Other than factors like gender, genetics, age, and the environment in which we live, what we eat also plays an important role in promoting hair growth. Dermatologists and nutritionists suggest that diets which are rich in fiber, protein, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals are optimal for hair growth.
There are several vitamins and minerals which stimulate hair growth and provide our body with vital nutrients that help maintain a healthy head of hair. For instance, B vitamins such as B1, B3, B7, B2, B12, and B9 promote hair growth by stabilizing sugar levels, improving the metabolic process, promoting the creation of proteins like keratin and homocysteine which supports healthy hair, and improving the flow of blood throughout our body.
Now, let us take a look at extremely nutritious vegetables and fruits that promote hair growth.
1. Avocado- Avocado is a fruit that is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fibre, and vitamins E and B. The omega-3 fatty acids present in avocado nourish the hair follicles and help promote strong and lustrous hair. Avocado also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties which increase blood circulation in the hair follicles.
2. Spinach- Spinach is a dark green leafy vegetable that is full of amazing vital nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, beta carotene, iron, and folate. All of these nutrients work together to nourish the scalp by improving blood circulation from within. Eating spinach raw is the best way to receive its nutrients. Try drinking a spinach smoothie every day for moisturized and hydrated hair.
3. Citrus fruits- Citrus fruits like oranges, mausami, lemons, and grapefruit are excellent sources of vitamin C. Eating these fruits regularly boosts collagen production in our body. Collagen strengthens the hair and improves blood circulation in the scalp to promote hair growth. Vitamin C also removes the free radicals from our bodies and aids in iron absorption. All in all, consuming citrus fruits and vitamin C-rich fruits generally promotes hair growth and make hair thick.
4. Carrots- Carrots are considered a superfood because they are an extremely nutritious vegetable that is low in calories and high in water and fibre content. The vitamin A present in carrots is used by our bodies to grow hair tissue and even regulates the production of sebum to keep the scalp and roots healthy for promoting hair growth.
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Beetroots- Like carrots, beetroot is another root vegetable that is fibrous and nutritious. It is a rich source of Lycopene which stimulates hair growth.
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Sweet potatoes- Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene, a plant compound that our body converts into vitamin A, which affects the production of sebum, a natural oil that keeps our scalp moisturized.
7. Onions- Raw onions are an excellent source of zinc, iron, and biotin, all essential nutrients that promote hair growth and even prevent premature greying of hair. Garlic is another aromatic which is an ideal ingredient for a hair growth tonic as it has a very high sulfur content which promotes the re-growth of hair.
8. Capsicum- Capsicum or red/yellow sweet peppers are an extremely rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants. As discussed earlier, the vitamin C present in sweet peppers promotes the production of collagen which help strengthen hair and it also protects the hair strands against oxidative stress by removing free radicals from your body.
Other foods that can also promote hair growth include eggs, nuts, seeds, fortified cereals, fatty fish, and lean poultry meat.
