Best Foods For Amazing Hair – Part 2
This is part 2 of our two-part series of ‘Best foods for amazing hair’. Did you miss part 1? Click here to check it out.
Walnuts
Walnuts are the only type of nut that have a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids. They’re also rich in biotin and vitamin E, which helps protect your cells from DNA damage. Low levels of biotin can lead to hair loss. Walnuts also have copper, a mineral that helps keep your natural hair color thick and lustrous in colour.
Oysters
Oysters are rich in zinc, a lack of which can lead to hair loss (even in your eyelashes), as well as a dry, flaky scalp. You can get some zinc through whole grain breads, but oysters have a good level of protein too. Hair is about 97% protein, so without enough protein, your body can’t replace the hairs that you naturally shed every day and what you do make can be dry, brittle, or weak. Pepitas (pumpkin seeds) are also rich in zinc!
Spinach
The iron, beta carotene, folate, and vitamin C in spinach help keep hair follicles healthy and scalp oils circulating. Other greens which act in a similar way to spinach are nutrient-rich greens like kale, broccoli and Swiss chard.
Lentils
Small but mighty, these legumes are bursting with protein, iron, zinc, and biotin. Lentils are a great staple for vegetarian, vegans, and meat eaters. To get your lentil intake up, think soups, or tossing cooking lentils through salads.
Greek Yoghurt
Greek Yoghurt is high in hair-friendly protein, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid – an ingredient you’ll often see on hair care product labels), and vitamin D. There is new research out there that links vitamin D and hair follicle health, but it’s not exactly known how it does just yet. Either way, Greek Yoghurt is delicious and easy to add to your breakfast, as a snack (with some walnuts, perhaps?) and into smoothies, onto curry based soups and so much more.
