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Food for Beautiful Hair

If you've fallen into believing the theory that beautiful hair comes from expensive bottles and potions, you're not the only one. Strong, silky-smooth hair doesn't come out of a bottle, it comes from what you put into your body.

  1. Vitamins

    • Vitamins A and C keep your hair and scalp hydrated, preventing dandruff and adding shine. B vitamins give you lots of energy, but also help your body make keratin, the protein that hair is made of. Biotin (B7) is one of the more crucial B vitamins for keratin production. You can get all of these vitamins from the foods you eat.

    Minerals and Healthy Fats

    • Too little zinc, iron or selenium can interrupt hair growth. Taking these in pill form can be detrimental if you are not anemic, so stick to food sources for these minerals. Vitamin C helps absorb iron, so try to eat both together. You also need to eat healthy dietary fats, especially omega-3s. Fat in your body stores soluble vitamins, like hair-healthy vitamin A.

    Which Foods to Eat

    • Go nuts! Brazil nuts, walnuts, almonds, pecans and cashews all contain selenium, zinc and a good amount of healthy fats and protein. When the body does not get enough protein, it will conserve protein by stopping processes like hair growth, which can make your hair brittle. So stock up on nuts, eggs, fish, meat and beans (which are also high in zinc and iron). Vitamin C is highest in guavas, red peppers, kiwis and oranges. Carrots, sweet potatoes and pumpkins are high in vitamin A. Good iron sources are meat, soybeans, pumpkin seeds and other beans. Your B vitamins can be found in chicken, beef and also in most fruits and vegetables, especially spinach, broccoli, tomatoes and watermelon.

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