Last week I blogged about beverages, hair loss and hair growth. This week, I did some research on the types of food we can eat to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.

1. Eat silica-rich oats for healthy hair

Raw oats is rich in silica, a nutrient which helps improve the health of our hair. Silica helps reduce hair loss, strengthen our hair follicles, gives our hair shine and lustre and promotes the growth of healthier hair.

So a bowl of oats every morning for breakfast will not only give you plenty of fibre for the day, but will also give you the nutrients needed for your tresses to remain healthy and beautiful.

2. Eat iron-rich leafy green veggies and liver to reduce hair loss

Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and mustard greens, and liver are all rich in iron and help to prevent Anemia - one of the causes of thinning hair. If you’re not hot about veggies or liver, you can opt for dates, dried fruits and eggs.

Pig liver stir-fried with wine and dark sauce is one of my favourite dishes. I’ve always known that liver was good for me, but had no idea it would also help keep my hair thick and luscious. Here’s a recipe from The Star, Malaysia - Stir-Fried Pig’s Liver With Wine.

I’m also known for snacking at all times of the day (inspired by Nigella Lawson). On my next trip back to Singapore, I will pick up some of those heavenly sweet dried mangoes from Thailand - you never know when it might save a bout of thinning hair.

3. Eat protein-rich fish to promote hair growth

Protein is essential for the building of new cells, including hair cells. Fish is one of the best sources of protein, vitamin A, vitamin B-6 and essential fatty acids. Other sources of dietary protein are lean meats, poultry, eggs, dairy products, soy, nuts, grains and seeds.

Fish features highly in Asian diets. When I was young, fish was served everyday - steamed, stir-fried, deep fried - in every way imaginable at dinner. My parents always maintained that fish is good for my brain cells. Now I can tell them it is also good for my hair.

If you feel Asian, and would like to sample some of our common fish dishes, I recommend an evening at the Dragon Boat, Little Bourke Street. It’s affordable and good.

4. Eat nuts and seeds to revitalise your hair

Nuts, seeds, avocados and extra virgin olive oil contain high amounts of Vitamin E and monosaturated fats, which encourage healthy hair growth and revitalises hair follicles.

Is that why you don’t see bald squirrels or hamsters running around? J It must be their high fat and vitamin E “nutty” diet. I swear every time you look at a squirrel or hamster they’re always nibbling away.

For more information, here are some links:

http://holisticonline.com/Remedies/Hair/hair_loss-diet.htm
http://www.bestsyndication.com/?q=20080701_alopecia_hair_loss.htm
http://ezinearticles.com/?Top-Nutritional-Tips-To-Support-Healthy-Hair-Growth&id=4086
http://www.hairlosshaven.com/Hair-Loss-Articles/9-foods-prevent-hair-loss.htm

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