In the past, hair health has always been related to own the best hair products. Do you have the best shampoo? Conditioner? Hair mask? Brush? All of these things do matter, but there is more to it, and it does not always have to be about owning the best of everything. Your hair products are the only things your hair is influenced by. What else is there? Food.
The food we eat has a large effect on our hair. If we are not eating right, our scalp will suffer. Keratin is one of the main ingredients in healthy hair and without keratin, your hair will not sit right on your head. The best way to help is with nutrient-packed foods, like the ones listed below!
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats are high in OMEGA 3, a nutrient that is said to help nourish your hair by helping your follicles keep everything supported, strong, and shiny. Some foods containing Omega 3 will also contain vitamin E, another important ingredient for your scalp. Some of the foods containing Omega 3 are Avocados, fatty fish, almonds, and walnuts.
Broccoli
I’m sure many of us know the popular folk tale that “no one likes broccoli” This isn’t always true for one thing (have you tried steaming them and then adding butter or alfredo sauce.” The reason broccoli is so important to hair growth is that it contains folate. Folate creates strong luscious hair, but if your body is deficient, your hair will be the first to show it. Brussel sprouts and cauliflower also contain folate and can help your hair. If you think your hair is thinning or feeling brittle, then it may be a good idea to include a serving.
Citrus
Whether you love it or hate it, you have to admit that citrus is good for your diet. It contains the highest levels of vitamin C, which is especially important for your body (especially right now). Some foods that include citrus are oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, and papaya. Add any of these to a fruit salad or smoothie and watch as everything slowly gets better. For your hair, vitamin C will grow and store collagen, an important hair ingredient.
Pumpkin Seeds?
Does this seem like a weird one? Trust me, there is a great reason pumpkin seeds are on the list. They contain zinc, one of the most important minerals for fight hair loss (and as an added bonus, it will support your immune system). Pumpkin seeds are not something you necessarily need to find from digging into a pumpkin. You can get fresh ones from any specialized grocery store (like whole foods or trader joes).
Bone Broth
Last, but far from least, is bone broth. Bone broth is a major provider of collagen. While our bodies naturally form collagen, it loses this ability with age and stress (so if you survived 2020, reward yourself with some great bone broth).
Your hair is a major part of your appearance, so it makes sense that you want to take care of it. These foods will help!