“Rupunzel, Rupunzel let down your hair”. While long locks are not for everyone, a healthy shiny mane is a definite must to look and feel beautiful. Dry, damaged, thinning, are all indicators that something is askew inside ...our body. We may all long to look like the models on the shampoo commercial, but this image is probably one that is the most attainable with a proper diet!
Here is what you know:
Hair is protein, and the length of it is dead protein. But the scalp and the root are what will decide weather you have flowing locks like our fairy tale princess Rupunzel, or whether you should throw in the towel and pull a Britney Spears (shave it all off!) But no need to go so drastic, here is your cure!
Top 5 Hair Friendly Foods/vitamins/minerals:
1) Omega-3 fatty acid- Salmon is not only high in this wondrous fatty acid, it is also a great source of protein, vitamin B12 and iron. Certain nuts such as walnuts and ground flax are great vegetarian alternatives packed with omega 3’s. A deficiency in this fatty acid can lead to dry brittle hair and poor scalp health. Sprinkle a pinch of flax onto your cereal, you won’t even taste it!
2) Vitamin A and C: Dark green leafy veggies, such as spinach, bock choy or broccoli, are great sources of these vitamins which are essential in producing sebum, the natural oils for your scalp, a built in conditioner for your hair! These dark veggies are also high in iron and zinc! Take that “Argan Oil”!
3) Zinc: shedding hair is connected to zinc deficiency. Pecans, cashews and almonds are great sources of zinc. Many of our favorite cereals and breads are fortified with zinc, and that’s another reason to eat breakfast! Oysters are also high in zinc, but if you can stomach those buggers, beef and lamb are also adequate sources.
4) Protein: This is a pretty broad food group, but you need to make sure you are getting the right proteins. Certain foods may contain protein, but are not adequate sources. Milk has protein, but a few ounces of red meat will do you better in terms of available protein for your body to use. Protein deficiency leads to dry brittle hair, and loss of your natural hair color. One serving of protein should be 6-8grams, check your labels! Vegetarian? Legumes should be your new best friend for protein!
5) Vitamin A: Carrots are not only good for your eyes and skin; they are also great for healthy shiny hair. Vitamin A promotes a healthy scalp which = healthy hair! Other orange/yellow veggies such as peppers and sweet potatoes have vitamin A too. Your green leafies will provide you with this vitamin along with eggs and fortified cereals, read the labels!
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