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Using the right shampoos, conditioners, and moisturizers will all have an impact on the overall health of your hair. However, what you eat also affects how healthy and strong your hair really is. With the right diet consisting of the optimal foods listed here, you can treat your hair from the inside out instead of the other way around. Here are 14 foods that are known to promote healthier and stronger hair.

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Dark green veggies

Vegetables have always been known for keeping the body healthy overall, but did you know that dark green vegetables are especially good for the hair? Broccoli and spinach are rich in Vitamin A as well as in Vitamin C, two vitamins that are needed to prompt the body to create sebum. Sebum is what naturally stimulates and conditions the hair follicles.

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Poultry

Chicken and turkey alike have two of the highest quality proteins that you’ll find in any type of poultry. Protein is needed in order to keep your hair thick and growing. Without enough protein in your diet, your hair will become brittle, thin, and breakage is more than likely to occur. Chicken and turkey also provide plenty of iron, another important element to having healthy hair.

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Oysters

While they may be best known for being an aphrodisiac, oysters are also an ideal food for boosting your hair’s overall health. Oysters are extremely high in zinc, a powerful antioxidant that keeps the hair healthy, glowing, and growing. Various other foods, such as lamb, nuts, and beef, are also high in zinc, so for those who don’t like shellfish such as oysters, don’t despair.

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Beans

Not only are they good for your heart, cardiovascular system, and your digestive system, beans are also really healthy for your hair. Black beans, lentils, kidney beans, and other types of beans contain a lot of protein, which is needed for hair growth. Beans also have plenty of biotin, iron, and zinc which are also essential elements.

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Whole grains

Whole grains are the latest food product that has gained a reputation of being healthy for the body. However, whole grains are also good for your hair, believe it or not. Since most whole grain foods such as bread and cereal are fortified with vitamins, they contain plenty of iron, zinc, and B vitamins, all of which are crucial for your hair’s health. So the next time you snack on a piece of whole grain toast, know that you’re doing your hair good!

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Salmon

Salmon and other types of fish, such as sardines, that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, are extremely beneficial for the hair. Since hair is made of nothing but protein, it’s only obvious that the protein in fish would be hair-healthy. However, salmon is also full of iron as well as vitamin B-12, both of which contribute to healthier hair.

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Eggs

No matter if you boil them or fry them, eat them for breakfast or as a snack during the day, eggs have proven to be very beneficial when it comes to your hair’s health. Eggs are extremely rich in protein, which is the foundation for healthy hair. Combined with B-12 and biotin, eggs make for the perfect item if you’re looking to have thick and luscious hair.

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Low-fat dairy products

Aside from meat and beans, low-fat dairy products also pack a full punch of protein as well as calcium. Dairy products such as skim milk, low-fat yogurt, Greek yogurt, and low-fat cheeses all contain plenty of protein in the form of whey and casein.

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Nuts

If you’re a huge fan of nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or cashews, you’re definitely doing your hair a huge favor. Nuts, especially Brazil nuts, are packed full of omega-3 fatty acids as well as alpha-linolenic acid, both of which help to condition the hair and scalp. Nuts also contain selenium, which is needed for a healthy scalp so that your hair has a strong base to grow from.

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Carrots

Carrots are best known for being full of Vitamin A as well as beta carotene. Aside from contributing to eye and vision health, both of these also promote a healthy scalp. Without having a healthy scalp, your hair is pretty much doomed. A healthy scalp is needed in order for your hair to be well-conditioned and shiny.

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Sweet potatoes

Similarly to carrots, sweet potatoes are also helpful for promoting healthier hair. Sweet potatoes are rich in beta carotene, which is then turned into Vitamin A once the body processes it. Vitamin A helps to stimulate the production of oil on the scalp. Low Vitamin A levels can lead to dandruff and itchiness.

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Bananas

Another important part of having healthy hair or improving damaged hair is biotin. Biotin has been proven to be able to improve hair that is either thinning, splitting, or both. Bananas are full of biotin, which means that by eating them, you’re protecting yourself against brittle hair as well as hair loss.

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Blueberries

Blueberries have long been known as a superfood, but rarely are they mentioned when it comes to hair. Since blueberries are so rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin E, these berries are the perfect way to improve your hair’s condition. Vitamin C is needed in order to prevent hair breakage. Without proper Vitamin C levels, circulation to the tiny blood vessels in the scalp won’t be properly supported.

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Cauliflower

On the opposite side of the spectrum in the vegetables category, cauliflower is another food that is pretty high in biotin. Biotin, also known as Vitamin H, is a must have if you’re looking to improve your hairs condition are ensure that your hairs strength and growth continues. Eat it raw, steamed, or mashed, and your hair will be in for a treat.