Best Foods and Minerals to Increase Hair Growth Naturally

26-05-2017   |   Posted By: Kumkum Sharma   |   5356 View(s)

Beautiful, lustrous and gorgeous hair is a result of a healthy diet and regular exercise. Any deficiencies in nutrition can lead to various hair problems such as dryness of hair, dandruff and hair loss.

Everyone desire to get shiny, thick hair and that is where cosmetic products come into play. But many times, we see all our efforts going in vain when we are not able to stop hair fall even after trying various products. Well, do not worry as there are many foods which are known to increase Hair Growth effectively.

Certain foods can make hair healthy and strong. Our hair like other tissues is made up of protein. When we eat the right food, exercise, do not take the stress and get enough sleep, it helps to maximise our hair growth potential. There are certain kinds of foods which you must include in your day-to-day diet to increase hair growth and get shiny, smooth hair.

Best Health Foods for Healthy Hair:

1. Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are one of the essential sources of energy, and 55-60% of the daily calories should come from the carbohydrates. Carbohydrates help in the growth of the body tissues and hair. Also, foods rich in carbohydrates are loaded with Vitamin B which helps in keeping the hair healthy and strong.

Carbohydrate foods: Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, brown rice, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, barley, etc.

2. Protein

Protein is said to be the building block of hair which is why you must intake protein rich foods to keep your hair healthy and strong. Protein is known to provide strength to the shaft of the hair, and it also reduces chances of hair fall. If someone is taking an inadequate amount of protein, it can lead to significant hair fall and also affect the texture and quality of the hair.

Protein-rich foods: Soy, dairy products, nuts, beans, pulses, tofu, meat, seafood, eggs, almonds, broccoli, peanuts, etc.

3.Vitamin A

Vitamin A is also essential for a healthy scalp and hair growth. It also gives a smooth and shiny texture to the hair. Make sure to include Vitamin A rich foods in your diet to increase hair growth and get a healthy scalp.

Vitamin A foods: Green vegetables, sweet potatoes, apricots, broccoli, carrots, kale, spinach, butter, eggs, etc.

4.Vitamin K

Many people are unaware of the fact that Vitamin K helps a lot in maintaining healthy and beautiful hair. Thus, make sure to eat lots of foods containing Vitamin K and increase your hair growth effectively.

Vitamin K foods: Dairy Foods, broccoli, cabbage, green leafy vegetables, basil, kale, mustard, ladyfinger, soybeans, yoghurt, wheat, figs, etc.

5.Vitamin C

Vitamin C is imperative for hair growth as it is an antioxidant which promotes cell and tissue repair, improves the blood circulation and also boosts the immune system. If you eat Vitamin C rich foods, you will have strong and supple strands of hair that don’t split.

Vitamin C foods: Citrus fruits like oranges, lime, lemon; tomato, green leafy vegetables, red pepper, cucumber, cauliflower, gooseberry, etc.

6. Vitamin B

Studies have shown that lack of B complex vitamins in the body can lead to dandruff, greasy hair, grey hair and poor hair growth. Thus, you must include foods which are loaded with Vitamin B to get beautiful hair.

Vitamin B foods: Whole grains, beans, lentils, fruits, tomatoes, brown rice, green peas, oats, sunflower seeds, walnuts, etc.

7. Vitamin E

Vitamin E improves hair health and growth by increasing oxygen uptake and improving circulation.  Add Vitamin E to your diet and see your hair grow faster than ever.

Vitamin E foods: Avocados, nuts, rice bran, legumes, whole grains, green vegetables, sunflower seed, palm oil, spinach, almonds, mustard green,  papaya, etc.

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Essential Minerals to Increase Hair Growth:

1.Iron

Iron helps in carrying oxygen to the hair. If someone has an iron deficiency, it means that their hair and follicles are not getting enough oxygen which will ultimately lead to hair fall. Thus you must load your stomach with iron rich foods to get strong strands of hair.

Iron Rich Foods: Whole grains, seafood, apricots, raisins, peas, beans, green vegetables, chickpeas, cereals, lentils, etc.

2. Zinc

Zinc helps in building hair protein and therefore plays a crucial role in maintaining good hair condition. Zinc also helps in stimulating hair growth by improving the body’s immune system.

Sources of Zinc: Legumes, spinach, whole grains, mushrooms, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, cereals, wheat germ, meat, fruits, almonds and cashews.

3. Magnesium

Magnesium is one of the essential minerals for hair growth. It is responsible for helping the body absorb and use other nutrients, like calcium. If there is no magnesium in the body, calcium will not get into the bones where it is needed the most. And thus, it can clog up the arteries and form calcifications n the joints and organs. Many times, calcium also gets a deposit on the scalp which makes the scalp dry and eventually leads to hair fall. Thus, include foods rich in magnesium to prevent hair fall.

Sources of Magnesium: Dairy products such as milk, cheese, curd; fruits, nuts, pulses, whole grains, green vegetables, Spinach, almonds, etc.

Few Lifestyle Changes to get Beautiful Hair

1. Drink Plenty of Water

2. Eat a Healthy Diet.

3. Limit the intake of junk foods and sugary drinks.

4. Say ‘No’ to Stress

5. Get enough sleep

6. Do not go for excessive hair treatments such as hair colouring, bleaching, etc.

7. Treat your hair in a delicate manner. Avoid excessive combing and brushing. Use a soft brush for your hair.

8. Massage your hair with warm oil once a week to get strong hair.

9. Do regular exercise to improve blood circulation and increase hair growth.

10. Go for a haircut on a regular basis to avoid split ends.

So, now when you know the essential foods and minerals for the hair- make a diet plan today and include all the necessary foods in the diet to get beautiful hair. Also, follow the tips as mentioned above and see your hair grow faster than ever.