Everyone wants healthy and shiny hair, but they cannot be attained by using shampoos and conditioners alone. Shampoos and conditioners are artificial and chemical means which only serve a definite purpose. Like your diet is essential for growth of all parts of your body, your hair is no exception. Beauty supplements should be avoided, instead more emphasis should be given on a proper diet. This will make your hair healthy and also help you avoid the side effects of excess chemicals. However, you must know that excess vitamin A in your body can cause hair loss. But on a broad level, nutrients are better than chemicals in every way. They make your hair internally healthy and also save you the cost of expensive hair shampoos, conditioners and related products. Compiled below are 10 food items which can help you in maintaining healthy hair.
1. Salmon
Salmon is an all round source of vital nutrients required for healthy and shining hair. It contains omega 3 fatty acids, iron and vitamin B12. Omega 3 fatty acids are necessary for your scalp’s good health as its reduction in the blood can result in dry scalp, thus, giving it a dull look. For getting effective results, have one or two spoons of flax seeds in your diet daily. This will provide a complete course of omega 3 fatty acids.
2. Dark green vegetables
Dark green vegetables is the best source of nutrition for your body as it provides for every body nutrient that you need. They are an excellent source of calcium and iron, which are necessary for hair growth and maintenance. Spinach contains both vitamin A and C. These vitamins are necessary for the production of sebum, which oils the hair and acts as a natural hair conditioner.
3. Legumes and beans
Kidney beans and lentils contain appropriate amount of biotin, zinc and iron. We all know that the biotin deficiency can cause brittle and rough hair. Thus, bean consumption helps you maintain healthy shape of your hair.
4. Nuts
Nuts are an important source of protein important for your hair. Brazil nuts contain selenium, an element necessary for the health of your scalp. Other type of nuts that are good for your hair are walnuts, cashews, almonds and pecans. Zinc is a necessary element to avoid hair shedding and nuts are an ideal source for zinc. Walnuts also contain alpha linolenic acid. It is a type of omega 3 fatty acid which is necessary for hair conditioning.
5. Poultry products
Chicken and turkey are the ideal source of protein that your hair need. If you are a non-vegetarian, chicken and other poultry products will provide you the complete range of hair protein. The protein from chicken and poultry is also of very high quality, and prevents your hair from getting brittle.
6. Eggs
Eggs give an all round nourishment to the body and are considered vital in providing essential elements like vitamin B12 and biotin. In addition, protein from eggs also give you added beauty and health benefits.
7. Whole grains
They are the most readily available source of hair nourishment. It provides vitamin B, zinc and iron and can be consumed in the form of fortified whole grains, breakfast cereals, whole wheat bread etc.
8. Oysters
Although they do not contain many other essential amino acids necessary for hair growth and maintenance, oysters do provide ideal amount of zinc that is necessary for hair shining.
9. Dairy products with low fat
Dairy products should be consumed in their low fat forms. This helps in avoiding obesity and getting necessary health and hair nutrition. Skimmed milk, cottage cheese and yogurt provide excellent source of calcium, why and casein, that are necessary for hair growth.
10. Carrots
Most people see carrots as a good source of vitamin A, which is necessary for improved vision. But carrots also give you well conditioned and shining hair.
A person should always have a balanced diet. You should always see that you are getting all the necessary health supplements for all parts of the body, including hair. Diet control should emphasize more on reducing fat and cholesterol intake, while getting proper minerals and vitamins in suitable amounts.
