The Aphrodisiac Food You Should Eat To Stimulate Hair Growth

Healthy hair can contribute to feeling confident. If you're seeing more strands of hair in your hairbrush every morning or noticing more than your usual hair loss as the week rolls by, you may not only want to take a look at your stress levels but also your diet. 

Turns out there's a food you can add to your diet when your hair starts thinning that can actually help stimulate hair growth: Oysters. Yes, we know that most people have either a love or hate relationship with this shellfish, but according to health experts, they're a great source of zinc. And this mineral is an essential nutrient for luscious locks, while also being the reason why oysters became known as aphrodisiacs. Zinc helps maintain healthy levels of dopamine which in turn can influence sexual function, per Healthline. 

Zinc deficiency has been linked to hair loss, according to research. The recommended daily dietary intake of zinc for an adult male is 11 mg and 8 mg for an adult female, and just a 100-gram serving of oysters contains as much as 16.6 grams of zinc. According to Dr. Rhonda Q. Klein, a dermatologist at Modern Dermatology in Westport, Connecticut, (via Prevention), zinc is "an essential mineral that aids in hair growth and repairs hair cycle support." 

Preventive cardiology dietitian, Julia Zumpano, calls oysters "little shells full of nutrients," and told Cleveland Clinic that oysters are hard to beat when it comes to their health benefits. 

In addition to zinc, this aphrodisiac food also contains generous concentrations of iron, protein, selenium, and B12 vitamins. Iron is yet another important nutrient when it comes to hair loss. "Even small changes in iron levels without the presence of anemia can trigger hair loss and thinning," shared hair restoration physician and hair transplant surgeon at Bauman Medical Group in Boca Raton, Florida, Dr. Alan J Bauman (via Prevention). Selenium is also known to be beneficial when it comes to stimulating hair growth, per Medical News Today.

Protein, often called the building block of the body, is another important ingredient in the quest for healthy hair. If you already love oysters, then you probably have no qualms about slipping them into your mouth as they are — raw. But for those who don't particularly enjoy the sensation of something slimy in your mouth, there are other ways to consume them. 

Cooked oysters can also be a delicacy, according to Piret Ilver, who writes about oysters on her blog How to Eat Oyster. In fact, steaming them helps kill off any bacteria that might be present in their raw form, Julia Zumpano shared with Cleveland Clinic. "Avoid preparing them in unhealthy fats, such as butter, margarine or cream sauce. And try tossing them in an olive oil or tomato-based sauce for a light, fresh recipe that really compliments their flavor," she added. 

For yet another simple recipe you can try at home, Ilver suggested the following: You'll need 12 fresh oysters, two cups of double cream, some fresh tarragon, some fresh garlic, lemon juice, and one baguette. Open the oysters with a sturdy knife, leaving the water in the shell. You may want to watch a YouTube tutorial if you're not familiar with this technique. Combine the tarragon and double cream in a bowl. Then, spoon the mixture on the oysters and bake at 420 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Warm the baguette and rub garlic over it. Lastly, plate the baked oysters and bread and sprinkle some lemon juice over the finished dish before serving. Knowing about foods to eat and avoid for healthy hair makes incorporating them into your diet that much easier.