Could what you snack on play a vital role in preserving your hair?
We’ve all heard the saying, “you are what you eat.” The meaning that what you put in your body directly correlates with what you get out.
With that in mind, what you eat could play a very important role in preserving your hair. Just like stress, genetics, and drugs can have their affect on hair, one’s diet can play a role in one’s hair health. The George Washington School of Medicine points out that ‘virtually every nutritional deficiency can affect the death of our hair, skin and nails, in some manner.’ So what these wonder foods? Check out the list below:
Fish
– Not just any fish, but cold water fish like salmon, sardines, trough, mackerel, herring and eel are packed with protein, iron an, and fatty acids like omega-3 and 6, which are vital to your hair’s health. The University of Maryland Medical center said that the essential fatty acids stimulate hair growth.
Lean Animal Protein
– Not all animal meat is created the same, so what we’re talking about here is specifically is poultry. Beyond the obvious protein advantage, poultry is rich with iron that is very ‘bio-available’ — which means that it’s absorbed by the body better. But makes sure the chicken isn deep fried. That, unfortunately, defeats the purpose.
Oysters and Shellfish
– Did you know: when our bodies don’t get enough zinc, it will take it from our hair, leaving our hair brittle. When this happens, it’s even possible for this to result in impeding the hair’s growth. Oysters are rich with zinc, along with iron and protein. So post up at the oyster bar and make it a dozen.
Seeds
– Bird food? That’s right. Feathers have similar properties to hair and nails, and birds’ diet is heavy on the seeds, so researchers recommend adding seeds like black sesame, sunflower, flax, chia, and pumpkin to your diet. Weather eating a handful raw or sprinkling on them on your salad, oatmeal, yogurt, or cereal, or adding them to your bread or trail mix, adding seeds to your food helps increase the proteins necessary for strong hair, nails, and skin.
Nuts
– Along the same line as seeds, nuts are an awesome source of essential fatty acids and contain high levels of zinc and selenium, which are important to developing healthy scalp tissue. Past research has linked zinc deficiency and hair shedding. So a serving of nuts daily can have a big impact on your hair’s health.
Dark Greens
– Vegetables like broccoli, kale, and spinach are loaded with vitamin A, calcium, and iron, both essential for the production of the oils that condition and strengthen hair.
Eggs
– The classic morning breakfast food. Several years ago studies undergone by University of Bologna and George Washington School of Medicine discovered vitamin B-7 (aka, biotin) in the yoke of the egg. Biotin plays a major role increasing hair’s thickness and helps prevent brittleness.
Beans
– Hair follicles contain up to 100 different proteins. Australian University of Adelaide say the key to healthy strong hair is protein. And beans are not only loaded with protein, but packed with vitamins such as iron, zinc, b-complex vitamins such as B-12 and the aforementioned B-7. Great option for vegetarians. Studies have even shown that these vitamins can even reverse graying.
Whole Grains
– Grains like whole wheat, brown rice, barley, oats, quinoa, millet and spelt have plenty of fiber and B vitamins along with vitamins like iron, zinc, and silica. What’s silica? Silica has been called the ‘beauty mineral’. University of Cincinnati College of Pharmacy conducted a study with women who were given 10 mg of silica per day for nine months and discovered that the women participating had thicker, stronger hair.
Turmeric
– The super spice. Turmeric is made from an east-Asian plan and has been used in local medicine for centuries. Turmeric fires up the body’s natural steroids and corticosteroids, which reduces inflammation. Studies conducted by research labs in Korea suggest that turmeric can promotes hair growth by blocking the hormones responsible for hair loss.
Look to add any combinations these foods to your diet to improve your chances of gaining and maintaining your hair.