A Healthy Diet Leads to Healthy Hair

Our hair growth depends on many factors such as age, genetics, health, and diet. We all want healthy and thick hair, but a lot of it is determined by factors we cannot change, like our age and genetics. However, what we eat is one thing we have control over, and a poor diet lacking the correct nutrients for your hair can actually lead to hair loss. A balanced diet is crucial in growing healthy hair, here are five of the best foods for your hair.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is rich in protein, which is important for your hair growth. It’s packed with Vitamin B5, also known as the pantothenic acid; it is an ingredient that helps with blood flow to your scalp and hair growth. In fact, you might notice that pantothenic acid is an ingredient in many of your hair and skin products!

Berries

Berries are loaded with beneficial nutrients for your hair growth. For example, 1 cup of strawberries provides 141% of your daily Vitamin C needs.  M Vitamin C contains strong antioxidant properties that can protect hair follicles from harmful molecules called free radicals. Your body also uses Vitamin C to produce collagen, a protein that strengthens your hair and keeps it from becoming brittle.

Spinach

A deficiency in folate, iron, Vitamin A and C may result in hair loss. Spinach is a healthy vegetable that’s loaded with these nutrients. It is a plant-based source of iron, and can greatly promote hair growth. A cup (30 grams) of spinach also provides up to 54% of your daily Vitamin A needs. Spinach keeps your hair moisturized, and you can also add kale to mix it up a bit too!

Meat

Your hair growth “rests” when you don’t get enough protein and may lead to hair loss with old hair falling out. Lean poultry is a good source of protein because meats like chicken and turkey have less saturated fat than beef and pork. However, red meat, in particular, is rich in iron that’s easy to absorb, and this mineral helps the red blood cells deliver oxygen to all cells in the body, including hair follicles.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes contain an antioxidant called beta carotene, and your body uses this antioxidant to produce Vitamin A to help protect against dry, dull hair. It also encourages your hair to make sebum to prevent it from drying out. A medium sweet potato (about 114 grams) contains enough beta-carotene to provide more than four times your daily vitamin A needs. 

If you think you’re lacking any of these nutrients, try adding these foods to your diet. In the end, what you eat can make a huge impact on your hair health and growth!