The Perfect Diet for Healthy Hair

Shiny, lustrous locks are all women’s (and men’s) dream crowning glory. Shampoos, conditioners, hair oils are all but superficial, working on the outside but not really doing good from the inside. Getting nutrients from the food that we eat are a sure way to nourish our skin, hair and all. Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is the key to get those gorgeous locks.

What is the perfect diet for healthy hair? Here are some common foods guaranteed to give you the perfect locks you so long for.

EGGS

Eggs are rich in a B-vitamin called biotin. Biotin is essential to having a healthy scalp and great hair growth. Many hair products and supplements boast of having biotin as one of their ingredients, rightfully so, since this vitamin is vital for healthy hair locks. Biotin is naturally occurring in the body, we make our own biotin in the intestines, and it is abundant in many foods found commonly in our kitchens. With this, biotin deficiency occurs rarely among people. In cases where, the intestines are not working properly or with people who are very ill, a deficiency in biotin would cause them hair loss. Unless, you are one of those people, you don’t need to take biotin supplements. Just stock your cupboard with biotin-rich foods such as eggs, peanuts, wheat bran, almonds, avocado, salmon and low-fat cheese.

SWEET POTATOES

The beta-carotene found in potatoes converts to Vitamin A when processed in the body. Vitamin A is necessary for healthy growth of cells, which of course includes the hair. Dull, dry and lifeless hair with lots of dandruff flake-off and dry skin are manifestations of Vitamin-A deficiency. When it comes to Vitamin-A, too much of this thing could also cause hair thinning. So instead of taking Vitamin-A supplements, you can just enjoy Vitamin-A rich foods such as pumpkins, asparagus, cantaloupe, dark green lettuce, carrots, kale and squash. Should you prefer supplementation, make sure to get no more than 2000 IU, which is 50 percent of our daily need. The other half will be from the food we eat.

SPINACH

This leafy green is rich in folate and iron. Folate helps in creating red blood cells, while iron helps the red blood cells to carry the oxygen for cells to function properly. Iron deficiency has been known to cause hair loss.

OYSTERS

Oysters are good for healthy hair due to its Zinc content. This mineral is necessary for tissue growth and repair which includes good hair growth. With the help on zinc, the oil glands surrounding the hair follicles are working properly. People with low levels of zinc in the body has problems like dandruff, hair loss and poor hair growth. Stock up on zinc rich foods such as oysters, liver, clams, crab, lean beef, some nuts and seeds, yogurt, wheat germ, peanut butter and cheese – these foods will give you enough zinc to keep your hair healthy. Don’t over supplement yourself with zinc as it will inhibit copper absorption which is also necessary for our body.

BELL PEPPERS

Bell peppers in all their colorful greens, yellows and reds are very good sources of Vitamin-C. Vitamin-C is vital in making sure there is iron in the red blood cells to carry the oxygen to the hair follicles, it is also used for collagen formation. Deficiency in Vitamin-C will cause hair breakage, dry and split ends.

LENTILS

Iron-rich proteins found in tofu, starchy beans, soybeans and lentils are good for healthy hair. Protein is needed for cell growth, and hair gets its structure from keratin which are hardened proteins. Not enough protein would mean less keratin which would result to slow hair growth and weaker strands.

PORK TENDERLOIN

This tasty food is rich in B-vitamins (B6, B12 and folate). These are essential in creating red blood cells which carries the oxygen to all parts of the body including the scalp, hair follicles and growing hair. B-vitamin deficiency can starve the cells, which will cause slow growth, hair loss and weakened hair prone to breakage. Shellfish, salmon, oatmeal, chicken eggs, beans, peanut butter, fortified whole grain cereals and dairy foods are good sources of B vitamins.

Take note of stocking your kitchen and your fridge with all these hair nourishing food. But this is not a one-time deal. You have to make a conscious effort to include them in your day to day meal. Simply put, maintaining a proper and balanced diet coupled with regular exercise will surely get you that shiny, lustrously gorgeous hair you have always wanted, not to mention a great skin and a fit bod to show off. Now that your hair is cared for, next on your list should be your skin. Book for a free skin assessment at Loveli Skin Beauty Centre and we’ll help you get a perfect skin to go with your perfect hair.