Best Foods for Healthy Hair Growth

To make sure your hair reaches its full potential, a balanced diet is key. There are many foods that are important sources of key nutrients and vitamins that your hair needs for its best growth and quality.

Eggs - A great source of protein and biotin, which are two of the most important nutrients for hair growth. Each hair is made of over 90% protein in the form of Keratin, a fibrous structural protein. Keratin is also the protein form that our nails are made of. Proteins in our diet are broken down into their separate amino acids, and they are then restructured into the amino acid chains required to make Keratin.

Biotin is one of the key nutrients used in the production of Keratin at the roots of both our hair follicles and nails. Without adequate sources of both protein and biotin, our hair and nails will not be able to growth quickly and full of health.

Berries - Many berries are regarded as superfoods due to their abundance of vitamins, nutrients and their antioxidant properties. 

Antioxidants will help to protect your hair follicles from free radical molecules that occur naturally in the body. Berries are a great source of Vitamin C as well. Vitamin C is used in the production of collagen in the body, the main component of connective tissue in the body. In total collagen makes up 25-35% of the whole body's protein content. 

Collagen provides your skin with the structure it needs to remain healthy and protect your body. Your hair uses collagen to strengthen itself against breakage and becoming brittle. 

Spinach - Another food rich with nutrients and vitamins that your body needs for healthy and regular function. Iron, Vitamin A and C are in abundance.

Iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss, especially in women. Iron is used by the body to carry oxygen and nutrients in red blood cells around the body. 

Vitamin A helps the glands in your skin produce sebum, an oily substance to moisturizes the scalp. Sebums role is to prevent the evaporation of water in the skin and keep your skin healthy. Having a healthy scalp is important for giving your hair follicles a base to grow a healthy hair. 

Fatty Fish - Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to play a role in promoting hair growth. Fatty fish, such as salmon, are great sources of these Omega-3 fatty acids. 

A study using a fish oil supplement saw a reduction of hair loss and an increase in hair density in 120 women. The supplement tested contained omega-3, omega-6 as well as antioxidants.

Fatty fish are also a great source of protein, selenium, vitamin D3 and B vitamins.