Superfoods To Naturally Revive Your Dull Locks

Importance of Diet

When our hair gets frizzy, dull, or lacks lustre, we start looking for oils, shampoos, and conditioners as a quick-fix solution. What we don’t realise is that the foods we eat have a key role in making our locks strong, healthy, and shiny. Yes, you read it right. Just like our skin and physical health, our hair too needs proper nutrition to promote growth and prevent dryness, breakage, and hair loss. A well-balanced diet with essential nutrients, such as proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, D, E, B6, and B12, and minerals (iron, zinc, and selenium) remain the secret of those lustrous locks that can make anyone envious! So, if you are looking for tips and tricks for getting healthy hair, the first step is to evaluate your eating habits and check what is deficient in your nutrition.

8 Superfoods for Healthy Hair

1. Eggs:

While hair is a protein-based tissue, biotin is essential for the production of a hair protein called keratin. Eggs are a good source of protein and biotin, the two vital nutrients that support hair growth. Also, eggs provide nutrients like zinc, selenium, and other hair-healthy nutrients.

2. Berries:

The presence of Vitamin C in berries acts as an antioxidant and helps shield hair follicles against damage from harmful molecules called free radicals. So, from blueberries to strawberries, pick your favourite berries and let your hair do the talking.

3. Spinach:

This is not just for Popeye; you can even eat it for healthy hair, as this leafy vegetable comes loaded with vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and folate, all of which are crucial for hair growth.

4. Bananas:

It’s time to say goodbye to a receding hairline, as bananas are packed with essential nutrients like potassium, vitamins B6 and C, and antioxidants that improve blood circulation, reduce dryness and stimulate growth. The antimicrobial properties in bananas can also prevent scalp infections.

5. Fish:

Well, fatty fish have nutrients that can promote hair growth as they are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. This includes salmon, herring, or mackerel.

6. Seeds:

What makes seeds amazing is that they are loaded with vitamin E, zinc, and selenium, and their consumption doesn’t even raise our calorie count. Next time you are hungry, ditch burgers and chips and pick up a packet of flaxseeds or chia seeds. Good news for vegetarians — like fatty fish, flaxseeds provide omega-3 fatty acids.

7. Green tea:

Are you a chai lover? It’s time to switch to green tea for the sake of your hair. Packed with antioxidants and polyphenols, it shields hair from free radicals that damage hair follicles. Green tea's anti-inflammatory properties can also soothe irritation. It also reduces DHT (dihydrotestosterone) and dandruff, creating an environment where hair can be healthier and shinier.

8. Dark chocolate:

What if something really tasty could also protect our hair? Well, say hello to the dark horse, or should we say dark chocolate? It boosts cell growth and enhances blood circulation to the scalp. Remember to consume it only in moderation.

Benefits Of Superfoods To Naturally Revive Your Dull Locks

Let’s find out how these essential nutrients can be beneficial for our hair —

• Proteins:

As our hair’s structure is made up of hardened proteins called keratin, adequate amounts of protein-rich foods are required for strong and healthy hair. When there’s not enough protein, the hair grows weaker and slower.

• Vitamins and Minerals:

Vitamins A, C, D, E, B6, and B12 and minerals such as iron, zinc, and selenium help strengthen the hair follicles and prevent hair loss. Deficiency of nutrients can lead to hair loss, breakage, and slower hair growth.

• Omega-3 fatty acids:

Found in fish, nuts, and seeds, fatty oils help in keeping your scalp moisturised and healthy.

• Antioxidants:

Consuming fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants protects hair follicles from damage.

How to Include It To Your Diet?

How to incorporate foods for healthy hair depends on an individual. For instance, eggs can be consumed in many forms – boiled, scrambled, curry, omelette, etc. Similarly, you can just bite into a piece of dark chocolate or make a shake with it. You can also make a healthy salad or soup with veggies, chicken, or both. Another healthy option is to whip up a banana smoothie with nuts.