Here are 6 foods that can help you fight hair loss. Don’t forget that the most important step you can take, even if you don’t want to take action, is to find out exactly what’s causing your hair loss. If you notice your hair is thinning or you’re shedding more hair than usual, try incorporating these nutritious foods into your diet. Double bonus—it’s good for your hair and health! It’s easy to see why these foods can only help – not hurt.
#1: Salmon
Salmon is a great source of protein, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. Bonus points: our bodies can’t make omega-3 fatty acids but rely on them for hair growth and maintenance. Omega-3s also help keep the scalp and the hair hydrated.
Yum tip: Try salmon with scrambled eggs for a power-packed delicious dose of protein!
#2: Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are a great way to get iron, zinc, and vitamins E and B. Bonus points: an ounce of these tiny wonders contains more than half of the recommended daily dose of copper. Sunflower seeds also contain silica, a nutrient hard to come by in most foods in the U.S. Silica helps strengthen hair and prevent it from breaking.
Yum tip: Toss a handful of sunflower seeds in your cereal or on your salad to add a nice crunch!
#3: Sweet Potatoes
One of the main nutrition-related culprits in hair loss or thinning hair is a lack of vitamin A. Upping your intake of sweet potatoes is an efficient way to get vitamin A and beta carotene. Bonus points: Beta-carotene is an antioxidant AND your body turns it into vitamin A.
Yum tip: Eat the skin—it’s filled with fiber, another essential nutrient for fighting hair loss.
#4: Eggs
The incredible, edible egg represents an amazingly inexpensive, versatile food for preventing hair loss. Eggs contain loads of protein, iron, sulphur, and folate, all of which keep hair growing and healthy. Bonus points: The protein found in eggs is easily digested and used by the body—a fact that bodybuilders use to their advantage. Eggs can be especially useful for anyone keeping to a vegetarian diet.
Yum tip: Next time you make deviled eggs, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo. You’ll be getting another hair-healthy dose of protein this way.
#5: Blueberries
Most of us think of oranges when we think of vitamin C, and most of us don’t think of vitamin C unless we’re sick and guzzling orange juice. Blueberries, however, contain 19% of your daily-recommended intake of vitamin C as well as antioxidants, both of which are necessary to keep hair healthy. Bonus points: Blueberries are considered a super food, meaning that they are among the world’s most healthy foods. Not to mention, they actually stimulate hair growth, in addition to preventing hair loss.
Yum tip: You can freeze blueberries without compromising flavor or nutrition so you can enjoy them all year round even when they aren’t in season!
#6: Lentils
Lentils are small in size but colossal in nutrition. You know you’ve been eyeing them up in the store but don’t know what to do with them. Take the plunge! These little guys are full of protein, iron, zinc, and biotin. Bonus points: Lentils are also an awesome source of fiber and potassium, which keep blood pressure low and help hair grow.
Yum tip: Cook a large helping of lentils and toss them on your salads for a quick nutrient boost! Or put a few cups into the crockpot with broth for a super-easy, delicious, and nutrient-dense soup.