Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, or eat anything, I hope that you’ll find this post useful – and that you’ll enjoy finding out about some of my favourite plant-based) food for hair health and growth.
Healthy Foods
Sweet peppers
Rich source of vitamins aid hair growth. Yellow peppers more vitamin C than an orange. Vitamin C aids collagen production which in turn strengthens strands. Red peppers are a source of beta carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body and stimulates the production of sebum, which keeps hair healthy.
Sweet potatoes
Great source of beta carotene – which in the body is converted into vitamin A. Vitamin A promotes the production of sebum, which keeps hair healthy and – speeds up the rate of hair growth and encourages the growth of thicker hair. Also contains high levels of biotin – the B complex family of vitamins – stimulates hair growth and thickens the hair.
Cauliflower
Rich in potassium, vitamin C and manganese – manganese protects against thinning hair. High in dietary fibre and also contains Omega-3 fatty acids. Improves the production of sebum. Promotes hair growth as it contains sulphur – strengthens and aids hair growth, and silicon which reduces hair fall.
Pumpkin seeds
Vitamin E, zinc and selenium. Great for muscle health and to improve sleep. Anything that improves sleep is a positive aid to hair growth. By encouraging hair growth and preventing hair follicles from entering the resting phase, which can result from sleep deprivation and stress – and hair loss.
Avocados
Great source of vitamin E which promotes hair growth and contain good fat – essential fatty acids. A lack of essential fatty acids has been linked to hair loss.
Kale
Great for a healthy scalp as well as healthy hair. Source of vitamins C and K. Vitamin K supports the maintenance of strong bones and improves bone density – studies have shown that there is a link between osteoporosis and low intake of vitamin K. Kale is also a source of beta carotene – which the body converts into vitamin A.
More healthy foods I eat
Chickpeas
Rich in proteins and essential nutrients.
Quinoa
High in fibre, magnesium and B vitamins, to name a few.
Mushrooms
Good source of biotin – to protect against hair loss.
Chia seeds
Excellent plant-based source of protein – crucial for hair growth – insufficient protein can lead to slow hair growth and hair loss.
Recipe ideas and ingredients
Here are a few of my favourite recipes for hair health and growth – along with the ingredients, in case you wanted to try them for yourself.
Although I haven’t listed them, I’ve used spices to add flavour and interest:
Watch my favourite recipes and ingredients on YouTube.
Chickpea salad – lunch
Chickpeas
Quinoa
Sweet potatoes
Salad leaves
Avocadoes
Red and yellow peppers
Mushrooms
Pumpkin seeds
Green juice – breakfast drink
Kale
Fresh parsley
Ginger
Apple
Cucumber
Buffalo wings in brown pitta – dinner
Cauliflower
Red cabbage
Lettuce
Avocados
Spring onion
Fresh coriander
Breadcrumbs
Brown pitta bread
Siracha sauce
Barbecue sauce
I’d love to know which foods you like to eat for hair health and growth, or whether you try out any of the above recipe ideas.