As the leaves turn red and the weather gets colder, it’s not just your wardrobe that needs a seasonal change. The same goes for your diet, especially if you want to maintain attractive hair.
Dr. Balwi, a top hair transplant surgeon at Elithair, has noticed an increase in hair problems such as dryness and damage with the arrival of cooler weather. It’s clear that people are looking for ways to promote hair growth and health, as searches for ‘best foods for hair’ have spiked by 38% in the past month.
In response, doctors have issued advice on 5 autumn foods that may be the secret to faster-growing, thicker and more elastic hair. Nothing says fall like piping hot chicken stew, beef casserole, or shepherd’s pie on a crisp October night. And one of these meals is especially beneficial.
meat casserole
Dr. Balwi emphasizes the importance of protein for hair health, as hair is largely made up of protein. “Hair is primarily made of protein, so it’s important to get enough protein in your diet. So adding lean meat or poultry to your diet is a great way to increase your protein intake.” he shares.
“These meats are also rich in nutrients such as iron, magnesium, calcium, and vitamins such as D, B6, and B12, which promote hair health and strength. Iron deficiency often leads to hair loss. It is known to be associated with foods rich in iron, such as red meat, which can help prevent hair loss. ”
bean stew
Dr. Balwi emphasizes that his advice is not just for meat eaters. “Bean and lentil stew is just as warming and has the same health benefits this time of year,” he says. “Beans, lentils, tofu, and quinoa are also essential sources of protein, iron, and zinc, which help form collagen, which gives hair strength and elasticity.”
“Adding these foods to your diet for healthy hair will ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need to promote hair growth and repair.”
Porridge
There’s nothing more autumnal than a warm bowl of porridge in the morning. Rich in nutrients such as zinc, iron, fiber, omega-6 fatty acids, and B vitamins, oats promote hair growth by strengthening and stimulating hair follicles.
The doctor further adds, “In addition to this, adding honey and nuts to porridge is beneficial for hair health.Honey strengthens dormant hair follicles and further promotes new hair growth.” Nuts, on the other hand, are rich in zinc, selenium, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids and are considered one of the best foods for hair growth.
In addition to being perfect for Halloween, pumpkins are also rich in minerals – Credit: Getty
pumpkin
Pumpkins aren’t just for Halloween. Pumpkins are a great source of nutrition and are especially beneficial at this time of year. Whether you’re eating a slice of pie or a warming soup, pumpkin is rich in minerals that can help prevent hair loss.
These include potassium, copper, magnesium, manganese and iron, all of which can promote hair growth and protect cell membranes. Dr. Balwi highlights additional benefits of pumpkin seeds. “In addition to this, pumpkin seeds contain antioxidants such as vitamin E and linoleic acid,” points out the doctor.
“These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties and reduce oxidative stress, which in turn helps prevent hair loss and promote overall hair health.”
tea
It’s not just the food. Your daily beer may also benefit your hair health. Rich in antioxidants and caffeine, tea is great for stimulating hair follicles and improving hair quality.
Dr. Balwi suggests exploring different types of tea for their unique benefits. “Different teas have different properties that help hair growth,” she advises. “For example, why not try rosemary tea, which improves blood circulation to the scalp, promotes hair growth, and strengthens hair?”
