If you want to encourage and promote healthy hair, it goes far beyond clean shampoos, conditioners, and masks. You also need to eat nutrient-dense foods that will support the health of your hair.
Nutrition is where we get the building blocks that make up a strand of hair. Each strand of our hair is made up of a protein called keratin. The raw material needed for healthy hair specifically comes from protein-rich foods. Without an adequate amount of protein, our hair cannot be best supported.
Below are five foods to add into your diet for healthy hair.
Healthy fats
Foods rich in healthy fats (such as avocado, fatty fish, walnuts, and almonds) are key to hair health. Omega 3 fatty acids help to nourish hair follicles, which supports the strength of hair strands and keep them looking shiny. Avocados and almonds especially are high in vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps to nourish both the hair and the scalp.
Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are loaded with zinc, which is not just important for our immune health, it also helps prevent hair loss.
Bone broth
Bone broth is one of the best providers of collagen – which gives hair its strength and protects the connective tissues. Our bodies naturally produce collagen; however, it starts to decline as we age. Make sure you’re getting adequate collagen from organic bone broth or collagen powder that you can add to smoothies, oatmeal, and warm drinks.
Citrus fruits
Fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, or even papaya all boost high levels of vitamin C. Vitamin C is ideal for healthy hair because it helps protect and maintain collagen stores. If you’re drinking bone broth, for example, squeeze some lemon or lime juice in it. If you’re adding collagen powder to your smoothie, add a touch of apple cider vinegar or some kind of citrus fruit to help aid the absorption of collagen.
Broccoli
Broccoli is rich in folate, and when folate is low, it can lead to weak, thinning, or brittle hair. Eat more cruciferous veggies such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower – all high sources of folate.
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