2012.06.30
You don't necessarily have to slather on a bunch of products for shiny, healthy hair. One of the best ways to keep your hair looking at its best is to maintain a healthy diet. And here are some recommended ingredients that will help you to prevent hair loss and keep your mane shiny and healthy:
Lean Red Meat
A study conducted by the Cleveland Clinic has shown that iron-deficiency can lead to hair-loss and even baldness. Besides eating more protein, you can also opt for other iron-rich options like turkey, egg yolks, whole grains, dried fruit and dried beans (soaked and cooked).
Fruits And Veggies
Besides the fiber boost, fruits and veggies are also full of vitamin C. You'll need this to help your body absorb iron. Too little C also makes hair dry and weak. Prime sources include broccoli, leafy greens, green peppers, citrus fruit and strawberries.
Eggs
Eggs are full of biotin, which is a B vitamin that promotes hair growth and overall scalp health. Not having enough causes brittle hair. Other high-biotin foods include peanuts, almonds, wheat bran, salmon, low-fat cheese and avocados.
Bananas, Beer, Oats, Raisins
These ingredients are packed with silica, a mineral which is thought to improve hair thickness by making hair stronger and more durable. Beer also contains a good dose of silica, although we all know what can happen once you go beyond your limit.
Dark Green Veggies
Leafy veggies like spinach, broccoli and Swiss chard are packed with vitamins A and C. These help produce a scalp oil called "sebum" which is a natural hair conditioner that your body produces.
Oysters
Oysters are packed with zinc, a mineral that helps regulate the production of androgens. Low levels of androgen are associated with hair loss, slow hair growth and dandruff. Other zinc-rich choices include crab, clams, liver, lean beef, and wheat germ.
Sweet Potatoes
These yummy potatoes are packed with beta-carotene, which your body then converts to vitamin A to help nourish your hair and skin. This vitamin also help protects against dull hair and dry skin. You can also try ingredients like carrots, kale, butternut squash, asparagus and pumpkin.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Not all fats are created equal (or evil). Omega-3 can help prevent dry scalp and dull hair. Sources include salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, flaxseeds and walnuts.
Vegetable Oil
The downside of low-fat diets is that it often results in dry, lackluster hair. Healthy oils like olive, peanut, safflower and sunflower can quickly help restore the shine. Just a teaspoon a day will do the trick.
A study conducted by the Cleveland Clinic has shown that iron-deficiency can lead to hair-loss and even baldness. Besides eating more protein, you can also opt for other iron-rich options like turkey, egg yolks, whole grains, dried fruit and dried beans (soaked and cooked).
Fruits And Veggies
Besides the fiber boost, fruits and veggies are also full of vitamin C. You'll need this to help your body absorb iron. Too little C also makes hair dry and weak. Prime sources include broccoli, leafy greens, green peppers, citrus fruit and strawberries.
Eggs
Eggs are full of biotin, which is a B vitamin that promotes hair growth and overall scalp health. Not having enough causes brittle hair. Other high-biotin foods include peanuts, almonds, wheat bran, salmon, low-fat cheese and avocados.
Bananas, Beer, Oats, Raisins
These ingredients are packed with silica, a mineral which is thought to improve hair thickness by making hair stronger and more durable. Beer also contains a good dose of silica, although we all know what can happen once you go beyond your limit.
Dark Green Veggies
Leafy veggies like spinach, broccoli and Swiss chard are packed with vitamins A and C. These help produce a scalp oil called "sebum" which is a natural hair conditioner that your body produces.
Oysters
Oysters are packed with zinc, a mineral that helps regulate the production of androgens. Low levels of androgen are associated with hair loss, slow hair growth and dandruff. Other zinc-rich choices include crab, clams, liver, lean beef, and wheat germ.
Sweet Potatoes
These yummy potatoes are packed with beta-carotene, which your body then converts to vitamin A to help nourish your hair and skin. This vitamin also help protects against dull hair and dry skin. You can also try ingredients like carrots, kale, butternut squash, asparagus and pumpkin.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Not all fats are created equal (or evil). Omega-3 can help prevent dry scalp and dull hair. Sources include salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, flaxseeds and walnuts.
Vegetable Oil
The downside of low-fat diets is that it often results in dry, lackluster hair. Healthy oils like olive, peanut, safflower and sunflower can quickly help restore the shine. Just a teaspoon a day will do the trick.
