair growth begins to stall. You might start to notice your hair thinning or refusing to grow back fast enough. Lean protein sources like chicken or turkey are among the best ways to get enough protein into your day.
Lentils
Folic acid is key when it comes to the fullness and health of your hair. While it's hard to get enough of it from most foods, lentils are chock-full of the nutrient — along with protein, iron, zinc, and biotin. Essentially, lentils are the superfood of hair health; and they're considered pulses, a type of bean, making them great for you for other reasons, as well.
Oysters
Zinc is hard to find; but oysters have a ton of it in even a small serving. Many people are zinc deficient and they don't even know it, which could have a detrimental effect on the health of their hair. Cells that build hair rely on zinc to keep up with the process. So when you're deficient, hair loss may ensue.
Red Meat
Though red meat is a controversial food in terms of a healthy diet, it has a number of benefits to its name. An important reason to add more red meat to your diet is the iron — steak, burgers, and other red meat varieties are loaded with it. Getting too little iron can potentially lead to hair loss. Consider eating red meat in moderation to prevent that from happening, or look into getting your daily iron in another way.
Salmon
Rich with omega-3 fatty acids, this savory fish fillet is great for you for more reasons than one. Healthy fats in salmon are crucial for keeping up your hair's natural shine. Plus, your hair is literally made of protein — a tasty salmon dinner has tons of it.
Spinach
If you needed another reason to eat your dark, leafy greens, here are five big ones: vitamin A, iron, beta carotene, folate, and vitamin C. Each of these nutrients plays a role in aspects of hair health, ranging from moisture to shine.
Sweet Potatoes
If you want shiny, luscious locks worthy of a shampoo commercial, eat more sweet potatoes — the beta carotene that makes them orange helps protect your body against dry, dull hair. Of course, beta carotene can also be found in carrots, bell peppers, and even pumpkin. Here are some hair-healthy recipes you didn't know you could make from a can of pumpkin purée.