What to Eat for Healthy Hair

Who doesn't wish to possess a head dense with healthy hair? We all do, men and women alike. After all a scanty scalp or damaged hair can adversely affect our self-esteem and make us feel unattractive. Marketing strategies about hair care products make us feel wanting for more, and deprived of the beauty being flaunted by the models in the advertisements as well as the many celebrities. Here is a secret for all those who've been feeling low about themselves because of their everyday, 'Bad Hair Days'.

You do not need to spend on excruciatingly overpriced hair products such as shampoos, serums, conditioners, etc. for growing out your hair. All you need to do is to eat right and healthy! Yes, it is a proven fact that hair growth is directly related to the amount of nourishment being provided to the body. If you've been surviving on junk food, there is a high probability that your hair will look like it has been feeding on the same. It will look dry, brittle, brown and damaged.

Foods for Healthy Hair

Protein Rich Food
You cannot underestimate the significance of protein for hair growth. After all the human hair is made up of protein itself. Proteins are made up of amino acids, which bind together to form cells, tissues, antibodies and enzymes apart from many other functions. Which is why they are essential for tissue and cell repair, and play a major role in promoting healthy hair growth, thereby preventing damage such as breakage and split ends. Thus make it a point to have a high protein diet, which is in proportion to your body weight. Proteins are readily available through pulses, legumes, beans, poultry products, meat, fish, soy, tofu, yogurt and milk.

Beta-carotene
Beta-carotene is present in green leafy vegetables and gets converted into vitamin A in the liver. This vitamin is responsible for the regeneration and replenishment of cells and tissues. It helps the follicles replenish themselves to be able to grow longer, stronger and healthier. Each individual must have 10,000 to 15,000 IU of beta-carotene each day. Yellow fruits such as mangoes, pumpkin, pineapple and green vegetables such as spinach, lettuce and broccoli contain high levels of beta-carotene. Even nuts such as apricots, cashews and hazelnut contain this essential nutrient.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 is believed to be good for maintaining the health of the scalp and prevents it from drying up. It also helps in hair growth and retards the process of hair loss. This omega fatty acid helps the follicles stay healthy and prevents them from getting clogged. Since omega has anti-inflammatory properties it prevents the hair follicles from weakening and causing the hair roots from becoming loose. This in return reduces hair fall and alopecia. Omega 3 is found in foods, such as oregano, cabbage, tofu, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, mustard seeds, flax-seeds, sunflower seeds. Seafood such as salmon, herring, trout and mackerel are rich sources of omega-3.

Iron and Vitamin C Rich Food
One of the surest ways to get thicker hair naturally is to have plenty of iron through food or through supplements. Iron is essential for ensuring a balanced production of hemoglobin, which is the hemoprotein which carries oxygen through blood. It is this oxygenated blood which promotes circulation in the scalp, the follicles as well as all the other parts of the body. A proper circulation in the scalp helps the hair grow faster and oxygen promotes its growth. Vitamin C must be had along with iron, because vitamin C helps absorb the iron faster. Foods such as spinach, dates, raisins, eggs and all dark leafy vegetables are excellent sources for iron as well as vitamin C.

Food Rich in Zinc
Zinc is a must for the proper functioning of the sebaceous glands, which produce sebum. It is also needed by the body for promoting timely cell reproduction. Zinc also helps to regulate the production of sebum, which is why when the level of zinc falls, it leads to hair fall, breakage and greasy hair. Even high levels of zinc in the body can cause similar problems. Zinc is available in plenty in red meat, all nuts and almost all sea foods.

Apart from the above mentioned foods for healthy hair and their essential nutrients, the biggest requisite for healthy hair growth is a balanced diet. Eating regular and healthy meals, which include all the necessary nutrients, help ensure that adequate nourishment is being received by the body.