5 POWER FOODS FOR INCREASED HAIR GROWTH

What is a slay queen with lackluster, limp, dry, and possibly patchy hair? You can only hide it for so long with a wig, right? You want to be able to flick your own luscious hair to the left or right or flaunt your afro puff or twist outs but you definitely cannot do that with stringy, dull, and lifeless looking hair.

We know that how fast your hair grows is dependent on factors such as genetics, age, health, and diet. Of these four factors, you have the most control over your diet.

Healthy and vibrant looking hair has a lot to do with your diet or the lack of it. A nutritional deficiency with a lack of nutrients will have a direct influence on hair and the body in general, with hair loss/thinning and lackluster hair as the most visible effects. Proper nutrition is very important to the body and specifically to the hair. Hair is mostly a protein called keratin,

therefore, it is very important to consume proteins and other nutrients that are key to having healthy and strong hair. To treat hair loss and possibly increase the rate of hair growth, correcting deficiencies in the important nutrients may be the first step required.

Let’s explore some power foods that can increase hair growth.

EGGS FOR HAIR GROWTH

Oh, the different ways you can whip up a scrumptious egg dish! The two major nutrients that promote hair growth are biotin and protein and these can be found in eggs. Biotin is a part of the complex vitamin B and a deficiency in this can lead to hair loss. A Harvard University study shows that biotin is a key nutrient required in preserving hair function, strength, and texture. Eggs also contain vitamins A, E, and folate which help to keep hair strong and healthy, provide physical stability to cell membranes of hair follicles, and act as an antioxidant. In addition to all these, eggs are a great source of zinc and selenium, which are great for optimal hair health. The fats in egg yolks help to replenish moisture and keep hair strands sleek.

SPINACH FOR HAIR GROWTH

As little children, we hated being fed vegetables, especially the greens. But mothers knew that green vegetables are a powerhouse of nutrients. They contain nutrients that are beneficial to hair growth such as Vitamins A and C, folate, and iron. Vitamin A helps the glands in the skin produce sebum, which is the oily substance that helps to moisturize the scalp and keep hair healthy. Vitamin C is important in the formation and maintenance of collagen and aids in hair formation and the regrowth of hair. Iron aids hair growth by ensuring that red blood cells carry oxygen around the body to aid metabolism, growth, and repair. A deficiency in these nutrients, especially iron, may lead to hair loss. 100gm of spinach contains 28.1 micrograms of Vitamin C, which accounts for 34% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C.

FATTY FISH FOR HAIR GROWTH

Did you just freak out at the word fatty? Relax! We are talking about healthy fats here. Healthy fats are generally great for the body, especially the hair, skin, and eyes. And fish is one great source of healthy fats known as omega 3 fatty acids. Research has shown that omega 3 fatty acids help control inflammation in the body, which in turn means that the hair follicles are kept open and hair growth is boosted. A study has shown that omega 3 fatty acids boost hair growth by increasing the activity of certain proteins. Omega 3 also helps to prevent dry and flaky scalp.

The richest sources of omega 3 fatty acids are:

Mackerel
Tuna
Salmon
Sardines
Herring

BEANS FOR HAIR GROWTH

First spinach, now beans? Yes, beans. As per dietary guidelines, it is recommended that an individual consumes about three cups of legumes, which includes beans, every week. Beans are an excellent source of protein, cheap, and easily accessible. They are also a great source of zinc and iron. As we already know, the hair is mostly protein. So, you need to keep up your intake of proteins which is the building block of hair, to keep hair strong and healthy. Beans also provide other nutrients which benefit the hair including biotin, iron, and folate

SEEDS AND NUTS FOR HAIR GROWTH

Seeds have a ton of benefits including the nutrients and the fact that they are mostly low in calories. Seeds provide selenium, Vitamin E, and zinc. Some seeds such as sunflower seeds provide the all-important B complex vitamins. Flax seeds and chia seeds provide omega 3 fatty acids. Chia seeds are also known as a complete protein, which boosts beautiful, healthy hair strands. All of these nutrients promote hair growth.

Nuts are an easy addition to any diet. They contain nutrients that promote hair growth, such as vitamins E and B complex, essential fatty acids, and zinc. Great examples are almonds and peanuts, which are a significant source of biotin. Biotin is known to stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss. Walnuts are a great source of omega 3 fatty acids and biotin.

In addition to consuming these nutrient-rich powerhouses, don’t forget to deep condition your hair using the African Naturalistas Deep Conditioning Mayonnaise to keep your mane luscious and vibrant looking. To ensure all your hard work is not lost to the air, seal in all the moisture you have gained from your diet and our products such as the African Naturalistas shea butter and coconut oil. You can shop for our range of products here.