10 Foods To Eat & 5 Foods To Skip For Those Rapunzel-esque Locks

Does your hairbrush hold more hair in its bristles than on your head? Do you often feel like the grudge has come to life in your bathroom post a shower? No matter how many oils you massage into your scalp, sometimes it's not what you put into your hair as much as what you’re putting into your gut that determines your ‘mane’ fate. The cliched saying, ‘you are what you eat’ couldn’t get truer when it comes to your hair and its growth. Unfortunately, the truth is that for every strand you lose, two will not grow back in its place. The result? Thin and scanty hair. So for when all those topical treatments let you down, look to fixing those hair care woes from within!

IN WITH THE GOOD - What to eat

1. Eggs - Rich in protein and biotin, eggs are a great way to consume both nutrients that are essential in improving hair quality and boosting its growth. Eggs also contain zinc and selenium, and a whole lot of hair loving nutrients that encourage a healthy mane.

1. Spinach - Love your greens? Then consuming this leafy wonder will be a breeze. Spinach is rich in folate, iron, and vitamins A and C –– these nutrients together promote healthy hair growth. The vitamin A helps with oil production, which essentially keeps those locks moisturised and hydrated. According to studies, a cup of spinach gives you approximately 54 percent of your daily vitamin A intake.

1. Guava - Rich in vitamin C, guavas are a great way of consuming this vitamin and boosting your hair growth. As a matter of fact, guava are richer in vitamin C than oranges too!

1. Liver - Iron deficiency is a huge contributor towards hair loss. Foods like liver that are rich in iron help bring the levels up. Other than this, spinach and soybeans are a great veggie alternative to consuming iron.

1. Berries - Loaded with vitamins that are known to promote hair growth, berries are also rich in antioxidants that protects the hair follicle from damage. The vitamin C present aids in boosting collagen production, which makes hair a lot stronger and less prone to breakage.

1. Lentils - Your good ol’ dal is actually pretty beneficial for your hair too! Lentils are known to be rich in folic acid, an essential that helps produce red blood cells –– hence transporting oxygen to your hair and scalp. Better blood flow, results in healthier hair growth.

1. Salmon - An amazing source of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is one of the most popular foods for hair, skin, and nails. Omega 3 acts as an anti-inflammatory that helps tackle and soothe any scalp conditions that are causing hair loss.

1. Avocados - Time to dig into that yummy guac! Avocados have healthy fats that aid in hair growth. They are also rich in vitamins C and E, both of which help fight against free radical damage and promote hair growth.

1. Nuts - Love snacking on nuts? Well, you’re doing your hair a huge favour. Nuts are rich in vitamins E, B, zinc, and essential fatty acids –– all of which are important nutrients and minerals required for a healthy hair growth.

1. Yogurt - Rich in vitamin B, Greek yogurt is another important food to include in your diet for healthy hair.

EXTRA BOX - Nutrients You Need To Consume

●       Biotin: Biotin is an essential type of vitamin B that is imperative in strengthening our hair and improving hair growth.

●       Vitamins C, D & E: Vitamin C aids in iron absorption into our body. Vitamin D aids in stimulating hair follicles, while vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that reduces free radical damage in your scalp, and protects it from further damage

●       Iron: An essential for hair, lack of iron often results in hair loss

●        Omega 3: These essential fatty acids act as an anti-inflammatory and reduce any inflammation in the scalp that is causing any hair loss.

OUT WITH THE BAD - And what not to eat

1. Sugar - Sugar is a huge contributor towards hair loss since it impacts your blood circulation. Poor circulation results in less blood flow to the scalp and follicles –– this means that all those nutrients you are consuming aren’t reaching your hair properly. Sugar literally shoots down the messenger and kills whatever goodness is coming your hair follicles’ way. Sugar also hinders your body’s natural protein production –– and since protein is an essential for healthy hair, it has a negative impact on it.

1. Dairy - Proteins present in dairy are great for your hair, however it also contains fat which aids in hair loss. Fat increases testosterone in the body, causing hair to fall. Plus, dairy also aggravates skin and scalp conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and dandruff. Poor scalp health results in poor hair health.

1. Refined Grains - Steer clear of pastries, white bread, white pasta, or any starches that convert to sugars. Just like sugar itself, these starchy refined grains hamper with your hair health, leading to hair thinning and loss.

1. Alcohol - Alcohol isn't just dehydrating but can also lower the zinc levels in your body. Zinc is important to maintain your hair’s overall health. Plus when hair is dehydrated, it tends to get brittle and more prone to breakage.

1. Swordfish - While this fish may seem as essential as the good ol’ salmon, it is also super rich in mercury which makes it a dead no-no for hair. Mercury often reacts with other minerals in our body, including zinc and when there’s a clash between the two, it often results in the latter being impacted. A deficiency in zinc will cause hair issues like thinning and hair fall. Stay away from fish like Mackerel and Tuna too as they are also high in mercury.