Foods, Vitamins and Minerals For Hair Health/Growth.

List of Foods, Vitamins and Minerals For Hair Health/Growth.

Please post any additional information and I will add it to the list.



Foods

Avocado

Avocado does wonder on limp, lifeless hair and treats problems like split ends naturally. If you need to treat lifeless hair that lacks luster mash an avocado with a tablespoon of lemon juice. Apply the paste to your hair and tie it up for twenty minutes, when the time is up rinse the paste completely out of your hair. Nothing left to do but enjoy the new body and bide your time till the next treatment.

http://hubpages.com/hub/The_right_food_for_healthy_hair
http://yourorganicgardeningblog.com/healthy-strong-shiny-hair-with-avocado-beer/



Beans
Legumes like kidney beans and lentils should be an important part of your hair-care diet. Not only do they provide plentiful protein to promote hair growth, but ample iron, zinc, and biotin. While rare, biotin deficiencies can result in brittle hair.

Black Tea
Black tea contains more caffeine than a cup of coffee. The caffeine blocks DHT, the hormone that is responsible for hair loss. It reduces shedding, prolongs the life of hairstrands, adds shine and softens hair, and darkens hair or brings out natural highlights.
http://www.hairloss-research.org/LinkUpdateBlacktea7-09.html
http://urbanbushbabes.com/?p=1773
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOx1mfQxyAk&feature=player_embedded


Carrots

Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which promotes a healthy scalp along with good vision.
Since a healthy scalp is essential for a shiny, well-conditioned head of hair, you'd be wise to include carrots in your diet as snacks or toppings on your salad.

Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper increases blood flow to the scalp, resulting in healthy hair follicles and thus thicker, healthier hair. It also speeds up the process of hair growth.
Capsaicin is the primary active ingredient found in cayenne pepper. This is the key reason cayenne pepper helps prevent hair loss; capsaicin increases IG-F (insulation growth factors), which help hair growth as a result of stimulating hair follicles.
Using Cayenne Pepper to Prevent Hair Loss: http://www.suite101.com/content/using-cayenne-pepper-to-prevent-hair-loss-a151599#ixzz1PhBOOgS0

Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has been in use as hair oil for ages and it has shown remarkable results. Certain components in it keep the hair strong, vitalized, nourished and protected from effects of ageing. Let us see those components and their effects on hair.
http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/coconut-oil-for-hair.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZMAuPEghH0

Dung Quai
Dong Quai - Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis), also known as Dang gui, is used to stop hair loss and is claimed to be able to stimulate hair re-growth. Dong Quai contains phytoestrogens which inhibit the formation of DHT, a major cause of hair loss.
http://wwwsupremehealth.com/hair-los...and-hair-loss/

Low-Fat Dairy Products

Low-fat dairy products like skim milk and yogurt are great sources of calcium, an important mineral for hair growth. They also contain whey and casein, two high-quality protein sources.
Try throwing a yogurt or cottage cheese cup in your bag when you head out in the morning to snack on later in the day. You can even boost their hair benefits by stirring in a couple of tablespoons of ground flaxseeds or walnuts for omega-3 fatty acids and zinc.

Eggs

Scrambled, fried, or over easy. However they're served up, eggs are one of the best protein sources you can find.
They also contain biotin and vitamin B-12, which are important beauty nutrients

Garlic
Due to its antibacterial properties, garlic can rid the scalp of toxins and promote scalp circulation, both of which are essential for healthy growing hair. It's also good for relieving scalp dryness.
Read more: Does Raw Garlic Promote Hair Growth? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_6169146_raw-garlic-promote-hair-growth_.html#ixzz1Pk5AK5qU


Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba possess special property of helping regulate the blood circulation in a body, when the extract is taken. The increased circulation will hence bring more oxygen and more nutrients to the scalp, these nutrients are basically essential vitamins A and E along with some other important nutrients which are in our blood after digestion but are not transported to the right place to act, just because of lack of circulation.
http://www.myginkgobiloba.com/Ginkgo-Biloba-Hair-Growth.php

Foods

Green Tea

Stimulates Hair Growth. The health benefits of green tea are well publicized. This increasingly popular drink is packed with antioxidants that combat harmful free radicals, deliver cancer-fighting flavonoids and disrupt the production of bacteria. These same antioxidants also benefit the hair and scalp in multiple ways.
More Info:
http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5002209_how-green-tea-benefits-hair.html#ixzz1Ph5peg5d
http://www.livestrong.com/article/69762-green-tea-benefits-hair/

Nuts

Brazil nuts are one of nature's best sources of selenium, an important mineral for the health of your scalp.

Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that may help condition your hair. They are also a terrific source of zinc, as are cashews, pecans, and almonds. A zinc deficiency can lead to hair shedding, so make sure nuts are a regular on your healthy hair menu.

Okra
Okra functions as a substantial that makes your hair roots strong and will let it grow.It also gives a special glance to your hair
http://www.ehow.com/how_2264049_more-volume-this-really-works.html#ixzz1Pk8Farvq
http://www.maneandchic.com/2010/05/okra-slime-and-all.html

Olive Oil
Olive oil helps in preventing as well as curing hair loss. Most people have hair loss because of the presence of a hormone called DTH which leads the hair follicle shaft to decrease. Applying olive oil to hair prevents the production of DTH hormones on the scalp, thus getting rid of the problem of hair loss.
The presence of antioxidants in olive oil makes it an appropriate hair oil that promotes overall scalp health.
The anti-fungal and antibacterial properties of olive oil is a great way of getting rid of the problem of dandruff and head lice. Moreover, massaging your hair with a mixture of olive oil and lavender oil is very relaxing and acts as a great stress buster. Read more on health benefits of olive oil.
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/olive-oil-for-hair-growth.html

Oysters

Oysters may be better known for their reputation as an aphrodisiac, but they can also lead to healthy hair -- and who doesn't love that?
The key to their love and hair-boosting abilities is zinc -- a powerful antioxidant.
If oysters don't make a regular appearance on your dinner plate, don't despair. In addition to getting it from whole grains and nuts, you can also get zinc from beef and lamb.

Poultry

Chickens and turkeys may have feathers, but the high-quality protein they provide will help give you the healthy hair you crave.

"Without adequate protein or with low-quality protein, one can experience weak brittle hair, while a profound protein deficiency can result in loss of hair color," Giancoli tells WebMD.

Poultry also provides iron with a high degree of bioavailability, meaning your body can easily reap its benefits.

Raisins

Dried fruits (like raisins) and cherry juice are packed with iron. Eggs; dates; raisins; dark green, leafy vegetables such as kale; and whole-grain cereals are all high in iron.
Vitamin C improves the absorption of iron, so fruits such as oranges, strawberries and lemons should be on your grocery list of foods that prevent hair loss.

Salmon

When it comes to foods that pack a beauty punch, it's hard to beat salmon. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, this high-quality protein source is also filled with vitamin B-12 and iron.
"Essential omega-3 fatty acids are needed to support scalp health," says Andrea Giancoli, MPH, RD, a dietitian in Los Angeles and a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. "A deficiency can result in a dry scalp and thus hair, giving it a dull look."
Vegetarian? Include one or two tablespoons of ground flaxseed in your daily diet for some plant-based omega-3 fats.

Seaweed
Seaweed is an incredibly concentrated source of nutrition, especially minerals like iron, manganese, iodine, copper, zinc and selenium. Both zinc and iron are essentials for healthy, strong hair. And the iodine in seaweed is processed by the thyroid gland to become thyroid hormone, which stimulates energy production and growth of hair & nails. One serving of seaweed (a measly 2 tablespoons) packs 2% of your daily iron, 8% of your vitamin K, 5% of your folate and 3% of your magnesium. And it’s only 4 calories.
The green pigment found in most plants, including seaweed, is called chlorophyll, and chances are it's linked to healthy hair growth. Chlorophyll contains enzymes, which may encourage hair growth and keep hair cells healthy.
Read more: Nori Seaweed for Hair Growth | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5527438_nori-seaweed-hair-growth.html#ixzz1PhLnVKu0
http://www.beautyiswellness.com/featured/seaweed-the-secret-to-strong-hair/



Sunflower Oil
Nutrition
Sunflower oil contains gamma linolenic acid, which is an omega-6 fatty acid. Such fatty acids are essential to hair health, says Spencer David Kobren in his book, "The Truth About Women's Hair Loss: What Really Works for Treating and Preventing Thinning Hair." GLA also is effective in preventing hair loss from male and female pattern baldness as well as alopecia areata, which causes round patches of lost hair. Just 1 tsp. a day is all that's needed, Kobren says.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/90229-benefits-sunflower-oil-hair/#ixzz1PhJY0fSY

Vegetables Dark Green

Spinach, like broccoli and Swiss chard, is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which your body needs to produce sebum. The oily substance, secreted by your hair follicles, is the body's natural hair conditioner.
Dark green vegetables also provide iron and calcium.


Whole Grains

Sink your teeth into hearty whole grains, including whole-wheat bread and fortified whole-grain breakfast cereals, for a hair-healthy dose of zinc, iron, and B vitamins.
A whole-grain snack can also be a great go-to food when your energy is zapped halfway through the afternoon, and you've still got hours to go before dinner.

Yerba Tea
Yerba maté contains 24 vitamins and minerals, 15 amino acids, and 11 polyphenols, a group of phytochemicals which act as powerful antioxidants.
http://www.mymateworld.com/yerba_mat...h_benefits.htm


Water
...its pretty obvious. Basic form of moisture.

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamin A * RDI 5,000 I.U/RDA 5,000 I.U. Promotes normal growth, healthy teeth, nails, hair, bones, glands.
Essential for night vision.
Fish liver oils, dairy products, liver, dark green/yellow vegetables, pumpkin.

Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin) * RDI 1.5 mg/RDA1.5mg It is essential for healthy growth of hair, skin, muscles, brain and nervous system. Is useful in times of stress and have also been used to treat fatigue, irritability, and depression,
Green vegetables, corn , potatoes, oats, rice plums, raisins, nuts, yeast, ham.

Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin)* RDI 1.7 mg/RDA1.7mg Prevents dandruff and helps with the absorption of iron.
Liver, cheese, milk, eggs, avocados, green/yellow vegetables, grains, nuts.

Vitamin B-3 (Niacin) * RDI 20mg/RDA 20mg Produces blood flow to the follicle to produce hair growth.
Lean meats, liver, poultry, fish, cheese nuts, prunes, potatoes.

Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic Acid)* RDI 10mg/RDA 10mg
Produces hair growth and stimulation of new growth
Beef, chicken, liver, eggs, salmon, clams, royal jelly, rice, avocados, grains, nuts.

Vitamin B-12 (Cyanocobalimin) * RDI 6mg/RDA 6mg
Stimulates hair growth.
Beef, liver, egg yolks, crab, clams, sardines, salmon, oysters, herring.

Copper * RDI 2mg/RDA 2mg
Prolongs your original hair color
Liver, shellfish, nuts, dry beans, oats, raisins, broccoli, drinking water, garlic, avocados.


Vitamin H (Biotin) * RDI 0.3mg/RDA 300mcg
Thickens the hair strand
peanut butter mushrooms brown rice, bulgur, oats, beef liver, royal jelly, nuts, egg yolks, chicken, soybeans, sardines, yeast, milk.


Choline Bartrate
Keeps the hair root moist
eggs, soybeans, peanuts, liver

Folic Acid (Part of B-Complex)* RDI 4mg/RDA 400mcg Cell renewal to grow hair
Liver, grains, nuts, yeast, dates, oranges, green leafy vegetables, brown rice.

Iodine *RDI 150mcg/RDA 150mcg
Regulates the thyroid hormone for hair growth.
Shellfish, cod liver oil, milk, garlic, cheese, iodized salt, soy beans, mushrooms.

Iron * RDI 18mg/RDA 18mg
Helps reduce balding-Hair falling from the root.
Liver, meats, eggs, nuts, grains, raisins, green vegetables, beets, soybeans.

Manganese * RDI 2mg/RDA+
Produces growth of the hair and nails.
Liver, green vegetables, beans, grains, egg yokes, nuts, seaweed, pineapple.

Selenium * RDI 70mcg/RDA+
Strengthens hair strands
Seafood, meat broccoli, onions, tomatoes, yeast, corn oil, brown rice, molasses.

Sulfur* RDI /RDA+
ability to increase growth in hair, nails and skin; improve circulation and decrease inflammation; helps with hair loss
Garlic, onions, and all of the allium family, Legumes, Asparagus
Foods High in sulfur: http://www.ehow.com/about_5481030_foods-high-sulfur.html

Zinc * RDI 15mcg/RDA 15mg
Produces hair growth and maintains natural hair color
Shellfish, liver, poultry, nuts, egg yokes, lamb, green vegetables, seeds, soy beans.

Please post any additional information and I will add it to the list.

Sources

http://www.growafrohairlong.com/foods.html
http://www.webmd.com/skin-beauty/features/top-10-foods-for-healthy-hair
http://www.askmen.com/sports/foodcourt_200/245_foods-that-prevent-hair-loss.html

Double Post

I've read about Yerba Mate Tea in the past...I'll come back and post an article to back that up.

Ginkgo Biloba: improves circulation to the head.
http://www.myginkgobiloba.com/Ginkgo-Biloba-Hair-Growth.php

ETA: great resource for osteopathic info http://nccam.nih.gov/

manter26 said:

I've read about Yerba Mate Tea in the past...I'll come back and post an article to back that up.

Ginkgo Biloba: improves circulation to the head.
http://www.myginkgobiloba.com/Ginkgo-Biloba-Hair-Growth.php

ETA: great resource for osteopathic info http://nccam.nih.gov/

Click to expand...

Wonder what list it should go under. I put it under food, since I've seen forms of it as a drink.

I took GNC UltraNourish Hair. I didn't notice increased hair growth but my nails grew really fast, my body hair was thicker (so I assume the hair on my head grew in thicker too), and I had energy for days. They were full of B vitamins. Make sure you drink alot of water though because you will break out something terrible.

DrC said:

Wonder what list it should go under. I put it under food, since I've seen forms of it as a drink.

Click to expand...

Food seems most appropriate.

Here's what I found on Yerba Maté tea:
Yerba maté contains 24 vitamins and minerals, 15 amino acids, and 11 polyphenols, a group of phytochemicals which act as powerful antioxidants.
http://www.mymateworld.com/yerba_mate_health_benefits.htm

...basically it's like any other tea, but supercharged. I also found an article saying Whole Foods used to carry a Yerba Maté shampoo and conditioner.

thanks for the tag!

I have not been consistent with any vitamin regimen. I do eat healthy whole foods (no sugar, no grains)

I have read conflicting things about supplements so I really am not sure where I stand. I think if you find a really good skin, hair, & nail or pre-natal you should be good.

Radianthealth said:

I have not been consistent with any vitamin regimen. I do eat healthy whole foods (no sugar, no grains)

I have read conflicting things about supplements so I really am not sure where I stand. I think if you find a really good skin, hair, & nail or pre-natal you should be good.

Click to expand...

Are you considering grains not to be healthy?

nappystorm said:

I took GNC UltraNourish Hair. I didn't notice increased hair growth but my nails grew really fast, my body hair was thicker (so I assume the hair on my head grew in thicker too), and I had energy for days. They were full of B vitamins. Make sure you drink alot of water though because you will break out something terrible.

Click to expand...

Is it a multivitamin?

I'm so happy Cayenne Pepper is on the list! I just bought some "cayenne pepper & garlic" pills a few days ago.

Shouldn't garlic be on the list, too?

Lovelylocs said:

I'm so happy Cayenne Pepper is on the list! I just bought some "cayenne pepper & garlic" pills a few days ago.

Shouldn't garlic be on the list, too?

Click to expand...

Yes. I need to add that. Thanks

I also found some information about Okra helping hair grow.

Thanks for tagging me.

DrC said:

Is it a multivitamin?

Click to expand...

Pretty much. It also has MSM and biotin

Thanks for tagging me as well! This is perfect for me to come back to when I want to slack off with being consistent with my vitamin intake. I'll try to see if I can contribute later as well.

Thanks for the list!

Thanks for tagging me. I am starting WW tomorrow and kick starting my weight loss/health journey so this came at a good time.

KumakoXsd said:

Loving this info!!

Dong Quai - Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis), also known as Dang gui, is used to stop hair loss and is claimed to be able to stimulate hair re-growth. Dong Quai contains phytoestrogens which inhibit the formation of DHT, a major cause of hair loss.

http://wwwsupremehealth.com/hair-loss-treatments/dong-quai-and-hair-loss/

Ginseng - Ginseng is another herb long used in Chinese medicine. The herb is an adaptogen, helping the body adapt to stress, which is known to be a cause of hair loss. Ginseng is found in shampoos as well as tinctures that can be taken internally.

http://www.naturalnews.com/028726_hair_loss_dong_quai.html#ixzz1PkxOggBp
​

Click to expand...

Thanks. I already have Ginseng on here. I will add the website to the list.
Is Dung Quai a vitamin/mineral or is it a plant food that can be take orally like Ginseng??

BostonMaria said:

Thanks for tagging me. I am starting WW tomorrow and kick starting my weight loss/health journey so this came at a good time.

Click to expand...

Speaking of that, I found some information to post about weight loss and hair.

I've been taking Smoothie King MultiVitamins for Women! The have everything you need plus the extras you find in Hair, Skin & Nails vitamins & for those going through hormonal changes you are covered also! My nails have never been this long or strong, not even during my pregnancies. My hair is growing like weeds despite my keep cutting it; I've made up my mind that I'm going to grow my hair back out so i give up the spontaneous cuts.
Check out their link: http://www.smoothieking.com/health/womens-multi.php

Thanks for the tag. Great info too!

Thanks for tagging me!

Is this a sticky OP? It should be. Thanks for gathering the info.

Thanks for the tag, DrC. This is a great list!

Thanks for the tag! This is a great thread, did you have avocado listed?

aja1121 said:

Thanks for the tag! This is a great thread, did you have avocado listed?

Click to expand...

aja1121

No, but I will research that and add it. Thanks.

Great thread! Mango, nuts (peanut and almond),chick peas, oats, citrus fruit, and sweet potato is also great for preventing hair loss and helping speed up healthy hair growth.