Healthy diet for healthy hair!
updated the 7 October 2015 à 00:03
Beyond hair care products, here is how you can eat your way to healthier hair!
When it comes to hair care and growing luscious locks, the most obvious solution is to lay low on chemical treatments – colouring to perms – and heat styling. But if you’re looking to achieve otherworldly or rather shampoo-ad-worthy tresses then it’s about time you centred your diet on essential nutrients and we’re not just talking about proteins.
Zinc
Zinc, is an antioxidant that prevents breakages and supports hair growth and to attain it, look for powerhouses such as clams and oysters. Beyond zinc though, these shellfishes are essential in regulating the production of androgens. Androgens are a vital hormone present in both males and females and low levels can be associated with hair loss – seafood fans, you know what to do.
Brazil nuts are similarly loaded with zinc and a perfect alternative for vegetarians. Either way, it’s also time to stock up on walnuts, cashews, and almonds we say!
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
For a healthy glow and well-nourished scalp, Omega-3 fatty acids are the kind of fats you’ll want in your diet. Found in salmon, mackerel, tuna, flaxseeds and walnuts, omega-3 aids in oil production and keeps a dry and scaly scalp at bay. It is important to establish a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids as the body can’t produce it on its own.
Additionally, they add elasticity to your hair, thereby preventing unnecessary breakage in the shower.
Vitamin C & A
Fruits and dark green vegetables are the biggest source of vitamins for a healthy scalp. Fruits rich in Vitamin C and A aids in sebum and collagen production in the hair follicles thus playing the role of a natural conditioner and protecting the hair shaft. Score much? So pile on the spinach, broccoli, oranges, grapefruits, papayas and even brussels sprouts for a vitamin-boosting meal that could only result in lustrous tresses.
Iron
Iron is primarily responsible for assisting red bloods cells to carry oxygen throughout the body, thereby ensuring better circulation at the scalp as well. Leafy vegetables like spinach and Swiss chard are high in iron as is red meat or whole grains in the form of wheat bread.
Tarandip Kaur
