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What many people overlook is that hair health starts from within. Just as important as what you apply to your scalp is what you feed your body.
It’s time to explore some underrated yet powerful nutrients that can support longer, stronger, and healthier hair. (News18)
We all dream of having thick, healthy hair, but the truth is, there’s no magical potion that delivers instant results. What many people overlook is that hair health starts from within. Just as important as what you apply to your scalp is what you feed your body. Factors like stress, hormones, genetics, and most crucially, your diet play a major role in hair growth. While superfoods like chia seeds often steal the spotlight, it’s time to explore some underrated yet powerful nutrients that can support longer, stronger, and healthier hair.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and antioxidants, which promote a healthy scalp and encourage hair follicles. Zinc, in particular, keeps your hair hydrated and less likely to break by balancing the production of sebum, the natural oil produced by your scalp. Additionally, it is crucial for the synthesis of DNA and RNA, which are necessary for hair follicle cell division. You may enhance the nutrients in your hair by simply eating a handful of roasted pumpkin seeds every day. Consume them as a midday snack, crush them into chutney, or toss them on your salads.
Leaves of amaranth
A popular Desi food, kale and amaranth leaves (chaulai), are extremely beneficial for hair health. These leafy greens, which are high in iron, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C, aid in improving blood flow to the scalp and providing the nutrients that hair follicles require to flourish. Since iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of hair thinning, vitamin C plays a crucial role in fulfilling the needs of iron. Vitamin A also aids in the production of sebum, a natural conditioner, on the scalp. How to eat: For a nutritious twist, add it to a smoothie, stir-fry it with garlic, or make a sabzi.
Black Sesame seeds
Black sesame seeds are used in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda as a treatment for hair thinning and premature greying. Iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamin B1, and potent antioxidants are all abundant in them. They support the liver and kidneys, which are thought to be necessary for robust hair growth. Additionally, the oils in sesame seeds nourish your scalp from the inside out, encouraging strength and gentleness. How to eat: Mix them into homemade energy balls, add them to smoothies, or sprinkle them over stir-fries.
Bone broth
Bone broth is a nutrient-dense concoction that has been subtly assisting people in developing stronger nails and fuller hair, even though it is not vegan. Collagen, gelatin, minerals like magnesium and phosphorus, and amino acids like proline and glycine are all abundant in it. One of the main components of skin, hair, and nails is collagen. Although it is naturally produced by your body, but decreases with age. Consuming bone broth regularly may help maintain the firmness and nourishment of the scalp skin while supporting the structure of hair follicles. How to eat it: Use it as a base for curries and dals to sneak in that nutrition, or drink it warm like soup.
Curry leaves water
You’ve likely heard of adding curry leaves to your hair oil, but have you ever tried drinking water that has been infused with curry leaves? Beta-carotene, protein, and iron, abundant in curry leaves, help to promote hair growth and lessen hair loss. Curry leaves cleanse the scalp and nourish hair roots from the inside out when consumed with water. Additionally, it’s a fantastic method to improve intestinal health, which is another aspect of hair quality that is sometimes disregarded. How to eat: Several times a week, boil 10 to 15 fresh curry leaves in a cup of water, drain, and consume on an empty stomach.
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