10 Health Foods that Promote Hair Growth According to Science

Dr. Julieta Peralta-Arambulo

Dr. Julieta Peralta-Arambulo

28 Jan 2019

It’s hard to keep a straight face when friends and family notice your thinning hair. This is especially true during gatherings in the Philippines as your relatives will notice every little change you go through. It’s a cultural thing that’s demoralizing especially when they notice and poke fun at you.

It could also lead to a downward spiral of stress eating, especially for emotional eaters. It’s a given that we Filipinos love food; it is a source of comfort for most of us. However, why not turn stress eating around for the better by eating healthy foods as hair loss treatment? Make a clean start and eat right for your health and for your hair.


The Essential Vitamins and Minerals for Hair Growth

According to an article by WebMD (Diet and Healthy Hair, Stephanie S, Gardner MD, November 16, 2018), our hair needs vitamins and minerals to keep its luster and keep each strand resilient from damage. Your hair needs a healthy dose of essential fatty acids, especially Omega 3.

Vitamins like B6, B12, and folic acid are also important, but the most critical component is protein as your hair is literally made out of it. For other minerals such as iron, magnesium, zinc, and biotin, you can get your RENI from a multivitamin.

Those vitamins and minerals are excellent alternatives to chemical hair loss treatments. You won’t have a hard time looking for all those as they are easily found in drug stores around the Philippines. The only downside is the cost of some vitamins and supplements.


Foods for Healthy Hair

Food is a great way to get around expensive supplements. You’ll be able to get the right amount of nutrients your hair needs with the right type of food. Keep this list handy to know what food you should eat so you could replenish the necessary vitamins and minerals your hair needs.

  • Salmon & Other Fatty Fishes – Keeps your hair shiny and full with Omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Greek Yogurt – Packed with much-needed protein in the form of vitamin B5 that fights hair thinning or hair loss by improving blood flow to your scalp.
  • Spinach – Rich in vitamin A, iron, beta carotene, folate, and vitamin C which keep your scalp healthy and your hair stronger.
  • Guava – Has 4 times the recommended amount of vitamin C. It keeps your hair from breaking.
  • Iron-fortified cereal, liver, shellfish, dark leafy vegetables – Iron lets your body produce hemoglobin in your blood. It carries oxygen that helps your hair stimulate growth.
  • Chicken or turkey – Provides protein while keeping your saturated fat intake low. It’ll help thicken your hair.
  • Sweet potatoes – Has beta carotene that makes your hair smooth and shiny.
  • Cinnamon – Improves blood circulation so your hair gets the nutrients it needs.
  • Eggs – Gets you iron, protein, and a B vitamin called Biotin which prevents hair loss and brittle nails too.
  • Oysters – This delectable seafood is rich in zinc and it enhances cell performance necessary to counteract hair loss.


Eat for Health, Not only to Get Full

In the Philippines, it’s normal for us to eat hearty meals. But when maintaining a diet regimen, it’s important to be strict with your servings to get the most out of the vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat. These foods aren’t worth it as hair loss treatment if you aren’t physically healthy as well so eat, exercise, and nourish your way to a healthy head of hair. You can do it!

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