Not many of us can say that we look like typical basketball players. Sometimes Nature can be quite cruel to us regarding our height. In a society obsessed with looks, being short can be an issue especially for the male side of the population.
Do you want to be a fitness model? Do you want to have a successful sports career? Or are you wondering why that pretty lady sitting two tables away in your local coffee shop never went out on a date with you? Let’s face it. None of that is possible for you because you are simply too short. I know it is cheap and shallow, but that’s just the way it is nowadays.
Generally, females stop growing in height around the age of 15. And when do men stop growing? A little later than women, in most cases between ages of 16 to 18. Don’t worry if you are over 18 though. Being short also carries some advantages. Not only you are obviously agile, but it also reduces the risk of getting cancer.
When you are overweight, losing the extra weight is not necessarily a big problem if you are determined enough and know how to do it. But what can you do if you’re too short? Is there even something you can do to help you grow in height? Thankfully yes, there is! Continue reading to find out what to do.
Before we start talking about the foods that help you grow in height let’s briefly mention some facts about height growth. Unfortunately, your height is, for the most part, decided by your genetics, and there’s little to nothing you can do about that.
There are different things that can help children grow like healthy eating habits, getting enough sleep and even physical activity, but they are not as important. If they are malnourished during their growing years, they tend not to grow as tall.
Did you know that your height changes throughout the day? You can be as much as an extra inch taller in the morning than in the evening. And that is because your spine tends to shorten a bit due to the weight it needs to carry all day long. Now let’s move on to the actual foods.
1. Proteins
Okay, I know that proteins are too general, so let’s break it down. Very simply put, proteins consist of amino acids that help your body, bones, and muscles grow. That is exactly what we want! Where can you find proteins?
Well, you could find them for example in milk and other dairy products. Milk is ideal for your growth because it also contains calcium and vitamins A, B-12, D, and E, which are essential for your growth.
Eggs are another perfect source of protein because you can find Omega-3 acids in them, which will improve your growth in general. And they also benefit your skin and hair!
The best source of protein is meat. This one is a no-brainer, I know. If you are a vegetarian, you obviously do not have to eat meat to grow however meat is very essential for your daily protein intake. It is also a perfect source of iron. Poultry, beef and especially fish are the best meats for your body, and you should steer clear of anything else.
2. Grains
Grains are perfect for a well-balanced diet since most of their energy comes from complex carbohydrates. They also contain huge amounts of fiber, iron, zinc, magnesium and vitamins, which are all very important to your growth. Make sure your pastry is always made from whole grain only though. Perfect examples would be brown rice, wheat, oatmeal, and quinoa.
Cooking quinoa is probably the best idea. And >how long does cooked quinoa last? Well, you can store it for around a week in the refrigerator. If you put it in the freezer, it can stay edible for up to a year! So you will have plenty of time.
Now let’s briefly talk about oatmeal. It is called a super food because it is rich both in protein and complex carbohydrates, while low in fat and sugars, which makes it a perfect food for a healthy and balanced diet. It can do wonders to your height, and it is also beneficial for your heart, all while increasing muscle mass lowering percentage of fat in your body. If prepared correctly and combined with fruits, nuts or dairy products, it can even be tastier than you might think. I do not think it can get better than that.
>Quinoa vs. oatmeal, what is better for your breakfast? Let’s compare it. Quinoa contains more protein and fiber than oatmeal however in my opinion oatmeal is way tastier. You have to decide that for yourself though.
3. Fruits & Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables will not only increase your height, but they also play an essential role in your healthy diet. They are the best source of all vitamins, minerals, potassium and fiber. You need especially those high fiber ones like apples, bananas or dried figs, carrots and sweet potatoes. Most of the vegetables also have very little to no calories, and they help your body to filter out bad or unhealthy substances.
However, the single best vegetable you should eat if you want to grow tall is spinach. It contains a lot of iron and calcium, which can, as you already know, help you grow that extra inch. So no, Popeye did not eat spinach in vain.
4. Nuts & Seeds
These little babies are not only a tasty snack in-between your meals. They contain all the essential minerals for your body including zinc, amino acids, and healthy fats. These nutrients stimulate the growth hormones in your body, so they are also excellent for your desired height growth. You don’t have to eat them on their own though. Just add them to your oatmeal, salads or yogurts, and you will get a healthy snack. Perfect examples would be almonds, peanuts, and pumpkin or flax seeds.
5. Other Herbs & Plants
There are also some herbs that could help you grow a little taller. Namely are asparagus, Indian Kudzu, or Ashwagandha. Ash… what? Ashwagandha. Most of you have probably never heard of it before. It is a plant that is also known as Indian ginseng. The plant contains the wide range of minerals, which can help in prolonging the body and thus increase height. On top of that, it can indirectly influence the production of Human Growth Hormone (HGH), which is responsible for the growth of your body.
So how do you eat Ashwagandha? Simply add two tablespoons of the powder from the plant to a glass of warm milk then add some sugar and drink it every night before sleeping.
Conclude
Eating these foods from time to time will not help you achieve your desired goal. Exercising regularly, stretching, getting enough sleep, eating at least five times a day, practicing good body posture and avoiding growth inhibitors are all contributing factors if you want to grow in height even after 18. Ideal exercises to gain height are swimming, jumping and hanging exercises.
However, the single most important thing is proper nutrition. Eating a healthy and balanced diet consisting of vegetables, fruits, whole grain, meats and dairy products with essential minerals, nutrients and vitamins like calcium, zinc or potassium can and will have a positive impact on your height even if you are way past 18 years of age.
Now, you know everything you need to know to grow a little more in height. I cannot guarantee you that after applying all these steps you will become the next Michael Jordan, but hey even if it is just an inch, it still does count.