Seeing as how I go to Cosmetology School I thought it would be fun to
mix it up a bit and show you some tips on food that would keep your hair
beautiful and healthy <3
Top 10 Foods for
Healthy Hair
Healthy Hair Food
No. 1: Salmon
When it comes to foods that pack a beauty punch, it's hard
to beat salmon. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, this high-quality protein
source is also filled with vitamin B-12 and iron.
"Essential omega-3 fatty acids are needed to support
scalp health," says Andrea Giancoli, MPH, RD, a dietitian in Los Angeles
and a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. "A deficiency can
result in a dry scalp and thus hair, giving it a dull look."
Vegetarian? Include one
or two tablespoons of ground flaxseed in your daily diet for some plant-based
omega-3 fats.
Healthy
Hair Food No. 2: Dark Green Vegetables
Popeye the Sailor Man didn't eat all that spinach for
healthy hair, but he could have. Spinach, like broccoli and Swiss chard, is an
excellent source of vitamins A and C, which your body needs to produce sebum.
The oily substance, secreted by your hair follicles, is the body's natural hair
conditioner.
Dark green vegetables also provide iron and calcium.
Healthy Hair Food No. 3: Beans
Beans, beans, they're good for your ... hair?
Yes, it's true. Legumes like kidney beans and lentils should
be an important part of your hair-care diet. Not only do they provide plentiful
protein to promote hair growth, but ample iron, zinc, and biotin. While rare,
biotin deficiencies can result in brittle hair.
Blatner, who is also a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic
Association, recommends three or more cups of lentils or beans each week.
Healthy Hair Food No. 4: Nuts
Do you go nuts for thick, shiny hair? You should.
Brazil nuts are one of nature's best sources of selenium, an
important mineral for the health of your scalp.
Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid
that may help condition your hair. They are also a terrific source of zinc, as
are cashews, pecans, and almonds. A zinc deficiency can lead to hair shedding,
so make sure nuts are a regular on your healthy hair menu.
Healthy Hair Food
No. 5: Poultry
Chickens and turkeys may have feathers, but the high-quality
protein they provide will help give you the healthy hair you crave.
"Without adequate protein or with low-quality protein,
one can experience weak brittle hair, while a profound protein deficiency can
result in loss of hair color," Giancoli tells WebMD.
Poultry also provides iron with a high degree of
bioavailability, meaning your body can easily reap its benefits.
Healthy Hair Food
No. 6: Eggs
When it comes to healthy hair, it doesn't matter whether you
like your eggs scrambled, fried, or over easy. However they're served up, eggs
are one of the best protein sources you can find.
They also contain biotin and vitamin B-12, which are
important beauty nutrients.
Healthy Hair Food
No. 7: Whole Grains
Sink your teeth into hearty whole grains, including
whole-wheat bread and fortified whole-grain breakfast cereals, for a
hair-healthy dose of zinc, iron, and B vitamins.
A whole-grain snack can also be a great go-to food when your
energy is zapped halfway through the afternoon, and you've still got hours to
go before dinner.
Healthy Hair Food
No. 8: Oysters
Oysters may be better known for their reputation as an
aphrodisiac, but they can also lead to healthy hair -- and who doesn't love
that?
The key to their love and hair-boosting abilities is zinc --
a powerful antioxidant.
If oysters don't make a regular appearance on your dinner
plate, don't despair. In addition to getting it from whole grains and nuts, you
can also get zinc from beef and lamb.
Healthy Hair Food No. 9: Low-Fat Dairy Products
Low-fat dairy products like skim milk and yogurt are great
sources of calcium, an important mineral for hair growth. They also contain
whey and casein, two high-quality protein sources.
For some healthy hair foods "to-go," try throwing
a yogurt or cottage cheese cup in your bag when you head out in the morning to
snack on later in the day. You can even boost their hair benefits by stirring
in a couple of tablespoons of ground flaxseeds or walnuts for omega-3 fatty
acids and zinc.
Healthy Hair Food
No. 10: Carrots
Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which promotes
a healthy scalp along with good vision.
Since a healthy scalp is essential for a shiny,
well-conditioned head of hair, you'd be wise to include carrots
in your diet as
snacks or toppings on your salad.
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