Indian Food for Healthy Hair: The Best Diet for Growth, Thickness & Shine

Indian Food for Healthy Hair: The Best Diet for Growth, Thickness & Shine

Have you ever wondered why some people have naturally thick, strong, and shiny hair while others struggle with hair thinning, breakage, and dullness? Well, the secret isn’t just in the hair products – it’s in what you eat. The food we eat plays a key role in how strong, thick, and shiny our hair becomes. The right food can help nourish our scalp, strengthen roots, and improve the hair texture. In this blog, let’s understand why food is important for hair health, the top Indian veg and non-veg foods for healthy hair, and the foods you should avoid to prevent hair issues. 

Why is Indian Food for Hair Growth and Thickness Important?

Our hair is primarily made of a protein called keratin, which is why eating protein-rich foods can help support strong and healthy hair. Essential vitamins and minerals like biotin, vitamin E, vitamin D, zinc, and iron help improve scalp circulation, reduce hair breakage, and stimulate new hair growth. Omega-3 fatty acids from foods like flaxseeds, walnuts, and fatty acids can also nourish the hair follicles and keep them shiny and smooth. When the body gets the right balance of nutrients, it can improve hair thickness, reduce hair fall, and enhance the overall hair quality. Indian foods in particular can boost hair health as they are rich in natural proteins, vitamins, and minerals that are beneficial for hair health. Most Indian diets include foods like dals, leafy vegetables, nuts, and seeds – these are packed with nutrients that can help hair growth. Indian food is often fresh, minimally processed, and rich in nutrients. Incorporating them regularly can help you maintain strong, thick, and lustrous hair naturally. 

Indian Vegetarian Food for Healthy Hair

A vegetarian diet can provide all the essential nutrients your hair needs. So, you can achieve your healthy, beautiful, and lustrous hair without having to turn to non-vegetarian options. Here are the top Indian vegetarian foods for healthy hair:

1. Spinach: Spinach is rich in iron, folate, and vitamins E, A, and C, all of which work together to improve blood circulation to the scalp and repair damaged hair follicles. Iron deficiency is a major cause of hair thinning. Adding spinach to your diet can help maintain hair elasticity, prevent brittleness, and ensure strong and healthy hair. You can add spinach to your diet by making smoothies, soups, salads, and gravies like Palak paneer. 

2. Curry Leaves: Curry leaves are rich in beta-carotene, amino acids, and antioxidants. They help to nourish the scalp, prevent hair thinning, and promote hair growth. Curry leaves are also known for reducing premature grey hair and helping strengthen hair. You can add curry leaves to your diet by adding them to soups and curries or applying curry leaf oil directly to the scalp. 
3. Amla: Amla or Indian Gooseberry is one of the most powerful superfoods for healthy hair. It is rich in Vitamin C, strengthens hair follicles, prevents premature grey hair, and improves scalp health. Amla also acts as a natural antioxidant and helps protect our hair from damage caused by environmental factors. To Amla, to your diet, you can drink amla juice or powder, or apply amla oil to your scalp for better nourishment.  
4. Coconut:  Coconut and its derivatives – coconut oil, coconut water, and coconut meat are loaded with vitamin E and healthy fats that nourish the scalp and prevent protein loss from the hair strands. Drinking coconut water can enhance hydration levels and keep the hair follicles healthy. Applying coconut oil can strengthen hair strands and reduce hair loss. You can incorporate coconut in your diet by drinking coconut water regularly, applying coconut oil to your scalp, and adding coconut milk, coconut powder, and coconut shreds to your gravies and dishes. 

5. Meethi Seeds: Meethi or Fenugreek seeds are packed with protein, iron, and vitamins that can help stimulate hair growth, prevent dandruff, and improve scalp health. The amino acids in meethi seeds can also help in keratin production, which strengthens hair and reduces breakage. You can soak meethi seeds overnight, grind them into a paste, and apply them to your scalp 30 minutes before washing your hair. You can also consume the seeds or use meethi oil while cooking for better results. 
6. Carrots: Carrots are rich in vitamin A and are known to be good for the eyes, but it is also beneficial for hair health. Deficiency of vitamin A is the main cause of dry and itchy scalp. Carrots can make the hair thicker, lustrous, and improve blood circulation, preventing breakage of hair and hair fall. You can eat carrots as it is or add them to soups, salads, or gravy and rice dishes.
7. Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds contain vitamin E, omega-3 3-fatty acids, and lignans, which make them one of the most effective foods for scalp health. These seeds can help reduce dandruff, nourish hair follicles, and reduce split ends and breakage. Flaxseeds are also packed with plant protein, which plays a vital role in maintaining hair thickness and strength. You can consume flaxseeds in smoothies, cereals, or as roasted seeds. 

Indian Non-Vegetarian Food for Healthy Hair

In India, non-vegetarian foods are an integral part of many people’s meals; certain foods stand out for their protein content and the essential nutrients they offer for healthy hair growth. Here are the top Indian non-vegetarian foods are healthy hair:

1. Eggs: Eggs are rich in nutrients that are essential for hair growth. It contains a high-quality protein, including amino acids that help in keratin production. Eggs also contain biotin, vitamin B12, and zinc, which make them an excellent food choice for healthy hair. It supports the body’s ability to grow hair and prevents hair thinning. You can consume eggs in a variety of forms, including boiled, scrambled, half-fry, or used in curries. 

2. Chicken: Chicken is one of the most popular non-vegetarian foods for healthy hair. It is low in fat and is an excellent source of lean protein, which makes it beneficial in the production of keratin, promoting hair growth. The protein in chicken supports hair follicle health and ensures that the hair is strong and not prone to breakage. Chicken is also rich in B vitamins, including niacin and vitamin B6, which help improve circulation and nutrient supply to the hair follicles. You can incorporate chicken in your diet in a variety of ways, including grilled, baked, kebabs, stews, curries, and salads.

3. Fish: Fatty varieties of fish like mackerel, sardines, pomfret, and tuna are packed with both protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial in maintaining a healthy scalp and promoting hair growth. Omega-3 fatty acids nourish hair follicles, keep the scalp hydrated, and prevent dryness and dandruff. Fish is also an excellent source of vitamin D, which supports the proper functioning of hair follicles and can prevent hair thinning and hair loss. You can consume fish in a variety of ways, such as in curries, grilled, or fried. 

4. Mutton: Mutton is another non-vegetarian food that is rich in protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, all essential nutrients for maintaining healthy hair. Iron deficiency is a common cause of hair issues like hair thinning and hair loss. Mutton is particularly known for its iron content, which is crucial for ensuring that hair follicles receive an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients. Mutton also promotes the proper functioning of hair follicles and helps in the regeneration of hair cells. You can eat mutton in the form of various dishes like biryani, curries, kebabs, stews, and soups. 

Foods to Avoid for Healthy Hair

Just like some foods can nourish the hair, other foods can also cause harm to it. Consuming excessively processed foods, sugary treats, and high-fat meals all impact the hair follicle health over time. These foods can cause inflammation in the body, causing hormonal imbalances, and reduce the absorption of essential hair-friendly nutrients. Without realising it, you might be consuming foods that are disturbing your body’s natural balance, leading to an unhealthy scalp and weak hair strands. Here are a few foods to avoid to prevent hair loss: 

• High sugar and refined carbohydrate foods like cakes, candies, desserts, bread, white rice, and pasta. 
• Foods that can cause a sudden spike in blood glucose levels, like sugar and dairy, can cause hair fall
•  Greasy, fried foods like French fries, fried chicken, chicken popcorn, honey chilli potato, etc.
• Certain nuts, like Brazil nuts, can lead to toxicity, which can be associated with hair shedding and brittleness 
• Carbonated drinks are not only high in sugar, but they also increase your blood sugar and lead to lower blood circulation, which may harm the hair follicles. 
•  Alcohol can dehydrate the hair strands and make them dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. 

Conclusion 

Choosing the right Indian foods for healthy hair can make all the difference in how your hair looks and feels. By including the best Indian foods for hair growth and thickness like eggs, spinach, chicken, amla, coconut, flaxseeds, and more, you are giving your body the essential nutrients it needs to grow stronger, thicker and shiny hair. These foods mentioned above support scalp health, reduce breakage and promote overall shine. A simple shift to a balanced diet can give you a multitude of benefits for your hair health. If you are still struggling with hair loss and hair concerns, with the right hair fall treatment in Pune, you can restore your hair to become healthy and shiny like before and regain your confidence. At Homeocare Clinic, we are dedicated to providing our patients with the best quality and personalised treatment plans tailored to fulfil their specific requirements. Our experienced team of dermatologists offers safe, natural, and highly effective solutions to promote the regrowth of our patients’ hair. Contact us now for the best hair treatment in Pune.