10 Best Foods To Improve Hair Growth

Serums, hair masks, conditioners—there are a number of hair care products out there that deliver promising results. But one thing that is an evergreen essential to nourish your hair is the food we eat. There is a hidden link between what we eat and how our hair is. So, we talked to experts to understand the 10 best foods that will help grow your hair naturally, without the aid of chemicals.

Can food impact hair growth?

The short answer is yes. What goes on your plate often ends up influencing how lush or limp your hair looks over time. "A diet rich in proteins, vitamins and healthy fats acts like a natural fertiliser. Lack of key nutrients, like biotin, iron or vitamin D, can leave your scalp dry and lead to weak strands or increased shedding," says Kanikka Malhotra, clinical nutritionist.

So, if silky, healthy hair is on your wish list, keep a regular check on what's going into your body, it makes way more difference than fancy hair products ever will.

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10 Best Foods For Hair Growth

What you eat has a direct effect on how your hair grows, so it starts from the inside. Eating foods that are high in nutrients gives your hair vitamins, minerals and proteins it needs to grow faster and healthier naturally.

Here are 10 best foods for hair growth, according to Shabana Parveen, clinical nutritionist, Artemis Hospitals.

1. Eggs: They are high in protein and biotin, which are important for hair growth and strength.

2. Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids that keep the scalp healthy and stop it from getting dry, which makes hair healthier.

3. Spinach: It contains iron, vitamins A and C, and it makes blood flow to the scalp and helps hair follicles grow strong.

4. Potatoes: Contains beta-carotene that is turned into vitamin A, which helps sebum make hair hydrated.

5. Nuts: They protect hair from damage and help it grow by providing vitamin E, zinc and biotin.

6. Berries: High in antioxidants and vitamin C, they fight free radicals and make hair stronger.

7. Avocados: Have healthy fats and vitamin E that keep the scalp moist and stop hair from breaking.

8. Greek Yoghurt: It has protein and vitamin B5, which helps blood flow to the scalp and encourages hair growth.

9. Oysters: These are high in zinc, which is important for growth and repair of tissues, including hair follicles.

10. Lentils and beans: Gives your hair the protein, iron and biotin it needs to be strong and healthy.

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Which foods should we avoid?

Certain kinds of foods can adversely affect hair growth by damaging the hair follicles or upsetting the body's balance of nutrients.

According to Parveen, fast food, chips and packaged snacks fall into this category as highly processed foods that typically have high sugar and bad fat levels.

To keep hair happy, steer clear of these diet culprits, as per Malhotra:

1. Sugary foods and simple carbs (pastries, sweets): They spike hormones, trigger inflammation and can shrink hair follicles.

2. Fried foods and processed snacks: Unhealthy fats clog follicles, leading to greasy scalps and less hair growth.

3. Artificial sweeteners (aspartame): Might cause hair thinning.

4. High-mercury fish (certain tuna, swordfish): Mercury can disrupt protein balance, causing shedding.

5. Excessive alcohol: Dehydration and nutrient loss leads to breakage and thin hair.

"Sticking to a whole-food, nutrient-rich diet is your best bet for strong, luscious locks," Malhotra concludes.

Image courtesy: Freepik

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