Experiencing hair loss can be traumatic. We get used to having a certain amount of hair, and when it begins to think or fall out it can wreak havoc with our self-confidence and ego. That’s why you see so many men (and women, because women lose hair too) going to extreme measures to cover up hair loss.
People who are losing their hair are willing to spend a lot of money to either slow the hair loss or get hair to grow back. It’s a huge industry – but what if it preventing hair loss didn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg?
In total, 35 million men in the United States have experienced hair loss, as well as 21 million women.
Facts and Figures about Hair Loss
Before we discuss the superfoods that can help to prevent hair loss, let’s look at some statistics about hair loss:
- 40% of all men have noticeable hair loss by the age of 40, and 80% have noticeable hair loss by the age of 85.
- By the time they reach the age of 50, approximately 50% of all women will have experienced some degree of hair loss.
- In total, 35 million men in the United States have experienced hair loss, as well as 21 million women.
- 25% of men who experience male pattern baldness will start to see its effects before the age of 21.
- Worldwide, surgical hair restoration is a $1.87 billion industry.
- 37% of patients who have surgery require a second procedure to get the desired result.
- The most common prescription drug for hair loss is minoxidil (Rogaine.)
- Hair loss can go hand in hand with depression.
- 60% of people who experienced hair loss said they would rather have their hair back than have money or friends.
As you can see, hair loss is a real problem that affects a huge percentage of the population. Hair restoration surgery is expensive and not covered by most insurance plans, and for that reason the appetite for natural remedies is huge. So without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the best.
Super Foods to Prevent Hair Loss
Hair is composed of protein, so eating a diet with healthy sources of protein is a must. Eggs contain biotin and other B vitamins that help to prevent hair loss. It is best to eat both the white and the yolk. Eggs are also an excellent natural conditioner and can be used topically to strengthen your hair.
Sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds contain Omega-6, which helps to keep your hair strong and healthy. They also contain a host of other hair-strengthening vitamins like Vitamin E, selenium and zinc.
Salmon is a fatty, cold-water fish that is high in beneficial Omega-3 essential fatty acids. Omega-3 helps to maintain a healthy hair shaft, and can also help to keep the scalp lubricated – thus preventing dry hair.
Oats are a true superfood. In fact, they contain several nutrients that help to prevent hair loss, including zinc, copper, potassium, phosphorus, and B vitamins, as well as a hefty dose of hair-building protein. Eating a bowl of oatmeal to start your day is a great way to get oatmeal into your diet. Alternatively, add cooked oats to a salad or substitute oat flour for wheat flour in baking.
Spinach is amazingly good for your hair. It contains protein, vitamins B, C and E, as well as magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iron. Both raw and cooked spinach can help with hair loss. Try eating a spinach salad for lunch, or having some cooked spinach with dinner.
Oysters are one of the best dietary sources of zinc, an essential nutrient for strong, healthy hair. Try having raw or cooked oysters with dinner – even canned oysters can be a healthy addition to your diet.
Walnuts contain a good amount of Omega-3 and Vitamin E, both of which are essential for healthy hair growth. Vitamin E also helps keep your scalp lubricated. Other nuts are also good for hair loss, including cashews, almonds, and pecans.
Sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes aren’t just for Thanksgiving. They are the single best dietary source of beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that helps to fight aging. They also contain iron and copper, which help to keep your scalp healthy.
Broccoli contains high levels of vitamins A and C, both of which help to stimulate production of sebum, the natural oil that conditions and strengthens your hair. It also contains magnesium, calcium, potassium, and Omega-3.
Quinoa is one of those foods that has recently gained in popularity. It’s a whole grain that is packed with protein – in fact, the proteins in quinoa are frequently used in hair products. It also contains biotin, niacin and vitamins B6 and B12, all of which are essential for healthy hair growth.
Beans are great for your hair. They’re high in protein and contain a hefty dose of dietary fiber. They are also rich in iron, zinc, and biotin.
Cottage cheese. Cottage cheese is fantastic for your hair. It contains two proteins, whey and casein, that prevent dry scalp and promote hair growth. It is also rich in vitamins D and B5.
Green peas. Peas contain folate and vitamins B6 and B12, all of which promote healthy hair growth by stimulating circulation to the scalp.
Mangos are a delicious source of Vitamin C, which helps your body absorb iron. Vitamin C is also necessary to help your body produce collagen, one of the building blocks of hair, and it’s high in vitamin E as well.
Beef is an important dietary source of protein, iron and zinc, all of which promote hair growth. The iron helps increase blood flow to the scalp, which in turns helps to stimulate hair growth.
Eating a wide variety of healthy foods, including lean proteins and foods rich in the vitamins and minerals that help promote healthy hair, can help you to ward off hair loss and avoid having to spend money on expensive prescription drugs and surgeries.