6 Plant-Based Foods That Promote Hair Growth

Is your hairline receding for a while now? Do you find more hair in your brush than usual? If yes, then including more wholesome and plant-based foods in your diet can help your hair grow stronger and healthier. Hair usually grows continuously and gets replaced. Hair follicles constantly create new hair from nutrients available from your body. Typically, hair grows 0.5 inches in a month, but this growth gets affected by general health, age, and diet. Consuming foods that lack proper nutrients can cause hair loss. And eating a balanced diet can promote hair growth, especially if your hair loss is due to poor nutrition. Your hair needs certain fats, proteins, minerals, and vitamins for strength.

Whenever someone talks about foods good for hair, they list eggs, oily fish, and other animal protein sources. This leaves people who follow a plant-based diet desperately trying to find alternative vegan or vegetarian hair-healthy foods. Some also believe that following a vegan diet will lead to hair fall. This is not true, and by adding the following healthy plant-based options to your diet, you can promote hair growth.

1) Avocados

Avocados are delicious, nutritious, and an excellent source of healthy fats. They are a good source of vitamin E, which promotes hair growth. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that fights free radicals and prevents oxidative stress. A study showed people suffering from hair loss had 34.5 % more hair growth while taking vitamin E supplements for eight months. This vitamin also protects your scalp and hair follicles. Avocados also contain essential fatty acids that keep your hair moisturized and prevent hair breakage.

2) Super Seeds

Chia and hemp seeds sprinkled on your morning cereal or salads can provide the much needed hair-building protein. Our hair needs protein to stay healthy and resist breakage. You can also mix these seeds in your healthy smoothie. These seeds are rich in zinc, vitamin E, iron, and other vitamins and minerals that the scalp needs to be healthy. They also contain omega 6 and omega 3, which reduce inflammation in the hair follicles and promote hair growth. Pumpkin seeds and flaxseeds are also good for your hair.

3) Almonds

A handful of almonds are loaded with some essential nutrients needed for healthy hair. You can soak almonds overnight, eat them first thing in the morning, or add them to smoothies and shakes. They are also rich in vitamin E and protein. Protein improves collagen, which is needed for hair growth and strength. Vitamin E prevents dryness and breakage by improving the elasticity and moisture of your hair.

4) Cucumbers

Cucumbers promote beautiful hair and skin as they contain silica. Silica strengthens hair and prevents thinning and breakage by improving collagen in the body. Cucumber juice, when applied to hair, stops hair fall and promotes healthy hair growth. They are also naturally cooling to the body, so enjoy them during the summer and spring as your hair is more susceptible to damage due to the sun.

5) Leafy Green Vegetables

Kale, spinach, mustard, cabbage, broccoli, and other leafy green vegetables should be consumed regularly. They are packed with antioxidants, nutrients, and fiber. They are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, such as iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A. Iron is essential to carry oxygen to the hair follicles and thus promotes hair growth. Vitamin A keeps the scalp moisturized by creating sebum and prevents dryness. Vitamin C blocks the damaging effects of free radicals on the scalp and hair.

6) Legumes

Protein-rich legumes are a must for healthy hair. Lentils and beans are the best plant-based protein sources, which boost hair health and tame hair fall. Protein promotes cell repair in the body. They contain zinc and biotin, deficiencies of which can result in brittle hair. Legumes also contain fiber. Fiber boosts hair growth and aids weight loss.