Foods that will help your hair grow
AS more and more women experience hair loss, thinning of the hair and damage to the hair from relaxers and other chemicals, it is important to realise that the food you eat may assist in hair growth, and give you that thicker and more luxuriant locks that you crave.
Here are some foods that will help:
Eggs
These are rich in proteins, iron, and vitamin B, especially biotin, which helps with hair growth, and also strengthen nails .
Iron-fortified cereals
These will help to prevent hair loss. The ingredients in these fortified cereals may also be found in pasta, soy beans, lentils, liver and green vegetables like spinach, callaloo and kale.
Lean chicken and turkey
Proteins are essential for hair growth. Remember that if your protein intake is deficient, your hair tends to rest.
Sweet potatoes
This starch is rich in beta carotene which is turned into Vitamin A by the body and helps to protect against dry hair. Beta carotene is also found in pumpkins, mangoes and cantaloupes.
Guava
This prevents hair breakage and is fantastically rich in Vitamin C.
Yoghurt
This is packed with proteins and B vitamins, especially Vitamin B6 or pantothenic acid, which increases blood flow in the body and will ensure that enough blood is transported to the hair follicles.
Salmon
This is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and will help your hair grow. Sardines, mackerel and king fish will do the same. Our bodies do not manufacture Omega 3 fatty acids and as such we must get them from our food.
Oysters
These are rich in zinc. Beef and liver are also good sources of zinc.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon powder sprinkled on tea, coffee, oatmeal or salads improves blood flow, including to the follicles of the hair.
Sunflower seeds
These are rich in Vitamin E and help with hair growth.
Avocados
The oil from the Jamaican pear is good for you, and if applied directly to the scalp, may help to enhance hair growth.
Almonds
These contain biotin which will help your hair to grow.
Dr Persadsingh is a skin specialist and author of the book The Hair in Black Women.
