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Top 10 Foods for Healthy Hair - Part I

When it comes to healthy hair, it’s not just what you put ON your hair that count -- it’s what you put IN your body, too.

"Lather, rinse, repeat" may be standard advice, but shampoo and conditioner alone won't give us the healthy hair we all crave. For a healthy head of hair, you'll need to step out of the shower, and into the kitchen.

Even though you can find beauty supplements on the shelves of most stores, try to get the nutrients you need from foods whenever possible. In rare instances, excess supplementation of certain nutrients (such as Vitamin A) has been linked to hair loss.

Read on for Part I of the Top 10 foods that should be the foundation of any healthy hair diet.

1) Salmon. When it comes to foods that pack a beauty punch, it's hard to beat salmon. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, this high-quality protein source is also filled with vitamin B-12 and iron. Essential omega-3 fatty acids are needed to support scalp health; deficiencies can result in a dry scalp and the hair, giving it a dull look.

Are you a Vegetarian? Gotcha' covered! Just include one or two tablespoons of ground flaxseed in your daily diet for some plant-based omega-3 fats.

2) Dark Green Vegetables. Popeye the Sailor Man didn't eat all that spinach for healthy hair, but he could have. Spinach, like broccoli and Swiss chard, is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which your body needs to produce sebum. The oily substance, secreted by your hair follicles, is the body's natural hair conditioner. Dark green vegetables also provide iron and calcium.

3) Beans. Yes, it's true. Legumes like kidney beans and lentils should be an important part of your hair-care diet. Not only do they provide plentiful protein to promote hair growth, but ample iron, zinc, and biotin. While rare, biotin deficiencies can result in brittle hair. Try to get at least 3 cups/small bowls of beans or lentils each week. The added bonus is that beans are good for diabetes sufferers.

4) Nuts. Oh yeah! Nuts make your hair thick and shiny. Brazil nuts are one of nature's best sources of selenium, an important mineral for the health of your scalp.

Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that may help condition your hair. They are also a terrific source of zinc, as are cashews, pecans, and almonds. A zinc deficiency can lead to hair shedding, so make sure nuts are a regular on your healthy hair menu.

5) Poultry. Chickens and turkeys may have feathers, but the high-quality protein they provide will help give you the healthy hair you crave. Without adequate protein or with low-quality protein, one can experience weak brittle hair, while a profound protein deficiency can result in loss of hair color. Poultry also provides iron with a high degree of bio-availability, meaning your body can easily reap its benefits.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this Series on the Top 10 Foods for Healthy Hair.

Healthy Hair Source will keep you covered, inside and out, on safe solutions for healthy hair growth and maintenance. If you want more information on any of our topics, please submit the contact form found on this page. You can also visit us at http://manifestbizsolutions.blogspot.com. We do not tolerate spam.

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