Good Hair: 10 Foods For Strong Hair

  1. Salmon: When it comes to foods that have a beauty punch, it's hard to beat salmon. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, this high-quality protein source is also filled with vitamin B-12 and iron. [Omega-3 fatty acids help your brain work better and improve your memory and will help lower your cholesterol.]
  2. Spinach: like broccoli and Swiss chard, is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which your body needs to produce sebum. This oily substance, secreted by your hair follicles, is the body's natural hair conditioner. [Low in calories yet very high in vitamins, minerals. Source of vitamins C and A which are antioxidants that help reduce free radical amounts in the body. The antioxidants work to keep cholesterol from oxidizing.]
  3. Beans: Legumes like kidney beans and lentils should be an important part of your hair-care diet. Not only do beans provide protein for hair growth, but they also inject ample iron, zinc, and biotin into your locks. [Lower cholesterol levels, improve diabetics' blood glucose control, reduce risk of many cancers, lower blood pressure, regulate functions of the colon, prevent and cure constipation]
  4. Nuts: Do you go nuts for thick, shiny hair? You should. Brazil nuts are one of nature's best sources of selenium, an important mineral for the health of your scalp. Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that may help condition your hair. They are also a terrific source of zinc, as are cashews, pecans, and almonds. A zinc deficiency can lead to hair shedding, so make sure you eat nuts on the regular. [Rich in energy, protein, packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and much discussed omega-3 fatty acids.]
  5. Poultry: Chickens and turkeys may have feathers, but the high-quality protein they provide will help give you the healthy hair you crave. Low quality protein deficiences can cause weak brittle hair, while extreme deficiencies can cause a loss of hair colour. Poultry also provides iron with a high degree of bioavailability, meaning your body can easily reap its benefits. [Low fat: If you're trying to cut back on fat, skinless white-meat poultry offers a great low-fat protein option.]
  6. Eggs: When it comes to healthy hair, it doesn't matter whether you like your eggs scrambled, fried, or over easy. However they're served up, eggs are one of the best protein sources you can find. They contain biotin and vitamin B-12, which are important beauty nutrients. [One egg contains 6 grams of high-quality protein and all 9 essential amino acids.]
  7. Whole Grains: Sink your teeth into hearty whole grains, including whole-wheat bread and fortified whole-grain breakfast cereals, for a hair-healthy dose of zinc, iron, and B vitamins. [Good for digestion]
  8. Oysters: While they are perhaps best known for their reputation as an aphrodisiac, oysters can also lead to healthy hair. The key to their love and hair-boosting abilities is zinc -- a powerful antioxidant. If oysters don't make a regular appearance on your dinner plate, don't despair. In addition to getting it from whole grains and nuts, you can also get zinc from beef and lamb. [low in cholesterol: containing only 55 mg per serving (generally considered to be six medium oysters.)]
  9. Low-Fat Dairy Products: Skim milk and yogurt are great sources of calcium, an important mineral for hair growth. They also contain whey and casein, two high-quality protein sources. [Decrease the risk of kidney stones: oxalate is chiefly responsible for stone formation. But calcium, by binding with oxalate in the intestine, decreases its absorption. With less oxalate the risk of stone formation is decreased. Strong teeth and bones: milk protein and cheese fight the formation of dental plaque and help to coat the teeth. This decreases the amount of fermentable carbohydrate in the mouth and the risk of dental caries.]
  10. Carrots: Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which promotes a healthy scalp along with good vision.Since a healthy scalp is essential for a shiny, well-conditioned head of hair, you'd be wise to include carrots in your diet as snacks or toppings on your salad. [Carrots are also good for Improved vision: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the liver, (Vitamin A is transformed in the retina, to rhodopsin, a purple pigment necessary for night vision),  Cancer Prevention: Studies have shown carrots reduce the risk of lung cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer. Researchers have just discovered falcarinol and falcarindiol which they feel cause the anticancer properties, Anti-ageing: The high level of beta-carotene acts as an antioxidant to cell damage done to the body through regular metabolism.  It help slows down the aging of cells, Healthy Skin: Vitamin A and antioxidants protects the skin from sun damage. Deficiencies of vitamin A cause dryness to the skin, hair and nails. Vitamin A prevents premature wrinkling, acne, dry skin, pigmentation, blemishes, and uneven skin tone.]

Source: _Foods For Healthy Hair