Hair possesses a character of its own — straight or curly, short or long, smooth or rough; it plays an important part in shaping our appearance and giving us an identity. It also provides preliminary protection against UV rays, and foreign particles, and regulates body temperature. Losing hair can be a stressful event in a person’s life. Hair loss has also been associated with COVID-19 infection and can be a cause of non-scarring hair loss.
Food for Healthy Hair
There are many foods considered to aid hair growth. Some of them are:
Moong Bean or Green Gram — These beans are rich in antioxidants and decrease cholesterol levels in our bodies. It has been used as traditional and functional medicine for a long time. It contains a copious amount of protein, fibres, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds like peptides and polysaccharides. Moong beans can be consumed as soup, eaten as a salad, as a pancake, or as dessert.
Chickpea — Chickpeas are a great source of iron and can have a positive impact on hair growth. It can be consumed in many ways as curry, soup, and dips.
Walnut — Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, potassium, and copper. Potassium plays a crucial role in the repair and regeneration of cells enabling hair growth.
Coconut — Coconut oil has plenty of health benefits. It has a high affinity for keratin and aids in the regrowth of damaged hair. Its application prevents the loss of protein from hair. Coconut oil is the triglyceride of lauric acid and its application in the scalp regulates the Cutibacterium acnes bacteria. This helps to regulate Androgenic Alopecia, a common type of hair loss. It is also effective against fungal infections which is the major cause of Tinea Capitis, a fungal infection. It can be consumed as food or applied in the form of oil.
Amla or Indian Gooseberry — Research findings have shown that amla extract can aid hair growth. It contains vitamin C, amino acids, and minerals in abundance. Amla also reduces the effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which are known to cause hair loss. Amla can be eaten raw or in the form of a pickle or can be used in a hair formulation.
Hair loss caused due to hereditary factors is hard to escape. But, a change in lifestyle, healthy dietary habits, good sleep, and stress-free life can avoid other types of hair loss. The role of food in maintaining hair growth and food rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory components, and estrogen can effectively prevent hair loss.
