When was the last time you bought superfoods for your hair? It might sound like a crazy question, but specialists from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in America have found that what is on your plate has a much bigger impact than any products you put on your hair. There’s a whole range of common deficiencies that lead to brittle, listless and broken hair, and that’s not to mention the lack of shine, and that horrid dry feeling. So what are you waiting for? Transform your lovely locks with these amazing superfoods for your hair…
Okay, so most people wouldn’t consider oysters superfoods for your hair – but they really are. Just one oyster contains around 37mg of zinc, a mineral which most adults lack. Low levels of zinc are commonly associated with hair loss and breakage, along with dry, dull skin. So boosting your levels won’t just give you gorgeous hair, your skin will show the difference, too.
While they make an odd combination together, strawberries and peppers both contain high levels of vitamin C, which is essential to keep hair shiny. This special vitamin also promotes good blood flow to the scalp, to keep the skin and hair hydrated and looking its best. Aim to consume around 100mg of vitamin C every day – that’s around 150g of whole strawberries, 100g of citrus fruit or a good serving of broccoli.
It’s no surprise that avocados are the hottest hair care ingredient right now – this exotic fruit is rich in a number of nutrients which promote hair and scalp health. Vitamin B promotes healthy cell growth, as well as stimulating blood flow through the body, meaning it’s great for helping hair to repair and grow. Don’t worry if you aren’t a big fan of the green fruit, though – egg yolks, bananas, nuts and whole grains are also good sources of vitamin B.
Yep, beer really is good for your hair – although not in huge quantities! The foam that settles on the top of a beer is a natural source of silicon, an element that has been proven to strengthen and thicken hair. Recent studies have even shown that it rehydrates dry hair, and relieves brittleness. So you can rest assured that a beer really will do you good – just stick to the one to prevent drying out your skin! Other sources of silicon include bananas and whole grains.
Dreaming of a full English breakfast? Go ahead – the mushrooms will do you good! It’s long been known that mushrooms are packed with healthy antioxidants, and they also contain pantothenic acid. You probably recognize that as a common ingredient in shampoos – this acid is essential for regulating healthy blood flow, and there are even claims that it prevents hair loss, and can reverse graying. While further research is needed to validate these claims, it’s taken the shampoo world by storm – and 35g of mushrooms tend to be enough. For a more exotic source, try lobster, or enjoy eggs, corn or whole grains.
Want shiny, healthy hair? Increase the amount of fatty fish that you eat. Fish such as canned tuna is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which boost hair and give your skin a great complexion too. It’s recommended that adults eat four ounces of fatty fish twice a week to get enough omega-3, but most adults eat drastically under this. Try adding salmon, sardines, trout and tuna to your menu plans for the next few weeks – you are certain to notice the difference!
Vitamin A tends to be one of the most ignored vitamins, which is why spinach is one of the best superfoods for your hair. Just 50g of cooked spinach contain your daily amount of vitamin A, which is responsible for developing and maintaining epithelial cells. Not only does that mean your hair will look better, but your skin will get a gorgeous glow, and your lips will be extra luscious too. And if spinach isn’t really your thing, try sweet potatoes, cantaloupe or carrots instead.
I’ve been adjusting my meals to contain as many of these superfoods for your hair as I can at the moment, and I can already see the difference! Not only is it thicker, glossier and healthier, but it’s easier to style, and I’ve had plenty of compliments on the color, too. Give it a try, and let me know what works for you!