Hair loss is a natural part of life, influenced by factors like genetics, age, and environmental conditions. While hair strands have finite lifespans, the pattern and extent of hair loss vary due to heredity, pollution, medical conditions, and nutritional deficiencies, notably omega-3 fatty acids. Fortunately, some factors can be managed for better hair health, and addressing omega-3 deficiency is one. Including fish oil in your diet can significantly promote hair growth. Explore the details below for insights.
What is Fish Oil
As the name reveals, fish oil is a blend of essential fatty acids obtained in the form of a light golden-yellow colored oil from the tissues of oily predatory fish, such as shark (liver), cod (liver), mackerel, swordfish, albacore tuna, sardine, herring, salmon, anchovy, tilefish, seal blubber, whale blubber, etc. According to scientists, fish oil is one of the richest natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids, mainly Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). They are known to be precursors of certain eicosanoids and have been highly appreciated for their fantastic capability of treating health issues like cardiovascular diseases, high cholesterol, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, ADHD, autoimmune diseases, obesity, poor immunity, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, depression, anxiety, eczema, pregnancy-related issues, fertility problems, and so on. The beauty benefits of fish oil are also commendable, as it can make our skin look healthier and help hair grow faster. (1) (2)
How Does Fish Oil Work For Hair Growth?
The actual hair benefits of fish oil are already proven. There is plenty of scientific evidence to demonstrate how it can help in faster and healthier hair growth. Check out the list to know how fish oil contributes to hair growth directly or indirectly:
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- Being loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil helps us avoid many ailments and stay healthy from the inside. It ensures that all our internal organs work properly, reflected by healthy hair. In short, it manages various bodily functions so that they trigger the cumulative growth of our hair strands.
- Fish oil is enriched with vital nutrients, including proteins. As protein is the building block of our hair fibers, consuming fish oil can make our hair grow longer, stronger, and healthier.
- Besides fatty acids and proteins, fish oil is rich in other hair-friendly nutrients, nourishing our hair follicles and the strands. This is extremely helpful in strengthening hair roots, lowering breakage, preventing frequent hair fall, and boosting hair growth.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial in hydrating a dry scalp, making it healthy and suitable for hair fibers to grow and live on. It also reduces scalp issues like itchiness, flakiness, scaling, dandruff, etc., averting hair thinning and stimulating growth.
- The unique combination of proteins and healthy fats in fish oil considerably enhances hair quality. Regularly consuming it will save your mane from getting weak or brittle and make it smooth, shiny, and durable.
- The antioxidant properties of omega-3 fatty acids present in fish oil can also protect our hair strands from the harmful effects of free radicals. This is essential for the overall growth and development of healthy hair.
How do you use fish oil To grow hair fast?
Fish oil can rescue you if you suffer from hair fall or are trying to grow your hair longer. Even though it is an oil, don’t apply it straight to your scalp or locks. Studies have shown that the internal applications of fish oil are far more effective than its topical applications. You can use it in the following two ways:
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Add To your Daily Diet
In your diet, include wild-caught fish like albacore tuna, salmon, sardine, mackerel, herring, lake trout, etc.. It is the easiest and most effective way to get the correct dose of omega-3 fatty acids. Ensure you consume such oily fish at least twice or thrice every week.
Try Supplements
If eating fatty fish doesn’t suit you, try various fish oil supplements available. They can be obtained as pills, capsules, or liquid, but all are full of ‘purified omega-3 fatty acids’ derived from oily fish. Consult an expert for the correct dosage based on your fish oil supplement type.
However, fatty fish often accumulate higher levels of mercury in their body due to biomagnification. Hence, too much consumption of fish oil must be avoided.
Summary
Hair loss is inevitable due to genetics, aging, and environmental conditions. Omega-3 fatty acids, mainly found in fish oil, can benefit overall health, including hair growth. Loaded with nutrients and proteins, fish oil nourishes hair follicles, strengthens roots, and improves hair quality. Omega-3s hydrate the scalp, prevent dryness and issues like dandruff, and promote healthy hair growth. Incorporating fatty fish in your diet or opting for fish oil supplements can enhance these benefits. However, moderation is crucial to avoid excessive mercury consumption.
