Avoid This Type Of Fish If You Want Healthier Hair

Aside from having great genetics, there are ways you can help to keep your hair healthy, vibrant, and strong. Deep conditioning masks and avoiding harsh hair treatments can help your locks retain moisture and avoid breakage, but your diet also plays a part in the health of your hair. According to Stylecraze, ensuring adequate hydration is beneficial for your scalp and your hair, so if your water intake is lacking, your hair's luster might be as well.

There are certain foods you can add to your diet that are rich in essential nutrients, like Omega-3's and Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) which the hair soaks up and utilizes for nourishment (via WebMD). Adding in foods to support healthy hair is beneficial, but alarmingly, there are some foods you may think of as nutritious that are actually harming your hair. If you're a frequent fish eater, you might assume the protein and omega-3s are supporting your skin and hair health, but read on to find out where you may be going wrong.

Seafood such as salmon, shrimp, and oysters contain high amounts of essential nutrients and are great additions to your diet. The high omega-3 and vitamin content can help strengthen and add body to your tresses (via WebMD).

However, there are some fish that you should avoid eating in large amounts, like mackerel, bigeye tuna, and Chilean sea bass, which WebMD explains may contain high amounts of a mercury called methylmercury. According to the University of California, San Francisco, methylmercury is a form of liquid metal, a common toxin in the air and water, and can be highly poisonous.

MedicineNet reports that high level of mercury exposure is dangerous for your health and can damage major organs including the brain, heart, and kidneys. Mercury in the body has also been linked to hair loss, and due to the potential risks, it's recommended to avoid high mercury foods, such as mackerel and swordfish (via Manipal Hospital).