Top 4 Most Effective Superfoods for Healthy Hair (For Meat Eaters)

Millions of people all over the world suffer from hair loss. Hair thinning and loss have many causes, but hair loss does not have to be permanent for many. Especially for women who suffer from hair loss due to hormones, malnutrition, or traction alopecia (hair loss caused by tight styles, harsh styling practices, or repeating the same style over time) can be completely reversible by taking care to nourish the hair and scalp. Topical conditioners and creams work to enhance the health of the hair and scalp from the outside, but they can only do so much.

Hair follicles are a part of the body, so when your body is healthy and nourished, the skin and hair gets healthier as well! Supplementing your diet with vitamins and minerals in these healthy superfoods will get you closer to your hair goals—in the most delicious way.

Oysters Zinc and protein are vital for hair growth. Studies have shown that people suffering from zinc deficiencies are prone to hair loss, so boosting your dietary zinc intake can help prevent hair loss from malnutrition. Oysters are one of the highest naturally occurring sources of zinc for your diet! Eating oysters regularly can help your body produce the hormones necessary to naturally grow healthier, fuller, stronger hair. Oysters are also high in protein. Protein intake helps to encourage hair growth, since hair is primarily made up of keratin proteins. Incorporating oysters into your diet can help you get closer to your hair growth goals. Bonus: Oysters are also known aphrodisiacs (meaning they boost the libido)! Since sex is a natural stress-reducer, having a few oysters will not only help you grow fuller, stronger hair—it’ll boost your good hormones and balance your mood as well.

Salmon Salmon, besides being absolutely delicious, is a superfood for hair growth. Fatty fish like salmon contain Omega 3 and Omega 6 oils, which help to moisturize and condition the hair and scalp from the inside out. Many people suffering from hair loss take fish oil to help add shine and boost the health of hair by nourishing hair follicles, but adding fatty fish like salmon to your diet also provides healthy proteins, antioxidants, and vitamin D. Fatty acids are vital to boosting hair growth and hair softness, but proteins work to strengthen the hair and increase elasticity, preventing further breakage in dry or damaged hair. Bonus: Salmon is not the only fatty fish you can incorporate into your diet for healthy hair growth. Mackerel, sardines, herring and tuna are all great options for adding healthy fats and proteins for hair growth into your diet.

Eggs Eating eggs for hair growth is a time tested way to incorporate healthy proteins and hair-growth-boosting biotin into your diet. Studies have shown that eating just two eggs every day can help supplement your daily intake of these vital nutrients to improve hair fullness and strength. Hair needs healthy fats, high protein, and nutrients like anti-oxidants and biotin in order to stimulate natural hair growth. Eggs are a simple, inexpensive way to get all of these into your diet. Egg white omelettes won’t cut it either—the majority of the nutrients in eggs that boost hair growth are found in the yolk! So whether you prefer them poached, boiled, fried, or scrambled, your brunch favorite might just be the key to healthier, fuller hair! Bonus: applying egg topically to the hair and scalp can help strengthen and seal hair cuticles for increased smoothness, elasticity, and shine.

Lean Meats When you’re not getting enough protein into your diet, your hair growth cycle slows down. This means that the hair you have is more prone to thinning and loss. Proteins are vital for healthy hair, skin, and nails. While fatty fish and eggs provide healthy fats to moisturize and condition the hair, animal fats from red meats and fatty poultry contain unhealthy saturated fats. Eating too much of them can lead to inflammation and poor circulation, which can make hair loss worth. So lean, healthy meats like white meat chicken, turkey, and lean red meats are a healthier alternative for meat eaters to get the protein, iron, and vitamin B5, to naturally boost hair growth. Bonus: A 4oz sirloin steak contains 29g of protein! Enjoy!