Foods for Healthy Hair

Having thick, shiny, and healthy hair is a dream for every person. To fulfill this endless desire, people seem to be trying various remedies and products. But most of them come across as less effective, lengthy, and fruitless. I am sure you don't even remember how many oils or shampoos you have tried to get that so-called healthy hair. This happens with many people because we tend to look at hair problems as something that can be cured only by external remedies. But we must realize that our diet plays a major role in deciding the quality of our hair. It doesn't mean that you will get thick hair overnight if you always had thin hair, because your genes also play a significant role in the kind of hair you have. But it certainly means that you can have healthy and strong hair. But if you are wondering how to get healthy hair, then read further.

Top 10 Foods for Healthy Hair

Nuts
Hair is made of proteins and nuts are one of the richest sources of protein. You must include a variety of nuts and dry fruits, such as peanuts, cashew nuts, almonds, walnuts, and apricots etc. which are full of proteins in your diet. Apart from this, nuts are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and alpha linolenic acid that strengthens hair follicles and controls hair fall giving a lustrous shine to your hair.

Eggs
An egg a day keeps hair problems away. Eggs contain vitamin B-12 and biotin which are considered as some of the best vitamins for hair growth. They are good not only for hair but also for the scalp. They keep your scalp skin healthy and strong. So instead of applying the egg on your hair and scalp, eat one or two everyday to get gorgeous long locks. You can eat eggs in any form, be it omelets, boiled eggs, scrambled eggs or even raw egg mixed with milk. It is also one of the great power foods.

Vegetables
I know vegetables are not that appealing but you cannot ignore the benefits you can get from eating them regularly. Green leafy vegetables are an important part of a healthy hair diet that you must follow. Hair contains vitamin A and vitamin C which promotes healthy and fast hair growth. Apart from this, vegetables are a great source of iron and calcium that strengthen hair. Spinach, lettuce, broccoli, Swiss chard, etc. are some of the foods for healthy hair that you must consume.

Beans
Another not so favorite food but again, one of the essential food for hair growth. If you have brittle hair then beans, lentils, and legumes are the ideal foods for you. Apart from protein, they are also rich in iron, biotin, and zinc. All these vitamins and minerals promote healthy hair growth. Eating sprouted beans can be additionally beneficial as it also saves you from a variety of nutritional deficiencies.

Dairy Products
A cup of milk everyday is one of the best foods for healthy hair. It is rich in protein, calcium, and minerals that promote hair growth. You can also eat yogurt, cheese and cottage cheese which serves the same purpose. The essential fats in these dairy products keep your scalp moist and does not let it become dry that can lead to dandruff and hair fall. If you are concerned about fat issues, then go for low fat dairy products.

Meat
How about eating a few chicken pieces everyday? I know it's a great idea. But you must eat lean poultry meat and not red meat that is unhealthy if eaten out of proportion. As you all know, meat is a good source of protein along with iron, essential fats and vitamins. It makes your hair follicles strong and saves it from discoloration as well.

Sea food
If you are a weight watcher, then sea food is an ideal protein source for you. Sea food is less fatty and more nutritious. So go for steamed fish, oysters, and prawns that are easy to digest and are high on omega 3 essential fatty acids and various minerals, such as zinc that promote hair growth. Salmon is one of the sea foods containing zinc in optimum levels. Zinc is an antioxidant that keeps your hair lively for a longer period of time.

Flaxseed
Flaxseed is good for hair. It contain lignans that contribute in hair loss prevention. Lignans are found in very few edible foods and one of them is flaxseed. It is found in the cover of the flaxseed, so buy the whole grain flaxseed powder and use one to two tablespoons of it in your diet everyday. You may mix it with your oatmeal or cereals.

Whole Grains
Instead of eating foods made from refined flour, try to eat products made from whole grains. They are loaded with essential dietary fibers along with iron, protein, vitamin B, and zinc. You must consume pasta, pizza or breads made from whole grains. A multi-grain bread can save you from various nutritional deficiencies also.

Water
Food tips for healthy hair cannot be complete without the mention of water. Water is one of the best low calorie drinks one can sip on every now and then. No matter what you eat, it's only water that makes nutrients soluble so that it becomes easy for the body to absorb them. Dry and dehydrated skin and scalp makes your hair dull and frizzy. It makes them more susceptible to damage and promotes healthy hair growth. So only washing your hair with water is not enough. You must drink at least one liter of water every day.

These were some of the foods that must become a part of your daily diet, if you want healthy hair. If you have hair problems, it is advisable to consult a doctor and take hair vitamins or supplements for hair growth.