“You are what you eat!”- A fact of health, nourishment and lifestyle.While taking care on the outside, we have to soulfully fill our inside with the right detoxins, fibre, nutrients and oils. When we take such routine practices of eating clean, practicing meditation and indulging in activity; it shows on our skin and hair.
While losing a couple of strands is normal, when our hair starts to fall or shed in bunches, it mostly points to an underlying nutrient deficiency, a lifestyle factor like excessive stress, poor sleep, or habits like smoking and drinking. More often than not the condition of our hair and skin can be indicative of the state of the body on the inside. Hence nutrition plays a pivotal role in reversing hair loss.
So which foods should you include in your diet to tackle hair loss concerns? Scroll ahead to find out.
Curry Leaves
A common ingredient in the Indian pantry that is a great source for general health and particularly hair. It’s a rich source of beta-carotene, proteins, iron, calcium, Vitamin C and phosphorus. Not only do curry leaves prevent hair fall, they also impede premature greying. Curry leaves can be added as a tempering to a variety of dishes, chutneys and buttermilk. A few curry leaves can also be added to your daily vegetable juice, or chewed as is.
Beetroot
A godly food for healthy skin and hair, beetroot has the capacity to boost blood circulation towards the scalp, thanks to the presence of nitric oxide which acts as a vasodilator. It also helps in fighting free radical damage by providing antioxidant support. Oxidative stress is one of the primary causes of hair fall. Beetroots can be consumed as a juice, soup, salad or in the form of roasted vegetables.
Asparagus
Asparagus is rich in folic acid, which is a kind of Vitamin B that helps the body absorb more proteins. This, in turn, helps hair to grow faster, and prevents it from falling.
Avocados
This millennial-favourite fruit (yes you read that right; avocados are fruits!). Avocados are rich in Vitamins B and C, which help to stimulate the hair follicle and prevent hair fall. They also contain monounsaturated fats that help to moisturise the scalp and keep the hair naturally conditioned and shiny. It is best consumed as a fruit with mild seasoning.
Iron-rich foods
If the red blood cell count is low in our body, chances are that you may suffer from hair fall. Thus, one should look at including iron-rich foods such as dates, nuts and seeds, garden cress seeds, spinach, lentils and lemons in their nutrition plan. Iron-rich foods are best consumed in combination with Vitamin C. For example, sprinkle lemon juice over green leafy vegetable dishes. Another point to make a note of is that caffeine and tannins inhibit iron absorption. So it’s best to maintain a gap between your meals and your evening tea or coffee.
Flax Seeds
One can vouch for these seeds as they are rich in Omega-3 and iron. Both of these are very important to support the overall health of the scalp and hair. They are best consumed as a powder, added to your soup or dal. Or when feeling lazy or in hustle? Just throw a spoonful of these seeds with your overnight oats or fresh salad. Perfect for that added crunch.