11 Foods to Stimulate Hair Growth
1. Spinach
Spinach contains a perfect trifecta of complementary nutrients to support healthy hair.
- First, its premiere source of plant-based iron which is essential to red blood cell formation and a well-oxygenated scalp.
- Next, it's full of vitamin A which is necessary for the production of lubricating scalp oil.
- Finally, it's an excellent source of vitamin C and like yellow peppers, encourages the absorption of iron.
Try a spinach and steak salad for a hair-building meal.
2. Pumpkin Seeds
They're brimming with a host of compounds including oleic acid and zinc to help prevent hormone deficiencies known to cause hair loss. Just skip the processed varieties high in sodium and roast your own.
3. Quinoa
It's an excellent source of skin-healing zinc and contains essential amino acids that serve as building blocks for strong hair shafts. A few servings weekly is all it takes to help make hair stronger and resistant to damage.
4. Carrots
Carrots contain plenty of vitamin A, a prime player in the production of scalp oils that lubricate follicles and protect fragile hair strands. Enjoy them whole, sliced in salads and stews, or try a little carrot juice in a fruit smoothie once a day → The 5 Best Weight Loss Smoothies
5. Beef
The body needs protein to build everything including hair, and beef remains one the best sources of complete protein available. To top it off, it's also rich in iron, a dietary must for delivering well-oxygenated blood to the scalp.
Just two to three servings every week is all you need but stick to lean cuts instead of fatty burgers → 91 High Protein Foods
6. Yellow Peppers
The body needs vitamin C to absorb iron and while citrus fruit is a popular go-to food for this essential nutrient, yellow peppers offer nearly five times as much without the high acid content that makes it hard for some people to enjoy oranges and lemons → 27 Foods for Clear Beautiful Skin
Just remember vitamin C is water-soluble. Your body can't store it, so it's important to eat it every day for strong hair shafts and vibrant follicles.
7. Whole Grain Bread
Whole grains have the amino acids and biotin to stimulate hair growth. Biotin, a water-soluble B-vitamin, has been well-researched and deficiency is known to contribute to hair loss.
8. Eggs
Eggs have a unique nutrition profile that makes them perfect for stimulating hair growth.
- They're an excellent source of high-quality protein, and hair follicles are built almost exclusively on protein.
- Like whole grains, they also contain biotin and they're full of both zinc and selenium which play a critical role in keeping the scalp and hair healthy.
- Quick Tip: choose eggs that're high in Omega-3 fatty acids for an extra hair-building boost.
9. Avocados
Avocados are loaded with vitamin E and essential fatty acids to keep hair supple. One avocado provides a quarter of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin E and a hefty dose of healthy fats that are critical for blood flow to the scalp.
To kick start hair growth, add one to a balanced diet three times per week and if you don't like eating avocado, mix it with a little oatmeal in a twice-weekly scalp mask to exfoliate dead cells and moisturize skin. → The Top 8 Foods for The Ketogenic Diet
10. Berries
Berries are a perfect way to introduce antioxidants into your diet. Antioxidants are powerful micronutrients that help rid the body of damaging substances called free radicals, including those preying on weak hair.
11. Beans
Beans are a superior source of plant-based protein and zinc which are essential for hair growth. A four-ounce serving provides a tenth of your daily zinc requirement and of the top protein choices, beans are the most economical and easy to find. With their high folate and biotin content, they're a can't miss ally in the battle to regrow hair.
Written by Kelsey Davis of The Lux Authority
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