Hear this: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, forty percent of women have visible hair loss by the time they are age 40 and another research has shown that about 40% of men have noticeable hair loss by age 35, 65% by age 60. Scary much?
Dr Chua Han Boon, Senior Aesthetic Consultant and hair expert at SW1 Clinic, one of the largest aesthetic clinics in Singapore, explains, “Aside from factors such as hormonal changes, a medical condition or stress, nutritional deficiencies can lead to hair loss.”
Before you resort to popping hair growth booster Viviscal supplements; treatments such as FDA approved Revage 670 and; arduous surgical hair restoration procedures, a diet change could possibly save your crowning glory. We ask top hairstylists and hair experts what foods help strengthen hair, so you can prevent and delay hair thinning and hair loss.
LEAFY GREENS
Leafy greens such as spinach, broccoli and swiss chard replenish the essential mineral, iron, in our bodies. “A deficiency of iron has been shown to cause hair loss. This is because a lack of iron reduces the transport of oxygen and nutrients to hair roots and follicles, resulting in brittle hair and slower hair growth,” says Dr Chua.
How to eat: Incorporate 100g of leafy greens every day into meals.
MANGOS
This bright coloured fruit is bursting with hair-loving nutrients Silica, high levels of carotenoids and beta-carotene for Vitamin A formation B6, and C as well as folate. Together, they strengthen hair tissue and promote its growth.
How to eat: Incorporate two medium sized slices of mango before or after a meal.
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EGGS
Full of protein, eggs help to spur collagen production which is essential for strong and healthy hair. “Eggs also contain zinc which research has shown to tackle alopecia areata (spot baldness), male pattern hair loss, female pattern hair loss and telogen effluvium (diffuse hair shedding),” adds Dr Chua.
How to eat: Enjoy up to four eggs – boiled, poached or sunny side up – a week.
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AVOCADOS
Packed with Vitamin E, this creamy fruit improves blood circulation for healthy hair growth. It also regulates the oil on scalp and maintain PH levels to prevent hair follicles from being clogged up.
How to eat: Add to your breakfast salad or blend it into a smoothie.
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BERRIES
Fill your breakfast bowl or snack bowl with berries! Be it strawberries or blue berries, they are high in Vitamin C which not only stimulates scalp circulation but protects hair follicles from free-radical damage.
How to eat: Enjoy a handful every day.