Many people experience hair loss after recovering from COVID-19, which can result from various factors, including nutrient deficiencies during illness. Experts recommend consuming adequate amounts of water while following a diet rich in protein, biotin, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins B, C, and E, along with zinc. Nutrition expert Ritu Khaniya shared a list of foods to include in your diet to prevent hair loss after recovering from COVID-19:
1. **Eggs**: The yolk is rich in healthy fats and proteins. It's high in biotin and vitamin B, which promote strong hair growth and benefit scalp health. A deficiency in biotin can lead to hair brittleness. Good protein sources include dairy, chicken, and fish.
2. **Spinach**: Spinach is crucial not only for maintaining hair health but also for providing essential vitamins and nutrients that help repair damaged hair and restore its health. It is rich in vitamins A, K, E, C, and B, along with manganese, zinc, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids that keep the scalp healthy. These vitamins improve collagen and keratin levels and speed up hair growth.
3. **Avocados**: Avocados are packed with unsaturated fats, fatty acids, and vitamin E, which nourish the hair, making it shiny and strong. This healthy fruit is also rich in protein and vitamin B.
4. **Oily Seeds**: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are essential for strong hair, including chia seeds, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. They are also an excellent source of minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, and protein, all of which stimulate hair growth and strength. Pumpkin seeds contain biotin, which promotes faster hair growth and can be easily added to your daily diet.
5. **Legumes**: Legumes are rich in the proteins needed for improving hair growth and making it shiny. They also contain zinc and biotin. Beans provide complex carbohydrates that help convert protein into hair-forming cells. Vitamins A, B6, zinc, and manganese found in legumes play a significant role in building hair protein.
6. **Almonds and Cashews**: These nuts are very rich in fatty acids, which are key to maintaining hair softness, smoothness, and strength. Cashews are also loaded with copper, which promotes hair growth, while almonds are packed with vitamin E for soft and strong hair.
7. **Lemon**: High in vitamin C, lemon helps build collagen. Collagen aids in hair growth and helps the body absorb iron, strengthening the scalp. Other sources of vitamin C that prevent hair loss include bell peppers, strawberries, papaya, and kiwi.
8. **Whole Grains**: Whole grains such as oats, quinoa, whole wheat, and barley are rich in vitamin B, which helps prevent hair breakage and increases hair strength and growth. They are also high in zinc, which aids in hair loss prevention.
