Superfoods for Long and Strong Hair

Long and healthy hair is one of women’s most cherished features, which is why they invest time and money to achieve it.

However, no matter how much money a woman spends on salons and styling products, a balanced and nutritious diet will always play the leading role in overall health—and consequently, in the health of her hair.

This is because issues like dullness or thinning hair often stem from a lack of vitamins and minerals.

So instead of filling your bathroom shelves with products, stock your kitchen with these hair superfoods.

Lentils

Iron deficiency is the most common cause of hair thinning and hair loss. When iron levels are low, hair "craves nutrition" and stops growing. The best way to absorb iron is by combining lentils with rice.

Walnuts

Walnuts are rich in biotin, vitamin E, and omega fatty acids. They also contain traces of copper, which plays an important role in melanin production—the pigment that gives hair its color. A copper deficiency can cause premature graying. A handful of walnuts can help delay the appearance of unwanted gray hair.

Quinoa

Hair is made up of about 90% protein. Quinoa is an excellent protein-rich food, ideal for vegetarians. This seed provides the body with amino acids, including lysine, a key ingredient in shampoos designed to prevent hair loss.

Eggs

Eggs are rich in protein and vitamin D, which strengthen hair, as well as biotin, which boosts keratin production and increases hair elasticity.

Seafood

If you suffer from a dry scalp, zinc deficiency might be the cause. Zinc helps maintain the function of oils secreted by the glands surrounding hair follicles. Oysters, crabs, and lobsters are rich sources, as are pumpkin seeds.

Oats

As we age, hair becomes more fragile and dull partly due to falling levels of silicon dioxide, which is important for hormonal balance. Oats are an excellent source of silicon dioxide, so having oatmeal for breakfast is highly recommended.

Peppers

Vitamin C protects hair from free radicals and is essential for collagen production. Dry hair and split ends often indicate a vitamin C deficiency. Red peppers, oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, and broccoli are rich sources of this vitamin.