As you know veganism is a way of life that entails abstaining from meat, fish, and other animal products such as eggs and dairy. The diet is mostly composed of vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, along with legumes, nuts, and seeds.

A vegan diet is also known to minimize the risk of developing various health problems such as heart disease, hypertension, and obesity.

An intriguing question that pops into the minds of those who follow this diet could be how veganism would affect their hair—if there is any evidence of its benefits or if it’s a factor in hair loss.

Many individuals discover that going vegan improves their hair, making it shinier and thicker. Your hair may benefit significantly from the increased intake of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and other plant nutrients.

Hence we believe that you can say goodbye to bad hair days with a vegan diet packed with nutrients that will not only make your hair look great but will also make it healthier and stronger.

While veganism has many other health benefits, let’s not overlook on its benefits on healthy hair & hair growth!

Here’s a closer look at how a vegan diet can contribute towards healthy hair:

1) It Slows Down Hair Loss

A vegan diet could potentially reduce cholesterol and inflammation—both of which are associated with hair loss.

It Lowers Cholesterol

Though your body requires some cholesterol to function properly, high levels of cholesterol may contribute to hair loss.

According to research fatty foods may be another factor leading to hair loss. Apart from hair loss, a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet can result in hair whitening and inflammation.

Plant-based diets have been shown to decrease cholesterol levels more successfully than other diets. Vegan and vegetarian diets have been linked to lower levels of total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure.

It Reduces Inflammation

When inflammation persists over an extended length of time, it may be indicative of a more serious problem.

The inflammation is most likely due to a sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with hair loss and other health problems [1] [2].

Hair follicles in men and women suffering from androgenetic alopecia (AGA), a common type of hair loss, are sensitive to the DHT hormone, resulting in excessive shedding and baldness.

The best approach to prevent AGA hair loss is to reduce inflammation, and there are several ways to do so.

Apart from inhibiting DHT and ridding the environment of allergens, plant-based diets such as vegan diets have been found to lower inflammation.

2) It Prevents Hair Breakage

Besides practicing good personal hygiene, avoiding heat damage, and over-processing, following a vegan diet rich in certain nutrients may also help prevent breakage. Here are some plant-based foods that can strengthen your strands and prevent hair breakage.

Almonds

Almonds are a fantastic source of protein and Vitamin E [3]. Protein aids in the development of collagen in the body, which is necessary for healthy hair growth and strength. Vitamin E promotes elasticity and retains moisture in the hair, making it more resistant to breakage and dryness.

Avocado

Avocados, one of the most nutritious treats for your brain and heart, also work wonders for people dealing with hair breakage [4]. The healthy unsaturated fats in avocados can boost the health of your hair. These healthy fats can help your hair retain moisture, which can minimize hair breakage and let your strands grow stronger and longer.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals [5]. Additionally, they contain biotin (Vitamin B7) [6], which strengthens your hair follicles and promotes the growth of thicker, stronger hair that is resistant to breaking. Finally, sweet potatoes have beta-carotene, which is good for the health of your scalp and hair.

3) It Promotes Hair Growth

Consuming more wholesome, plant-based foods can contribute to the growth of stronger, healthier hair from the follicles to the tips of hair strands. Incorporate more of these incredible foods into your diet, and you’ll see a significant improvement in your hair.

Beans and Lentils

Adding protein-rich foods, such as beans and lentils, to your daily meals can help you avoid hair damage and dryness and instead promote the growth of healthy, strong hair. Additionally, lentils contain biotin [7] and zinc [8]. Biotin is linked with keratin, a protein that promotes strong hair, and zinc stimulates hair tissue growth and repair, minimizing hair loss.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are high in potassium and sulfur, essential minerals that inhibit hair loss and promote hair growth [9]. Cucumber juice also contains calcium and silicon which are vital for proper and faster hair growth.

Nuts

Nuts are heavy in protein and zinc, both of which aid in the growth of strong hair. Walnuts, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids [10] and biotin [11], and Brazil nuts, which are high in selenium and other nutrients, both support healthy hair development and are the best nuts to include in your diet.

Final Thoughts

A vegan diet provides several health benefits—one of which is healthy hair growth. Keep in mind, however, that treating and reversing hair loss may require a lifestyle overhaul.

If you want to see lasting, positive results, we encourage you to be committed to making healthier choices, including quitting smoking and drinking, not just to have stronger hair but better overall health!

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References:

[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12213548/

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7667670/

[3] https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/323294/nutrients

[4] https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171705/nutrients

[5] https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168483/nutrients

[6] https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-HealthProfessional/

[7] https://plaza.umin.ac.jp/~e-jabs/2/2.109.pdf

[8] https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/172421/nutrients

[9] https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168409/nutrients

[10] https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170187/nutrients

[11] https://plaza.umin.ac.jp/~e-jabs/2/2.109.pdf

Additional Sources:

Plant-based Diets Lower Cholesterol

Image source: Unsplash

Disclaimer:

While every attempt has been made to verify the information provided here, the content in this post is for informational purposes only and not to be considered as professional advice. By providing the information contained herein we’re not diagnosing, or treating any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any regimen it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.