Long and luxurious hair is a prized goal of many women, but often store bought hair products leave strands dull and lax lustre. Some shampoos contain harmful toxins which are so abrasive that they can actually cause hair to fall out or break away from weakened roots.
Aside from natural alternatives to chemical laden shampoos, there are foods which will fortify hair from root to tip and can even reverse the damage done by topical hair treatments.
Here are 12 super foods for super strong and healthy hair:
1. Eggs
It’s common knowledge that our hair is made of a chain of proteins. Beauty products often advertise the content of certain proteins in their hair serums, but one of the best sources for protein as well as hair healthy biotin and sulphur, is a good old fashioned egg. Skip the store bought shampoos and mix your own healthy hair serum using an egg and coconut oil.
2. Salmon
The omega 3 fatty acids in salmon are vital to the strength of hair follicles and are effective in treating hair loss by fortifying the strand from root to tip. Your body cannot produce these fatty acids naturally, and because hair is made of nearly 3% fatty acids, it is important that you supplement your diet with omega 3 rish foods like salmon.
3. Beef
People suffering from hair loss are often deplete of iron and proteins and beef is one of the best sources for both nutrients. Also rich in fat, beef can recoup the health of weak and brittle hair by moisturizing the scalp.
4. Beans
The list of healthy beans is long and includes chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, pinto and lima beans. These powerful plant based proteins are an excellent way to encourage hair growth and improve strand strength. Teeming with iron, zinc and biotin, legumes and beans will inhibit the harm of pollutants on hair health.
5. Oats
Oats are actually one of the few edible sources for the complete nutritional chain that our hair requires. Zinc, copper, B vitamins and biotin are among just a few of the salient micronutrients needed to prevent hair loss.
6. Wheat Germ
Eating wheat germ and its oil are a sure super boost for hair growth. With B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, zinc, omega 3 fatty acids and niacin, wheat germ encourages the regrowth of hair necessary to maintain full follicles and thick strands.
7. Sunflower Seeds
These tiny but mighty seeds contain a nutrient called scilia which is a key ingredient in keeping hair strong and long and preventing breakage. Scilia is not a common component in American foods so it’s important to keep sunflowers handy as an added bob boost in salads and baking.
8. Nuts
Walnuts as well as almonds and cashews are excellent sources for healthy fatty acids. Nuts can not only improve cardiovascular health, but encourage skin cell renewal on the scalp and prevent the clogging of pores and stunted hair regrowth.
9. Sweet Potato
Loaded with vitamin A and beta-carotene, sweet potatoes can be beneficial to hair both as a topical treatment and as a culinary boost. Mixing cooked and cooled sweet potato with coconut oil and egg white will make a great regenerative mask that will leave hair shiny and strong.
10. Carrot
Carrots are one of the best sources for vitamin A which contains a healthy oil called sebum that helps the scalp stay debris free and healthy.
11. Green Peas
Peas may be small but they are mighty and can fortify hair to encourage the growth of new follicles. with their content of proteins and beta-carotenes, green peas are an excellent all natural fiber that your hair needs to stay strong to your scalp.
12. Spinach
You may be surprised to hear that spinach is actually packed with omega fatty acids and can essentially rejuvenate the health of your hair. Also rich in iron and calcium, spinach makes an excellent supplement in smoothies that will leave your locks loving you.
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/beauty/hair-styling/top-10-foods-for-healthy-hair
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20734150,00.html
Image Source: Huffington Post





