The Great Hair Diet- Foods for Healthy Hair
Nutrition plays an important role in hair growth. In order to have thick and beautiful curls, one must have a healthy diet regime. Healthy hair is considered an asset to both women and men. For women, It exemplifies beauty and femininity. Keep in mind that, whatever you eat and how you take care of your self is reflected in your hair.
Hair is an important part of the body and is one of the factors that make someone beautiful/handsome. Non-diet regimes to get healthy hair include; regular cleaning with shampoos, avoid using hot tools on hair, combing your hair when it’s dry and not wet
For starters, you must understand the factors that affect hair growth.
Sun exposure- exposure to strong sun rays can lead to hair photo-aging and dryness. Direct sun rays cause photo-degradation, that changes both the chemical and physical properties of human hair.
Rest and Sleep- adequate rest is vital to the body including our hair. Make it a point to rest at least seven hours a day. Having inadequate sleep affects various processes in the body, including the growth of hair.
Stress– this is a common factor that affects hair growth. Stress puts more follicles to the resting phase of the hair cycle. Learn to control it.
Lifestyle- the way we live can affect hair growth. various lifestyles such as excessive drinking of alcohol and Smoking has been linked to baldness and premature hair aging.
Regular exercise- when you exercise you increase blood flow to the scalp for better aeration and distribution of nutrients.
Hair treatment products- opt for organic herbal-based cosmetic products that promote healthy hair growth. Some cosmetic products can have harsh effects, be aware of these products.
Before looking into the nutrients your hair needs for optimal growth, let’s have a quick look at the structure of the human hair. Comprehending what your hair is made of will help you know what nutrients are important.
Hair is made up of hard proteins known as keratin. Keratin is made from amino acids. Hair is divided into two parts-the shaft and hair follicle. Now, knowing that hair is primarily made up of protein, you should not be surprised that proteins are the most important nutrients for strong and healthy hair.
If you want to have healthy hair, then this article is for you. Having good diet management can do wonders for your hair and increase the rate it grows. Here is a list of best foods for healthy hair;
Eggs
Eggs provide proteins and biotin. These two components are vital for hair growth. Lack of these nutrients has been linked to hair loss. Hair follicles are made of proteins on the other hand biotin is the key component for the production of a hair protein known as keratin. However, biotin deficiencies are uncommon if you take a balanced diet.
Eggs are very easy to cook and eat. Whether fried or boiled, they still come out appetizing and satisfying. Additionally, Eggs are a great source of calcium, selenium zinc and other hair-healthy nutrients.
Spinach
Spinach is full of amazing nutrients that foster the growth and development of human hair. It is enriched with vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, folate and beta carotene. They help sebaceous glands in your hair to make more sebum. This substance is hair’s natural oil that prevents it from getting dry. These vital nutrients work together for a healthy scalp and mane. Together they keep hair moisturized so it doesn’t break. Spicing Spinach with Kales adds nutritious value to your meal. Green leafy vegetables are essential for a healthy scalp which in turn results in healthy hair.
Groundnut
Groundnuts, especially those from Brazil are the best source of natural selenium, an important mineral for your healthy scalp. Groundnuts also contains linoleum alpha acid and omega 3 to repair broken hair.
Nuts have also been associated with other health benefits; reduced inflammation and lowering the risk of heart diseases.
Berries and Carrots
Berries and carrots are enriched with anti-aging substances that are good for the scalp. Antioxidants in berries prevent pre-mature aging and, protect hair follicles from free-radical damage. Furthermore, carrots are not just known for their beta-carotene content but are also a good source of Vitamin A. A substantial amount of these two in your meals can make a difference in your hair.
Poultry meat
Proteins are the building blocks of our body, not only do they stimulate hair growth but also looks after our entire health.
To get proteins from meat, opt for lean options such as turkey or chicken. Compared with beef and mutton, chicken meat is less saturated with fats and cholesterol. In addition to being a good source of protein, poultry meat also contains Vitamins iron, zinc, and selenium.
Oysters and salmon
These sea creatures are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids (found in salmon) and zinc (found in oysters), which help keep your scalp from getting dehydrated and looking dull. Make a point of serving these diets at least once a week.
Sweet potatoes.
Sweet potatoes are enriched with beta carotene- an antioxidant. Human bodies convert beta carotene to beta carotene to Vitamin A, which helps prevent dry hair. It also aids the secretion of sebum. Beta carotene can also be found in fruits like mangoes, oranges carrots, pumpkin and, cantaloupe.
Kidney beans and lentils- These two supply a high level of protein, iron, biotin, and zinc to the body and hair. Research has shown that a deficiency of biotin in the body can lead to crispy hair.
Cinnamon- It helps with blood circulation. Improved blood flow enhances both oxygen and nutrient supply to your hair follicles. Have this spice on your meal or sprinkle it in your coffee.
Apart from having a healthy lifestyle, these foods will help your hair grow long and strong, by maximizing the growth cycle and minimizing the shedding phase. Therefore, try as much as possible to include these foods in your diet, on a regular basis. In summary, the secret to healthy hair is having a well-balanced diet along with proper hair care.
For professional hair care advice in Sydney why not ask Nicole Hudson at her hair and beauty salon in Cronulla.