Hair loss can be the result of a variety of things ranging from heredity to poor nutritional habits. You can help your hair grow back by eating foods that contain nutrients known for helping hair loss. To reap the greatest results of eating foods that help your hair grow, it is recommended you eat a well-balanced diet.
Iron-Rich Foods
Having enough iron in your diet can help your hair grow, states the Mayo Clinic. One of the leading causes of thinning hair is lack of iron. You can replenish this lost nutrient by eating a variety of animal- and plant-based foods.
Animal-based foods that are rich sources of iron include organ meats, states Holistic Online. Organ meats include liver, spleen, kidneys, heart and gizzards. Other animal sources of iron include beef, lamb, pork, poultry and veal meat. Dairy foods are also rich in iron. These include eggs, milk, yogurt, cream and cheeses (hard and soft varieties).
Plant-based sources of iron include dark leafy vegetables like broccoli, spinach, collards, mustard greens, dandelion greens, endive and watercress. Other sources of iron include dried fruits such as dates, raisins, prunes and apricots.
Vitamin E-Rich Foods
According to Holistic Online, vitamin E is a necessary vitamin for hair growth. This vitamin is an antioxidant that is known for improving the blood circulation to your scalp. In turn, this increases the growth rate of hair follicles. Foods rich in vitamin E include wheat germ oil, avocado and olive oil. Nuts and seeds are also high in vitamin E, according to Nutritiondata.com. Included in this category are sunflower seeds, almonds and almond butter, peanuts and peanut butter, and walnuts. Other sources of vitamin E include whole grain boxed cereals and vitamin E-fortified foods. Spices can be high in vitamin E, including paprika, cayenne or red pepper, and chili powder.
Protein-Rich Foods
Hair is comprised mainly of protein, states the Mayo Clinic. Eating a diet that contains protein-rich foods may help your hair grow. Protein is available in both animal- and plant-based foods. According to Holistic Online, an excellent source of protein is found in soy foods. Plant-based soy protein is found in soy milk, tofu, tempeh, miso and soy beans. According to Nutritiondata.com, one of the richest sources of protein is found in soy protein isolate. This is a common ingredient used in energy drinks. A 1-oz. serving of this source will provide you with 22 g of protein, or 45 percent of your daily nutritional recommendation.
Other foods rich in protein include gelatin, egg whites, calves liver, brewer's yeast and wheat germ. Both fresh and dried salmon, herring, smelt and fish are rich sources of the nutrient. You can even get your protein in snack form. Pork rinds, according to Nutritiondata.com, are high in protein.
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