We are the food we eat. This saying holds a lot of truth, and it definitely applies to our hair. The diet you're on has lots to do with just how healthy your hair is. Your hair is steadily growing, and the nutrients you take in determine the quality, quantity, and speed of that growth.
Experts say, the most vital element is adequate nutrition. Crash diets - extremely low calorie or carbohydrate intake - have been associated with flat, dry, brittle, or thinning hair. What's more, these diets aren't truly healthy since they take out essential nutrients the body needs or have you drastically scale back on them. What makes you think the same diets will be great for your hair?
As mentioned, there are specific foods that really help in promoting healthy hair. You'll discover foods that are rich in just one essential nutrient, and some that have several vital nutrients. Some foods can either impede hair loss or stop it, help hair to re-grow, speed up hair growth, or give hair luster.
A healthy diet that comprises of all essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients is what's required in order to keep both hair and body in good condition. But did you know that there are a few nutrients that are particularly crucial for the health of your hair? Incorporating larger amounts can help you achieve truly shiny hair.
These nutrients are often readily available as dietary supplements. But numerous studies found that any given vitamin is better absorbed by the body if it is derived from food, not as a supplement. Besides this, many essential compounds are found in foods that are loaded with nutrients. You cannot find these in health supplements.
Vitamin A can help boost the body's production of sebum (hair oil). This is what gives hair its natural luster, and helps to protect it. B vitamins, particularly B12, helps in promoting the growth of healthy hair, and even skin tissue cells. Vitamin C also is important in helping the body create sebum. Iron helps hair grow more quickly, and certain food sources can be hard for your body to absorb. If your hair is getting thinner or you're balding prematurely, you're probably not getting enough zinc in your diet. A high zinc diet may promote fast growth, and fuller hair. If your hair is dry and brittle, you could be deficient in biotin. For a healthy scalp, you will need omega-3 fatty acids. For quick and strong hair growth, protein is an extremely important nutrient. And finally, complex carbohydrates are vital, since they help your body in thoroughly absorbing the protein.
Chard and broccoli are loaded with iron and vitamins A and C. Like rice? Switch to brown rice. It's full of complex sugars and B vitamins. Kidney beans are an excellent protein source. They are also great if you're lacking in iron, zinc, or biotin. For readily assimilated iron, eat more spinach and raisins. Superb protein sources include eggs, dairy products, nuts, and soy. For omega-3 fatty acids, salmon and flax seed are full of them.
Although many foods have low to moderate levels of vital nutrients, the foods cited have especially high levels. If you would like your hair to be healthy and beautiful, make sure you make these nutrient-rich foods a regular part of your healthy, balanced diet.
