Even though using great hair products on your hair, like Silk Hydration by L. Jones (i.e. shampoos, conditioners, etc) on the hair aids in hair growth and having healthy hair, sometimes it alone is not enough. Nutrition plays a vital role in hair growth. Our bodies are nourished from the inside out so eating the proper foods is essential and beneficial for our entire bodies, including our hair and scalp. Today I would like to go over some nutrients that can help your hair grow longer. Here are the top nutrients and the foods they are found in that promote healthy hair and growth.
Protein & Iron- Protein is necessary for all cell growth, including hair. Our har is made up of amino acids. Once protein is eaten, our bodies break it down to amino acids which are carried throughout our bodies. At that point our bodies can select which amino acids they need for the construction of new cells, body tissue, etc. Our bodies do not make these amino acids so we have to consume them. Every cell in our body needs protein to survive. When we don't get enough, our bodies, including our hair, become deficient. Foods that are high in protein content include seafoods like salmon, shrimp, and tuna, beef, and eggs to name a few.
Iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen to all cells, including the hair follicles. Not having enough iron in can result in hair loss. Iron can be found in supplements if not enough is consumed through the body. Iron rich foods that contain protein are
lean beef, turkey, chicken, pork, shrimp, eggs, and oysters.
Vitamin C & A- These vitamins produce sebum, which is the natural oil the hair produces. Deficiencies in vitamin C can cause our hair to be dry and start splitting! Foods containing these vitamins include dark green leafy vegetables, carrots, guava, peppers, oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, pineapple, papaya, lemons, broccoli, kale, & brussel sprouts.
Zinc- Zinc aids in tissue growth and repair and keeps hormone levels balanced. Low levels of zinc are also linked to dandruff. Deficiency in zinc is said to lead to the breaking down of the protein structure that makes up the hair follicle, which results in hair loss and breakage! Is your hair turning gray prematurely? It has been said that eating the right amount of zinc can bring the color back into the hair. Zinc is contained in lean beef, chicken, turkey, veal, pork tenderloin, oysters, peanut butter, and crab.
B vitamins- These vitamins help the body receive nourishment and oxygenation that is carried in the blood. They are required for growth of the superficial layers of the skin (scalp) therefore promote healthy hair growth, prevent hair loss, and prevent dandruff. B vitamins can be found in whole grain breakfast cereal, oatmeal, beans, lentils, dark green veggies, fish, and lean beef.
Consuming foods with the proper nutrients and vitamins benefits the health of your entire body, including your hair. Lack of proper nutrition, as it relates to hair, can result in hair that becomes thin, brittle, and dry (who wants that?). Eat these foods on a regular basis and your hair will be on its way to becoming the healthiest its ever been.
What are some of your favorite healthy foods? I all of a sudden want crab cakes!
**After you get the proper nutrition on the inside, be sure to get the right products for the outside! Try Silk Hydration by L. Jones!
Great post, I've been wondering about this.
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