Proper nutrition is the key to beautiful hair
Many people dream of beautiful healthy hair, basically, this, of course, applies to women, however, no matter how the stronger sex may mind, they are often interested in the appearance of their hair. We traditionally think that hair care is all about buying the right shampoos, conditioners, maybe hair masks and the like. However, hair, like any part of our body, largely depends on proper nutrition. And the lack of certain substances can greatly affect the appearance of our curls.
First, it is worth deciding what factors can affect the condition of your hair. Indeed, not in all cases, hair can be improved by diet and proper care. Potential factors affecting hair condition include:
- Age, which especially affects the strength, color and quality of the hairline. As we age, the hair structure tends to become thinner and weaker, resulting in greater loss of hair and graying. And women, in addition, often notice changes in the state of their braids in the postpartum period and during menopause.
- Genetics is, in general, the main factor affecting our hair from all angles. Their initial state is genetically determined: color, strength, structure. Likewise, hair problems can be genetically predetermined, for example, early baldness or gray hair.
- A sudden change in weight can also cause hair to deteriorate. They will become brittle and dull. This is due to the fact that during diets the body lacks many vitamins, but overeating often leads to an excess of any substances.
- Hormonal disruption, including thyroid dysfunction, can greatly affect the quality of the hairline. The functioning of the thyroid gland can only be checked by a specialist using a blood test.
Of course, much in our hair cannot be altered, but you can strengthen it, make it healthier and more beautiful. They can be improved much faster and more effectively with the help of not only cosmetics, but also proper nutrition. You just need to consume certain nutrients in the required amount that will contribute to the health of your hair and the body as a whole.
Protein. Protein in general can be called the basis of life, all cells in our body are made from it, and hair is no exception. If you don’t consume enough protein, your hair will become dull, weak and dry. Protein and protein bars can help fill the lack of protein, and whey protein is considered to be one of the most valuable.
Minerals. Minerals such as zinc, selenium and iron play a role in keeping hair healthy. Iron is considered an especially important mineral, because its lack is the main reason for early baldness. Lack of iron in the body affects the hair growth process, which can result in intense hair loss. Zinc and selenium provide scalp health. Their deficiency can lead to dry, flaky scalp, and this leads to dandruff, which is a concern not only for women, but also for men.
Vitamins. For healthy hair, the body must have many different vitamins, because they affect the appearance of the hair, because take part in the main life processes.
Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins for hair. It helps in the synthesis of healthy collagen – a protein tissue that is found in hair follicles, and which, for the most part, hair is made of. Also, vitamin C is a strong antioxidant and protects not only the cells inside the follicle, but also the cells of the blood vessels. In addition to all of the above, it promotes better absorption of iron and protein.
Vitamin A is needed by the body for the production of sebum. This substance is secreted by the sebaceous glands of the skin, it is a natural conditioner for hair and ensures the health of the scalp.
Vitamin E is important for the health of the scalp, and therefore the hair. It, together with selenium, protects the cell membranes in the hair follicles, contributes to their stability, and also acts as an antioxidant. This vitamin is especially important in summer, because we all love so much to bask in the sun, without thinking that ultraviolet radiation has far from the most beneficial effect on the body and on the hair in particular, making them dry and brittle. And vitamin E, protecting cell membranes, protects hair from such harmful effects.
Do not forget about the B vitamins, especially biotin, or vitamin H. It is this substance that is most often associated with hair loss, because it takes part in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It has been scientifically proven that a malfunction in metabolic processes leads to weakening of the follicles, and, as a result, hair loss. Experiments conducted by scientists at Harvard University have shown that biotin is almost the most important substance for hair. Its deficiency not only leads to weakening and loss of hair, but also to skin problems such as rashes or redness.
Fats. But the vast majority of people have a particularly negative attitude towards such nutrients as fats, which often becomes the cause of many health problems. It is polyunsaturated fats, more specifically omega-3 fatty acids, that contribute to the formation of sebum, which ensures the health of the scalp and hair.
Following from all of the above, you can identify 10 products that are most useful and important for your hair and scalp:
- The main product in terms of importance, and all scientists agree on this, is salmon. Salmon, which, however, can be replaced with cheaper mackerel, contains the necessary amount of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as a large amount of protein, B vitamins and iron. Vegetarians can substitute flaxseeds, Australian nuts, and walnuts for fish.
- Also important are dark green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and beets, which are rich in vitamins A and C and provide the body with iron and calcium.
- The third thing your hair needs is legumes. They are high in protein, biotin, zinc and iron.
- Don’t forget about nuts. Brazil nuts are rich in selenium, walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids and zinc, which is also found in almonds and cashews.
- Chicken meat shouldn’t be underestimated either. In addition to being a rich source of protein, it also provides the body with a large amount of easily digestible iron.
- Remember to eat eggs, which are a rich source of protein. And one should not think that the yolk in the egg is not important, because it is considered the main source of biotin – the main vitamin for hair and skin.
- Whole grains will greatly enrich your diet with B vitamins, zinc and iron.
- Oysters are not only extremely tasty, but also healthy, because they contain a large amount of zinc and are a rich source of protein.
- Low-fat dairy products provide the body with calcium, zinc and protein. They are highly nutritious and should not be neglected.
- Carrots and peaches will replenish your body with beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A and promotes scalp health.
Hair is important for looks and well-being. They are an indicator of the state of the body. However, do not forget that a change in diet may not immediately affect their condition. Usually, the restoration of a normal hair cycle can take up to several months. Therefore, if you notice that your hair is falling out in large quantities, you should look for the factor that influenced this condition of the hair about a month, or even two, ago. Eat correctly and in a balanced way, then the results will not be long in coming: the health of the hair will improve, and with it the general condition of the body.