If you’re like most women, you take care of your hair. You may even be somewhat obsessive about your hair—and who can blame you? The thing is, healthy hair isn’t as difficult to get as people sometimes think; and one of the best ways to get there is through healthy eating. So, this week, we’re finishing up our list of the top 10 healthy foods for your hair!
6. Spinach: Spinach is packed to the tips of its leaves with iron, beta carotene, folate, and vitamin C, and all of these things help to keep hair follicles healthy and scalp oils doing their thing. If you’re a spinach fan, this is great news for you! Eat your spinach salads, sauté it with garlic and olive oil, bake it up in a calzone or quiche! You may not get biceps like Popeye, but you’ll have the strongest hair around!
7. Lentils: Think of lentils as the Mighty Mouse of good-for-your-hair foods! They’re tiny but they pack a punch! There’s always room on your plate for protein, iron, zinc, and biotin, right? Do yourself (and your lovely locks!) a favor and take two scoops!
8. Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt has been making a splash in the last few years, and it’s no wonder why. If you’ve tried Greek yogurt, you’ve noticed the difference—both in texture and flavor—from regular yogurt. Greek yogurt is thicker and more tart due to the process used to make it. But did you know it’s also hair-friendly? Greek yogurt has a higher protein count than regular yogurt; it also contains vitamin B5 pantothenic acid, which is an ingredient very often used in hair care products) and vitamin D. Some research suggests that vitamin D promotes hair follicle health, but the ways in which that work are still being examined.
9. Blueberries: Blueberries may as well wear tiny little capes. They are a super food par excellence and tasty to boot! These little blue heroes are bursting with vitamin C (among other things), and vitamin C is critical for circulation to the scalp; it also aids the tiny, little blood vessels that feed hair follicles. Scrimp on the C, and you might start seeing a lot of breakage. So, grab a blueberry smoothie (made with Greek yogurt!), toss a handful in your mouth between meals, or make them dessert, but keep the blueberries around!
10. Poultry: It’s really all about the protein. Poultry (and lean cuts of beef and other meats) are loaded with it. The birds are also packing plenty of zinc, iron, and B vitamins, as well, which keep your ‘do long and strong. In case you didn’t know, hair is almost completely protein, so when you munch on foods high in protein, you’re giving your hair exactly what it needs.
A few more tips for you hair lovers out there:
Red meat is great for iron and iron deficiency has been linked to hair loss and baldness, especially in women. Keep your iron levels up to keep what you’ve got and help re-grow what you’ve lost.
Bananas, beer, oats and raisins all contain silica, which is great for keeping hair thick and durable.
Vegetables oils, including, olive, sunflower, peanut and safflower, help keep hair shiny. Researchers say about one teaspoon a day is sufficient to stave off dullness.
If you’re struggling with your locks or just hoping to do some good while eating great, give some of these suggestions a try. Changes to hair and skin aren’t overnight; be patient, come see us at Brown Bag and we’ll load your lunch with as many of these hair-healthy foods as possible. Then, sit back and wait, Rapuzel! Beautiful hair will be yours!