Regarding improving hair health, most people in India are familiar with common remedies like eggs, almonds, and spinach. However, there are some lesser-known yet powerful foods that can significantly boost hair health. Let us look at foods for good hair health.
Our in-house expert, Dt. Aparna Pandey, MSC-Nutrition and Dietetics, recommends exploring these underrated options for strong, shiny hair.
1. Moringa Leaves (Drumstick Leaves)
Moringa is a treasure trove of nutrients like iron, zinc, Vitamin A, and amino acids, all of which support hair growth and reduce hair fall.
How to include: Use in soups, as a sabzi, or add moringa powder to smoothies.
2. Black Sesame Seeds
Packed with calcium, magnesium, and essential fatty acids, black sesame seeds are excellent for strengthening hair and promoting hair pigmentation (reduces premature greying).
How to include: Sprinkle on salads, mix with jaggery as a snack, or use in chutneys.
3. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Amla is a traditional Indian superfood that is rich in Vitamin C, which boosts collagen production, thereby strengthening hair follicles. Gooseberry is considered to be the best food for good hair.
How to include: Fresh juice, dried amla candies, or powdered amla with water.
4. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, magnesium, and iron, which regulate scalp health and reduce dandruff while promoting hair growth.
How to incorporate: Sprinkle into salads, add to smoothies, or enjoy roasted seeds as a snack.
5. Curry Leaves
Curry leaves are rich in beta-carotene, proteins, and antioxidants. These help in strengthening hair roots, promoting hair pigmentation.
How to incorporate: Blend into chutneys, use in curries, or make a curry leaf tea.
6. Foxtail Millet
This traditional Indian millet is rich in iron, protein, and Vitamin B, which helps improve blood circulation to the scalp and reduces hair thinning.
How to include: Use as a substitute for rice or in porridge.
7. Bamboo Shoots
These are lesser-known sources of silica, which gives strength to the hair strands and improves its elasticity.
How to include: Use in stir-fries, soups, or pickle them for a unique flavor.
8. Horse Gram (Kulthi Dal)
Horse gram: This protein-rich lentil, besides iron and folate, helps promote hair growth and reduce hair fall.
How to add it: Make a dal or sprout it for salads or use in soups.
9. Ragi (Finger Millet)
Ragi is a rich source of biotin, an amino acid, and calcium, which helps nourish your hair and improve the scalp condition.
How to add: Make ragi dosa, take ragi porridge, or bake using ragi flour.
10. Beet Greens (Chukandar Ke Patte)
Beet greens are often discarded, but they are a rich source of iron, Vitamin C, and magnesium, all essential for hair growth and reducing dandruff.
How to include: Use in stir-fries, add to soups, or blend into green smoothies.
11. Makhanas (Fox Nuts)
Makhanas are a low-calorie snack rich in protein and antioxidants, which protect hair follicles from damage and improve hair texture.
How to include: Roast with a pinch of salt and turmeric for a crunchy snack.
12. Hibiscus Flowers
Hibiscus flowers are commonly used in hair oils, but eating them also helps to enhance hair health as they contain Vitamin C and amino acids.
How to include: Prepare hibiscus tea or dry and crush flowers to add to your dishes as a natural hair tonic ingredient.
13. Bael (Wood Apple)
Bael fruit is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and iron, which help nourish the scalp and promote healthy hair growth.
How to include: Use in sherbets, chutneys, or as a refreshing juice.
14. Neem Leaves
Neem leaves are known for their antimicrobial properties, which help combat scalp infections and dandruff, promoting healthier hair growth.
How to include: Boil leaves for tea or grind into a paste to mix with buttermilk.
15. Lotus Seeds (Kamal Gatta)
Lotus seeds are good sources of B vitamins and proteins that enhance hair quality and avoid breaking up.
How to include: It can be used in curries or desserts like kheer.
Additional Tips
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Rotate your diet containing a mix of these foods to avail yourself of all the nutrients for hair health.
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Iron-rich foods like ragi, moringa, and horse gram are best taken with Vitamin C sources like amla to get better absorption.
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Hydrate well and avoid excess consumption of processed foods, as they can negate all that these hair-friendly superfoods can offer.
The above ways can help individuals transform hair health naturally and offer unique and practical solutions for hair problems with these lesser-known foods. For more nutritional tips, CLICK HERE.
FAQ on Foods for Good Hair Health
What food should I eat for healthy hair?
Leafy greens, egg, berries, citrus food, iron rich food, carrot, papaya, and guava are few foods good for hair health.
Is Milk good for hair?
Yes, milk can be good for our hair because it contains nutrients that help hair growth. Milk can also help with an itchy scalp and dandruff.
Is curd good for hair?
Yes, curd can be good for your hair as it is a natural conditioner that can strengthen and nourish your hair. Curd contains many nutrients, including protein, zinc, fatty acids, and vitamins B and D.
