10 foods for fuller locks
Anyone dreaming of a luxuriant head of hair à la Brigitte Bardot, Katja Schuurman or Hans Klok could spend their money on expensive shampoos, serums and other such things. But did you know you can also eat your way to beautiful hair?
Just like every other part of your body, your hair needs sufficient nutrients to stay healthy. Suffering from a wispy pile of straw on your head? That may be caused by your age, genes, hormones and stress, but especially by a deficiency of certain nutrients. Variety in your diet is key anyway. But if you make sure to get some extra vitamin A, B, C, E, omega-3, iron, zinc and selenium, you give your hair an extra boost.
How do you get those nutrients? Well, like this.
1. Avocado
These green fruits are packed with vitamins B and E, potassium, omega-9 and unsaturated fats that may help with hair growth.
2. Strawberries
Strawberries have a high vitamin C content, which helps produce collagen, which in turn is important for your hair structure. In other words: elastic and strong hair.
3. Eggs
Eggs are packed with protein, which, like collagen, is important for your hair structure. Eggs also contain vitamins A and D and zinc. All things that are good for your hair: vitamin A hydrates, vitamin D helps prevent dry and brittle hair, and zinc helps with the growth and repair of your hair tissue.
4. Figs
An iron deficiency is a major cause of hair loss. We don’t want that. And what’s a good source of iron? That’s right: figs. They are also bursting with vitamins A and E. We already knew about the benefits of vitamin A, while vitamin E improves blood circulation and helps strengthen hair follicles.
5. Flaxseed
Nuts and seeds are rich in omega-3, which is great for thick, nourished hair. Flaxseed is also packed with vitamin B, magnesium, phosphorus and selenium. The latter, like iron, supports the growth and repair of hair tissue.
6. Kelp
This type of seaweed is an excellent source of iron, zinc, vitamins B2 and B5, folate and magnesium. All nutrients that help with hair growth.
7. Dark leafy greens
Green leafy vegetables such as spinach are excellent sources of iron; the darker the greens, the higher the iron content. Leafy greens also contain vitamins A, C and K, B vitamins, potassium and folic acid. The latter helps improve blood circulation in the scalp.
8. Mango
Mangoes contain silica, which helps strengthen hair strands. Mangoes are good sources of vitamins A, B6 and C.
9. Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, which may help prevent a dry scalp. They also contain iron, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper and protein: nutrients that each promote hair growth.
10. Soybeans
Beans generally contain a high amount of iron. In addition, soybeans may curb the production of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). An imbalance of DHT may contribute to hair loss. And as if that weren’t enough, soybeans are also packed with omega-3, vitamin B2 and magnesium.
There you go! Bring on the fan and let those locks blow in the breeze. Hans and Beyoncé, eat your heart out.
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