Hair health is largely attributed to adequate nutrition, so incorporating healthy foods into your diet will help promote hair growth and strength. There are a number of foods that are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids that are vital for overall health and particularly contribute to hair health. Consuming foods that are rich in essential nutrients will give you healthy hair if consumed in adequate amounts over time.
Proteins
Eating foods rich in protein promotes hair growth; your hair is actually made of protein structures, according to Quickcare.org. Foods that are high in protein include liver, fish, beans, cottage cheese, yogurt and tofu. Additional foods that are high in protein and in vitamin B, which is also beneficial for hair health, include eggs, meat and poultry. These foods are rich in the nutrients your body needs to produce healthy hair and can be eaten alone or added to other food groups to create a balanced diet.
Iron
Iron feeds the hair from the inside out and keeps it strong and thick, according to Love to Know. Iron is important to the body’s health and is found in every human cell, but dietary iron comes in two forms, including heme iron and non-heme iron, as described on “The World’s Healthiest Foods.” Heme iron is found in animal products, while non-heme iron is found in plant foods and dairy products. Foods that are high in iron and beneficial for hair growth include chard, spinach, thyme and turmeric. Other good sources include romaine, tofu, string beans, shiitake mushrooms, beef tenderloin, lentils, asparagus and broccoli.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a beneficial vitamin for hair growth, as it is an antioxidant that stimulates the scalp by increasing blood circulation. According to All4NaturalHealth.com, proper blood circulation allows for the delivery of nutrients to hair follicles so they can grow stronger, healthier hair. Vitamin E is rich in foods such as green leafy vegetables, whole grains and nuts, as well as avocados, parsley, olives, bell peppers, kiwis, tomatoes, blueberries and broccoli.
