Get this, the food you eat will affect the hair on your head. It's really that simple!
There are some foods and ingredients that can actually cause hair loss, while there are other foods and ingredients which can stimulate hair growth. If you’re interested in living a healthier lifestyle and gaining thicker locs and clearer skin while you’re at it, start here!
Nuts and Seeds
In order to encourage hair growth, one needs to eat a healthy and nutritious diet. A deficiency in certain vitamins and minerals will prevent the hair from growing in full and strong. Vitamin deficiencies will reveal itself first in your skin, hair, digestion and concentration; all important categories in our daily lives.
That being said, nuts and seeds have an incredible amount of essential vitamins and minerals for the entire body. Some of the best seeds for your hair include hemp seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds. These seeds contain vitamin E, selenium, B vitamins, omega-3s, fiber, zinc and antioxidants. All the vitamins and minerals your body needs for the blood to flow to your scalp, and for your hair to grow in healthy and strong.
Nuts, like peanuts (which is actually a bean but nevermind), almonds, cashews and brazil nuts are some of the best nuts for your skin and locs. Nuts are not only a great source of protein (FYI the keratin in your hair is protein), but also a great source of vitamin E, zinc and biotin.
The great part about nuts and seeds is that you can mix them in a bag and take them to go, you can go for a nut spread for a filling sandwich and you can replace unhealthy snacking with fulfilling seeds and nuts, let’s do it!!
Fish, Oysters and Clams
If you love seafood then you’re in luck. Seafood like sardines, white fish, clams and oysters have the vitamins and minerals you need for your new growth to grow in with all the strength it needs to lend your locs length.
Clams have an abundance of zinc, whereas fatty fish are loaded with biotin, protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids will add density and luster to your hair. If you go for salmon, try to opt for fresh river salmon and not farmed salmon, for both your own health and the planets.
Spirulina
Ever heard of spirulina?
Spirulina is this funky green powder that is high in protein, and yes, copper and magnesium, which promote hair-growth. It’s an algae, which we recommend mixing with lemon juice for added vitamin C, and a delicious morning cocktail!
Eggs
Even vegans eat eggs. Well, no, that’s not really true, but vegetarians most definitely eat eggs. Eggs are rich in protein, biotin, choline, selenium, zinc, lutein,zeaxanthin, vitamins A, B12, and vitamin D. The biotin promotes keratin production and the protein strengthens the keratin protein of the hair strands growing into your locs.
Spinach and Kale
A little spinach or kale everyday can really go a long way.
Add a side salad of kale or spinach with the above mentioned nuts or seeds, with an olive oil and lemon juice dressing to your dinner or lunch plan.
These leafy greens contain iron, magnesium, and folate, vitamin C, vitamin A, which contribute to healthy sebum production, increase circulation, decrease inflammation and support new growth, clear thinking, and healthy living. Yes, we love it!
Meat, Beans and Soybean
Honestly, how many lists have you read where meat and beans were grouped together? This one is for everyone, meat-eaters, vegans and vegetarians!
If you’re going to eat meat, let it be lean meats (and organic - to avoid those hormones and a bunch of other toxic things they add to the cow’s life - but we’re not about to get political on you, just trying to recommend the best for you, if and when it’s available.) Lean meats have an incredible amount of protein and iron, whereas legumes and beans (when paired with rice to make a complete protein) are rich in folic acid, folate, protein and iron. Soybean is a complete protein all by itself, and is also a great source of zinc and spermidine, which promotes hair growth.
And honestly, this list can go on, we didn’t even mention berries, peppers, carrots, oranges and all those other delicious fruits and veggies! Let’s leave it to nature to provide us with all the minerals and vitamins we need to look and feel great!
