Most of us have grown up in awe of the picture-perfect, sleek shiny hair of women on the big screen, swishing left right and centre in all their glory. Something that everyone vies for but most struggle to achieve. From dust and pollution to chemicals and heat, your hair is subjected to a lot of torment which can impede hair growth and cause a lot of damage. While many products available claim to reverse the damage, most hair experts will agree that healing begins from within. While this may sound quite far from the quick fix we were wishing for, the truth is that many food groups are enriched in vitamins and minerals that help promote hair growth, repair damaged strands, and strengthen them. Let’s have a quick look-see at some of the plant-based foods good for hair growth:
Fruits and vegetables
There are several plant-based foods good for your skin and hair.
- Spinach
If thinning hair concerns you, plate up on your spinach. It is enriched with vitamin A, which aids in the production of sebum/oil on the scalp. Moreover, it provides various other nutrients like vitamin E, C, biotin and iron – which are known for boosting up the oxygen supply of the hair follicles and reducing hair fall. - Sweet Potato
This is another food packed with chock-full of vitamins for hair growth. They are rich in Vitamin A and Biotin, both essential in reversing any damage, say through styling or heat treatments, to the hair. - Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a favourite among hair experts. Studies claim that a good portion of pumpkin can prevent scalp infections and premature hair loss. Pumpkin also contains vitamin B9 – which improves the blood circulation of the scalp. - Berries
Berries contain copious amounts of vitamin C. Vitamin C plays a vital role in the production of collagen, which basically forms the hair structure. They are a great source of antioxidants, which are potent weapons that fight against the main cause of hair damage – free radicals. - Seeds
Flax seeds are slowly gaining popularity in the health world. Loaded with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), it helps keep scalp dryness at bay. - Nuts
All nuts, in general, are enriched with a variety of nutrients, which may not be readily available through other food groups. Walnuts, especially, are infused with protein, biotin, selenium, copper, vitamin E and omega fatty acids just to name a few. While the Omega fatty acids help in strengthening the roots of your hair, selenium also prevents hair loss. - Yoghurt
Another great source of nourishment for your hair is yoghurt. Yoghurt, unsweetened, is rich in probiotics and vitamin B5. If hair fall is your greatest worry, just stack up some yoghurt!
So if you have been splitting hairs to figure your way out of a hairy situation, look up the list and hit your nearest grocery store!
[Please forgive the puns, we couldn’t cut it short! 😉 ]
Last modified: March 12, 2021