By using various products aimed to improve the look and condition of our hair, we usually tend to forget one of the most important things to keep our hair strands at their best i.e. proper nutrition. Just as our skin benefits from a healthy diet, ensuring that our hair also gets the key nutrients helps to promote growth and maintain them.
Likewise, strong and shiny hair is not only something that makes you look good but it’s also a sign of a well nourished you. So, if you’re looking to improve your hair condition, first and foremost thing you should be doing is to evaluate your eating habits. Apart from optimal nutrients, factors such as age, genetics and hormonal changes might also affect hair health. Below are 6 nutrition advices for a healthy hair:
1. Protein
Hair follicles are almost made up of protein, hence consuming adequate amounts of it is important. Insufficient protein in your diet may result in hair thinning and loss. If you feel your hair dry, brittle and inelastic, you might want to include some protein in your diet such as eggs, chicken, beans and legumes.
2. B – Vitamins
Biotin, one of the most important vitamins for hair growth and health of skin. It is found in lentils, eggs, fish, seeds, nuts, etc. Other B – vitamins like B6, B12 and B9 help create red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles. Deficiency of B vitamins may cause the cells to starve, making your hair to shed, grow slow and break.
3. Omega 3 fatty acids
Omega 3 fatty acids contribute to healthy hair and is not something that your body produces on its own. Therefore it’s important to include them in your diet. A lack of omega 3 fatty acids can lead to slow or low quality growth of hair. A lot of us know that seafood is a great source of omega 3, but if you’re not an avid seafood eater, you can alternatively consume soybeans, walnuts and flax seeds.
4. Vitamin A
Another important vitamin for hair growth. You’ll find this healthy hair vitamin in sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach which are high in beta carotene, which is in turn converted into vitamin A. Right amount of vitamin A is beneficial for hair, while too much can cause hair loss.
5. Vitamin C
Apart from helping your body absorb iron, Vitamin C also helps to form collagen, a structural fibre that our body uses to promote hair growth. Bell peppers, oranges, berries, indian gooseberry, etc. are some good sources of Vitamin C that can be enjoyed raw.
6. Water
Drinking an adequate amount of water everyday helps it stay nourished and healthy. Water supports vitamins that are essential for strengthening the hair. Our hair also needs moisture, and they tend to stop growing if we are dehydrated. By drinking the amount of water your body needs, your skin and scalp will be well nourished to grow stronger and healthier.
Disclaimer: Indian Health Bureau does not claim any responsibility for the information contained in this article. The information may not hold good for everyone. The post is for general awareness only and should not be construed as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Please consult your doctor to know what is good for you.
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