Did you know that what you eat has an impact on your hair? Here are some of the right things to eat so you don’t dread your locks.
Okay, let’s be honest: You know that your hair will never look exactly like those women in the shampoo commercials (unless you live with a professional stylist, lighting guy and photographer). But, there are foods you can eat that will drastically improve the quality, texture, shine and health of your hair. Keep reading to learn which foods can take your hair from blah to bam!
Protein
You know what your hair is mostly made of? Protein. Notice that you tend to lose a fair bit of hair every day? Well, if you keep your diet packed with protein, it ensures your body has enough to replace what you’re leaving in the shower drain.
When it comes to meats, be sure to eat the lean, healthy proteins such as turkey, chicken and tuna. For dairy, try cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. Don’t forget that peanuts, pumpkin seeds and almonds are packed with proteins, as are beans and legumes.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids help keep your scalp hydrated and your hair grow. Since our bodies can’t produce these fatty acids themselves, we have to add them to our diets.
Salmon, salmon, salmon! You can never get enough salmon in your diet, but choose wild salmon when possible. Salmon also has B-12 and iron, which are just plain good for you.
If you are a vegetarian, you can get your omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseeds (two tablespoons on cereal is tasty) or from walnuts, avocado and cauliflower.
Iron
Many women are already iron deficient, so eating more green, leafy vegetables can help women with more than just hair. Spinach, broccoli, swish chard, and green peppers are a great source of iron. So are eggs, tofu, chickpeas, wheat germ, and most nuts.
Zinc
If you find your hair is dull and your scalp is dry, it’s possible you need more zinc in your diet.Oysters are a great way to boost your zinc levels. If you just can’t swallow the texture of these slimy shellfish, try pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, beef, poultry or eggs.
Bonus of eating well for your hair
You may have noticed that the foods listed above are all also part of a balanced, healthy diet. Eating green leafy vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains is not only going to make your hair bouncy and shiny, it’s going to give you more bounce and shine because you will have more energy and feel great.
