Health is wealth. You are what you eat. We already know these things. But I bet you didn’t know that the secret to healthier hair may after all lie in the food that you eat.
Eating your way to healthier hair is something that not a lot people are aware about, but it’s true. What we eat can influence the way our hair grows and how healthy it is. Of course, you can still have all the styling tools and products that you want, care for you hair the way you’ve been doing, and pay multiple visits to your salon or hairstylist. But in addition to that, you can also change up your diet a bit and make sure that what you’re eating is actually contributing to your hair’s health.
Below are some alterations to your diet that you can do to achieve healthier hair and a happier you:
Drink up!
Many people underestimate the power or water, but it’s amazing what water can do. You must understand that each hair strand is made of about 25% water. If you’re particularly prone to dryness in your hair, scalp, and skin, then you should double up on your water intake.
This goes without saying that during the hotter months, you must drink up all the more. You’ll be surprised at what keeping yourself regularly and consciously hydrated can do, not only to your hair but also to your skin, muscles, and overall health and well-being.
Stack up on the protein.
Protein deficiency can lead to dull, dry, brittle, and weak hair strands that can’t withstand anything. If your hair is like this, it will always be prone to breakage. This is because protein is perhaps the most important building block of hair, so if you don’t have enough of it in your diet, you’re in trouble.
If watching your weight is a concern, you can still stack up on protein but stick to the lean meats like turkey or chicken. There are also other sources of protein like egg whites, low-fat dairy, nuts, soy, and many more. A balanced diet is still important, but make sure you’re not losing out on the protein.
Iron, anyone?
A diet that’s fortified in iron can also help you achieve healthier hair faster. In fact, some people think a shortage in iron can cause hair loss and baldness. Iron is an important mineral not just for your hair but for your health as well, so your diet would really benefit from it.
Sources of iron include lean read meat (e.g. beef, lamb), shellfish, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruit, whole grains, sunflower seeds, tofu, liver, and even dark chocolate.
Don’t be scared of fatty acids.
Some people run the opposite direction as soon as they see the word fat, but not all fatty acids are evil. In fact, food that’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids will help you achieve healthier hair and glowing skin, as well as improve cardiovascular health, stabilize your blood sugar, and reduce inflammation. You should definitely give them a second look.
Some of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids include salmon fish oil, cod liver oil, and other deepwater fish like sardines, tuna, herring, and mackerel. You can also get this from nuts, especially Brazil nuts and walnuts. Other sources include chia seeds, flaxseeds, hemp seeds, and anchovies.
Vitamins are your best friend.
Vitamins are always good for you, and you can get this from the actual fruits and vegetables that you have in your diet, or even from supplements. While your body benefits from all kinds of vitamins, there are certain vitamins that are best for keeping your hair healthy.
Vitamin C for instance not only improves your immune system, it also helps your body absorb iron properly. If you’re Vitamin C-deficient, this affects your iron levels as well. Vitamin C also protects sebum, which is the oil that in turn coats and protects your hair. Vitamin C supplements are so common, you won’t have a hard time finding them. There are also many natural sources of Vitamin C, and this includes leafy greens, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and many more.
The B-complex vitamins are also helpful because they can increase the circulation in your scalp, powering up your hair follicles. This will help stimulate the growth of hair, keeping it active and healthy.
On the other hand, Vitamin E will help in producing keratin, which is important in supporting your hair’s growth and preventing breakage. You can get this as a supplement or from natural sources like spinach, almonds, and many others.