Sometimes, the hair can be too dry, frizzy and unmanageable. Bad hair days happen when we forget to take care of our hair, especially when work keeps us busy. 

Most of us don’t have the luxury of time to give our hair the proper care that it needs. For example, relying on blow-drying the hair right after a shower, but as we all know, this routine damages the hair. Adding conditioner may do the trick, but it’s not enough to really pamper the hair. The hair needs moisture and vitamins so that it stays strong, shiny and healthy not just occasionally but for the long term. 

It may be a bit surprising to note that hair products aren’t the only means of taking care of the hair. The truth is, the food we eat also contributes to how healthy our hair is! 

These are some foods that give hair that healthy glow:

1. Lean meat

Meat is rich in protein. If you don’t eat enough meat, your hair will stop growing, causing it to collapse. Lean protein such as chicken breast helps promote healthy hair growth.

Recipe: Moroccan-Spiced Chicken Breast with Kale and Mushrooms on Sweet Potato Mash

2. Greek yoghurt

Greek yoghurt is rich in protein and has a high nutritional value for hair. It contains a high content of vitamin B5, which helps blood flow to the scalp and ensures the availability of the required nutrients for the hair’s growth. Greek yoghurt also helps prevent baldness.

3. Fish

Salmon, mackerel and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that cannot be synthesised by the human body. Hence, they must be obtained from a diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to enhance immunity, but aside from that, they also help the hair grow and enhance hair colour. Not a big fan of fish? You may use omega-3 as a nutritional supplement instead.

Recipe: Roasted Salmon, Potatoes & Kale

4. Eggs

Another source of protein is eggs. Eggs also contain iron and B-group vitamins, which are essential nutrients for hair growth. If the B-group vitamin biotin is insufficient, this can lead to a severe case of hair thinning or hair loss.

Recipe: Egg Salad for Sandwiches

5. Whole grains

Whole grains contain iron which helps blood flow regulation along the scalp. Eating whole grains benefits the scalp and hair roots. Foods like brown rice and oats are rich in vitamin B7 which helps restore brittle hair to its original state.

Recipe: Berry Smoothie with Oatmeal

6. Citrus fruits

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient needed by the body. Taking enough vitamin C from fruits not only strengthens the immune system, repairs skin, but it also helps repair the nails and the hair cells. Just like skin, the hair contains cells that need nourishment and nutrients. When the hair gets enough vitamin C from citrus fruits, the hair glows and becomes stronger, making it unbreakable.

Recipe: Lemon Drizzle Cake

7. Dark green, leafy vegetables

Broccoli, kale and other green leafy vegetables are rich in vitamins A and C, which helps maintain the healthy state of our skin, nails and hair. Dark green, leafy vegetables contain folate and iron which are responsible for keeping the hair shiny and elastic.

Recipe: Broccoli and Blue Cheese Soup

8. Seafood

Oysters, crabs or lobsters all contain zinc, which helps nourish hair follicles. Hair follicles play an essential role in hair growth as they keep old cells together. A closed follicle keeps the hair from growing. Thus, when the follicles do not receive nutrients from seafood, the hair is prone to thinning and balding.

9. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are incredibly rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. This stimulates the sebaceous gland to secrete an oil called sebum. Sebum prevents the hair from drying and cracking, and it also protects the scalp from external environmental agents. Other root crops such as carrots and pumpkins produce a handful of carotene which prevents the hair from being dull and dry.

Recipe: California Quinoa Salad

I’m sure you have one or two favourite recipes using these ingredients. Why not share with me on Twitter and tag @dailyteaspoon or #dailyteaspoon!

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