10 Foods for Gorgeous Hair
One secret to getting luscious locks? Your diet, says nutritionist Dana James. Nibbling on nutrient-rich goodies stimulates the hair's proteins, nourishes and protects its fibers, and increases circulation to its follicles. Here are the best things you can eat for healthier, stronger, and shinier strands. Bonus: These foods help lashes and nails, too.
1. Brown Rice
Brown rice is highly concentrated in biotin, a B vitamin that helps improve the elasticity of hair and reduces brittleness. Eating brown rice also nourishes the hair follicle and stimulates hair cell renewal, which leads to thicker strands.
2. Swiss Chard
The magnesium, beta-carotene, vitamin C, and sulfur in Swiss chard pack a powerful punch, activating the production of keratin, elastin, and collagen. This makes hair resilient, glossy, and less likely to tangle. (And nurtures eyelashes and nails, as well!)
Related: 10 Things You Do That Are Ruining Your Hair
3. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds contain omega-3 fats, which improve the integrity of elastin and keratin, creating thick, voluminous tresses. The fats also nourish the scalp boosting shine.
4. Organic Eggs
These are high in zinc, sulfur, and choline - all nutrients that help bring out the best in your hair. Zinc regulates the oil production in the follicles, sulfur strengthens the fibers, and choline improves flexibility, which decreases the likelihood of spilt ends.
5. Figs
Figs are rich in iron, which improves circulation and stimulates hair regrowth. Iron deficiency is one of the most common reasons for hair loss and eating foods rich in iron, like figs, have been shown to also improve strength and fullness.
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6. Pink Grapefruit
This fruit is highly concentrated in vitamin C - essential for synthesizing collagen (key to protecting and nourishing hair). What happens if you have a lack of vitamin C in your diet? Dull, lank hair. The other result? Short eyelashes.
7. Kale
Kale is rich in magnesium and carotenoids, phytochemicals that prevent degradation to the cells that make up hair fibers. The result? Shiny, happy hair.
8. Olives
Olives are rich in vitamin E, which increases blood flow to the hair follicles and stimulates growth and vitality. The oil in olives keeps hair soft and flexible. Eating olives can also decrease split ends and reconstruct the hair fiber to prevent dryness and breakages. Unfortunately, those few olives at the bottom of a martini do not count.
9. Red Cabbage
What do blueberries and red cabbage have in common? Anthocyanins. This pigment keeps hair strong by helping to reduce damage caused by exposure to the sun and environmental chemicals, including abrasive shampoos.
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