This Is The Fish You Should Be Eating For Stronger Hair

Most of us will spend our entire lives trying to get healthier, stronger, and usually longer hair. Whether we're investing in pricey salon treatments or purchasing the latest must-have tools and deep conditioners to use at home, the struggle is real. However, much like eating a healthy diet helps us feel better on the inside and look better on the outside, good hair comes from within. Sure, there are plenty of vitamins you can take, as well as supplements that supposedly make hair grow faster than the hair soup in Sabrina the Teenage Witch but, when it comes down to it, you can keep it simple and still get results.

In fact, there are several, regular healthy foods you can add to your diet with a view to encouraging hair growth and improving strength. In particular, there's one delicious fatty fish that could make your locks silkier, stronger, and thicker, and adding it your diet should be no trouble at all.

As nationally-recognized nutritionist and member of the HUM nutrition team, Alexandra Caspero, MA, RD, advises, eating fatty fish could assist with hair growth and even make your tresses stronger and healthier over time. As Caspero explained, "Salmon, sardines, and mackerel are packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids, essential fats that we must get from food. Not only are they helpful for reducing risk of heart disease, they also keep hair shiny and full."

Rima Kleiner, MS, RD of Dish on Fish, agrees. Kleiner singles out salmon, in particular, as a boon for healthy hair among fatty fish favorites, noting, "Salmon is an excellent source of nutrients that promotes healthy hair. The omega-3s can help hydrate your hair follicles for growth, and the protein and biotin can help strengthen your strands and prevent breakage."

Healthline notes that a study of 120 women found that taking a health supplement containing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, along with the requisite antioxidants, reduced hair loss and increased hair thickness. Likewise, another study found taking a fish oil supplement significantly reduced hair loss and even increased hair growth in female participants with thinning hair. Although more studies are required before a definitive recommendation can be made, it is reasonable to assume that fatty fish may contribute to the maintenance of healthy hair. 

Medical News Today advised that salmon is one of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids, along with mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for heart health, but they're also good for hair, skin, and eyes. Likewise, fatty fish is also a good source of vitamin D, which also contributes to hair growth.