Promote Hair and Lash Growth With These 7 Superfoods
Genetics, age and lifestyle are just a few of the things that can play a role in the growth of our hair and even our lashes. And the truth is some of us need a little extra help in this department. Of course, vitamins and growth serums help, but so can something as simple as adding certain foods to our regular diet. Which ones, you ask? We’re dishing them out below!
1. AVOCADOS
If you love a good guacamole or simply just enjoy eating avocado, then you’re already on the right track. Full of vitamin E, avocados are a great food source because they offer antioxidants that keep free radicals in check. This helps fight oxidative stress in our bodies, which is good because this stress is a big contributor to hair loss. Adding this food to your diet can help relieve your body of that stress and keep those locks flowing.
Fatty acids are also found in this superfood; if our bodies are lacking these, they can play a role in how much our hair can grow. Since we do not produce fatty acids in our body naturally, eating avocados is a surefire nutrition win!
2. SWEET POTATOES
Did you know that biotin, vitamin A, vitamin B5 (among many more) are found in sweet potatoes? These not only keep your hair and lashes healthy, but also growing! Sure, you could take supplements that contain all of the above, but simply incorporating sweet potatoes into your diet on a regular basis sounds like way more fun!
If you have heard of biotin, you probably remember hearing it in conversations about hair. In fact, biotin is often referred to as the “H” vitamin, which is a nickname from two German words: haar and haut. What do these two words mean? Hair and skin!
3. NUTS
“Sometimes you feel like a nut”…you know the rest. Nuts are amazing for hair and lash growth. Adding nuts of all kind to your daily diet is an easy way to get the vitamin E, fatty acids and amino acids that your lashes and hair so desperately need in order to stay healthy and keep growing.
One amino acid in particular called l-arginine is actually a form of protein which is often used to help treat hair loss and even baldness. Whether you like cashews, almonds, peanuts or any nut, each type consumed in a healthy portion is so very good for you.
You know what we love most about this food? Many types of nuts are often packaged in great, single-serving sizes, making them ideal for carrying with you on the go.
4. SALMON
This seafood favorite is another that is highly rich in omega-3 fatty acids and is good for our eyes, bones, brain function and so much more. When consumed often, it can be truly incredible when it comes to the thickness and overall growth of our lashes and hair.
Along with the many other minerals and vital vitamins our bodies need, salmon is rich in vitamin B and D, which promote the growth of hair and eyelashes. Whether you’re dining in or out, be sure to add some salmon to the menu!
5. MUSHROOMS
Most people either love or hate mushrooms. Which camp are you in? If you are a mushroom fan, then you’re in luck! For every cup of cooked mushrooms, you could get approximately 40% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin B3, which is known to rehydrate and nourish the hair follicles in order to make them stronger.
If you have brittle hair, then foods like mushrooms are a no-brainer! Whether you sauté them, throw them in a salad or get creative in the kitchen, add some mushrooms to the mix. Your hair and lashes WILL thank you!
6. EGGS
Scrambled, hard boiled, poached—how do you like your eggs? If you are a fan of this protein-rich food, then you’re already in the hair-growth game. That’s because our hair (and lashes) are greatly made up of proteins. If our bodies are protein-deficient, then our hair and lashes can greatly suffer. So, eat those eggs, people!
If you’re more of an egg white person, high-fives to you. However, to get the full benefits of all the goodness eggs have to offer, eat both the white and the yolk.
7. GREEK YOGURT (WITH A DASH OF CINNAMON, TOO!)
One vitamin you’ll see a lot in hair products is vitamin B5. It’s no accident; B5 promotes not just the overall health of hair, but also its growth! We’ll give you one guess what food is also full of this source. Yep, Greek yogurt! Eat it with your favorite fruit or healthy toppings or add it to a smoothie to get that helpful serving in each day.
No matter how you like to eat it, you’ll also be giving your body an extra boost of vitamin D, known to help our lashes and lovely locks grow longer and stay healthy.
Wait! One last question: Do you like cinnamon? If you do, then dash some of this delicious spice onto your Greek yogurt because it can help your hair, too. Cinnamon supports the increase of blood flow in our bodies; when more oxygen and nutrients are getting to our hair follicles, the faster, stronger and longer our hair can grow!
Raise your hand (or bat your lashes) if you learned something today! All in all, when your hair is healthy and growing, then your lashes will be, too.
So, have your splurges here and there (hello, Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey) but try, try, try to add these foods (and many of the other beneficial superfoods) to your diet however you can. Your hair, health and wellness will reap the benefits!