THE HEALTHY HAIR DIET
Let’s face it, we all want a head full of gorgeous, silky hair. While hair normally grows half an inch every month (6 inches a year!), unfortunately not everyone is blessed with celebrity-like locks. Your hair - just like the skin – is an outward sign of your internal health, and how fast it grows depends on various factors. Although you can’t change your age and genetics, diet is one thing you have control over…
BEAUTY STARTS FROM WITHIN
It might sound cheesy, but beauty starts from within, and this is especially true for hair loss and growth. Every single day, we put our hair through a lot: be it heat, coloring, pollution, drinking, chemical products or styling – put simply, the lifestyle we lead these days can take a toll on your hair and overall health. Fortunately, what we eat can actually repair some of the damage done, and help accelerate hair growth, while strengthening and nourishing your strands. Try to eat the correct balance of the following nutrients and you’ll be surprised how it will give your hair a boost:
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PROTEIN. Hair follicles are mostly made of protein, which is why a lack of protein in your diet can promote hair loss and make your hair look dry and brittle. By choosing protein-rich foods like chicken, fish, eggs, tofu, lentils, chickpeas or dairy, you can take an important first step towards fuller, healthier-looking hair.
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BIOTIN. Biotin, which is also known as Vitamin B7, boosts the production of keratin, the primary protein of hair. Instead of consuming biotin in form of supplements, try including foods like soy flour, yeast and wholegrains in your diet.
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IRON. Iron levels are extremely important for hair growth. Low levels of iron can lead to anemia, a condition which causes a disrupted supply of important nutrients to the hair follicle and can eventually end in hair loss. Eating iron-rich foods like red meat, chicken, spinach, lentils or fish make this important mineral available to the body and prevent shedding.
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VITAMIN C. Everybody knows vitamins are good for you, but how do they improve your hair texture? Loaded with antioxidants, Vitamin C helps produce collagen, which strengthens the capillaries that supply the hair shafts, while protecting your locks from free radicals. Broccoli, kiwis, blueberries and sweet potatoes are some of the best sources of Vitamin C.
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OMEGA-3. Fatty acids are found in the cells that line the scalp and help keep your hair and scalp hydrated. Since our bodies are unable to produce these fatty acids, it’s important to obtain them through a diet rich in oily fish like salmon or avocado, or as an alternative, pumpkin seeds or walnuts.
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VITAMIN A. One of the most common causes of dry hair and an itchy scalp is a lack of sebum, a substance that is created by our body to condition our hair and keep it hydrated. Luckily, including Vitamin A in the form of carrots, pumpkins or sweet potatoes in your diet can help your glands produce sebum and encourage the growth of healthy, thick hair.
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ZINC. This mineral protects the scalp and supports the hairs’ repair cycle. A lack of zinc can quickly lead to a flaky scalp, so be sure to eat wholesome and high-fiber foods like wholegrains and cereals.
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VITAMIN E. Eating foods rich in Vitamin E (think nuts), can provide your hair and scalp protection from the sun and prevent damage caused by oxidative stress.
THE BOTTOM LINE
A balanced diet is a vital step towards a healthy lifestyle, and the most efficient way to provide your body with all the nutrients and vitamins it needs. Vitamins and minerals are not only essential when it comes to boosting immunity and protecting the body against diseases, their consumption also leads to visible signs of health, including stronger and shinier hair. Why? Each strand of hair is made up of cells containing keratin, and these cells need to be constantly nourished with minerals and vitamins in order to keep your hair strong and protect it against damage.
Whatever your diet, you can additionally strengthen your hair by choosing hair care products loaded with essential nutrients! Formulated with deeply moisturizing and reparative super plants like organic coconut oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, neem, and aloe vera, ViTA’s hair care duo contains a vast range of nutrients that will restore your hairs vitality and elasticity, resulting in maximum shine and hydration. Vitamins and antioxidants infused within the formula leave your hair stronger and protected against future damage. Channel the power of nature to give your hair the ingredients it needs here.