Let us first look at the factors affecting hair growth-
- Poor nutrition
- Fad diets/Dramatic diet
- Pregnancy
- Medications
- Hormonal changes
- Thyroid disorders
- Physical trauma
- PCOS/PCOD
So basically, genetics, age, health, and diet are the root causes of hair fall.
Now let's directly jump on to the foods that you need to consume daily to promote hair growth-
1. SPINACH
Spinach or any other leafy vegetables contains iron which is an essential mineral that your hair cells require. In fact, the deficiency of iron in the body may cause hair loss. When your body is running low on iron, oxygen and nutrients are not getting transported to the hair roots and follicles adequately, which can inhibit growth and make your strands weak.
Eat 100 g of spinach or any other leafy vegetables daily as a salad or curry.
2. SWEET POTATO
Sweet potatoes are a great source of beta carotene. The body converts this compound into vitamin-A, which is linked to good hair health. A medium sweet potato ( about 114 grams ) provides more than for times your body needs.
How to eat - eat at least one medium sweet potato twice or thrice a week.
3. SOYBEANS
Soybeans or soy products are thought to inhibit the formation of a hormone called " dihydrotestosterone," an imbalance that contributes to hair loss. Also, studies have shown that compounds (like spermidine) in soybeans may promote hair growth.
How to eat - aim for at least 40 grams of soybeans once or twice a week.
4. CITRUS FRUITS
Your body requires Vitamin-C for iron absorption. Therefore, you need to add citrus food to your diet. Vitamin c is also required for the production of collagen that makes capillaries that connects to the hair shafts strong thus, ensuring a regular supply of nutrients and quick hair growth.
How to eat- make sure to eat one citrus fruit daily.
5. NUTS
Nuts provide a variety of B vitamins, zinc, and essential fatty acids. Deficiency in any of these nutrients has been linked to hair loss.
How to eat - have one fist full of dry or soaked nuts daily.
6. WHOLE GRAINS
Whole grains are rich in biotin along with iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Biotins are required for cell proliferation and play an important role in producing amino acids(protein) required for your hair to grow.
How to eat- eat 3-6 serving at least 5 days a week.
7. LENTILS
Full of protein, iron, zinc, and biotin. Lentils have plenty of folic acids. The body needs folic acid to restore the health of red blood cells that supply skin and scalp with hair- improving oxygen.
How to eat- have a cup of cooked lentils every day (a great source of protein for vegetarians)
8. EGGS
Full of protein and biotin. Collagen surrounds the hair strands, but collagen breaks down more as we age, which makes hair more vulnerable to breaking. Eggs help to boost collagen production. Biotin is essential for the production of a hair protein called keratin. Biotin keeps enzymes buzzing to metabolize nutrients that nourishes hair follicles.
How to eat- enjoy 1 or 2 eggs 4 times a week.
So let us end the article by eating a balanced diet with the right nutrients that can help promote hair growth, especially if you’re experiencing hair loss due to poor nutrition.
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