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Sara AllisonBritish trichologist
Date of Birth: .
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- The Importance of Proper Nutrition for Healthy Hair
- Superfoods for Healthy Hair
- Quinoa: Counteracts Hair Loss
- Lentils: An Excellent Source of Iron
- Eggs: For More Resilient Hair
- Other Nutrients for Healthy Hair
- Porridge: Supports Hormonal Balance
- Peppers: Combat Split Ends
The Importance of Proper Nutrition for Healthy Hair
Sarah Allison, a hair specialist from Harley Street, claims:"No amount of expensive shampoos can make up for a poor diet. Many of my clients who suffer from brittle hair and scalp conditions also have a deficiency in key vitamins and minerals."
Dr. Ian Wüster of the "National Hair Aware Campaign" adds:"Hair depends on a regular supply of protein, glucose, vitamins, and minerals to grow and thrive. It tends to be one of the first to show signs of deficiency."
In other words, thinning hair, split ends, dullness, and dandruff are all potential signs of a lack of essential nutrients in your diet.Instead of reaching for another bottle of conditioner, try incorporating these superfoods into your diet to nourish your hair follicles from the inside out.
Superfoods for Healthy Hair
Walnuts: Help Keep Grey at BayWalnuts are rich in biotin, which supplies sulfur to the hair shaft, nails, and skin; the antioxidant vitamin E; and omega fatty acids. "Walnuts also contain traces of copper," says hair expert Madeleine Preston. "This mineral plays a role in the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for giving hair its color."
Quinoa: Counteracts Hair Loss
Weak, lifeless hair may be a sign that you're not getting enough protein. "Hair is composed of around 90% protein," says Sarah Allison. Skipping breakfast could leave you deficient in this key nutrient. Vegetarians can easily boost their protein intake by including quinoa in their diet. Allison adds, "Quinoa provides all the essential amino acids your body needs, including lysine, a key ingredient in anti-hair loss shampoos."
Lentils: An Excellent Source of Iron
An iron deficiency is one of the most common factors contributing to hair thinning and hair loss, notes Madeleine Preston. When iron levels are low, hair follicles become "starved," ceasing growth and triggering hair loss. Lean red meat is the best source of iron, but lentils also perform well.
Eggs: For More Resilient Hair
Sarah Allison recommends thinking of eggs as an "edible hair mask." She says, "Eggs contain a host of hair-boosting nutrients, including protein, vitamins D and B. The biotin in eggs supports the production of keratin, which gives strength and elasticity to your hair." Struggling with brittle or breaking strands? Time to whip up an omelet.
Other Nutrients for Healthy Hair
Oysters: Fight DandruffIf you suffer from an itchy, dry scalp, a zinc deficiency could be to blame. "What women often mistake for dandruff is actually a condition called seborrheic dermatitis," explains Allison. "Zinc helps maintain the function of the sebaceous glands that surround hair follicles. Low zinc levels can cause dryness." Oysters, crabs, and lobsters are excellent sources of zinc, but don't forget about pumpkin seeds.
Porridge: Supports Hormonal Balance
As people age, their hair becomes finer and duller. One reason for this is a drop in silica levels. This mineral helps regulate hormonal balance. Oatmeal is a great source of silica. Why not start your day with a comforting bowl of porridge?
Peppers: Combat Split Ends
Vitamin C protects hair from free radical damage. "Vitamin C is crucial for regulating sebum production and collagen production," says Allison. "Dry, splitting hair is a sign that you're not getting enough." Red peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C. The vitamin is also found in oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, and broccoli.
