Hair is a significant aspect of a person's appearance, valued by both men & women alike. Regardless of its length or condition, individuals often dedicate time & effort to maintaining their hair. They recognize that hair can greatly enhance or hinder their overall look. Thus, women & men actively engage in various practices to style, color, cut, or even use extensions to achieve their desired hair aesthetics. This ongoing endeavor to manage & nurture their hair is a shared experience among individuals, as they strive for their hair to be manageable, vibrant, & expressive.
However, are we truly putting in the right efforts to achieve healthy hair? Throughout history, hair has been regarded as an early symbol of beauty, & this perception remains consistent in our modern age. The desire for healthy hair transcends time & culture, especially among women. But what exactly defines healthy hair?
Is it the hair spas & hair conditioning or is it consuming the right nutrients that help to achieve healthy hair? Of course, the latter does.
Below is a recommended diet for healthy hair, allowing you to achieve your dream hair:
1. NUTS & SEEDS
Nuts are the most accessible foods to grab, instead of having sev puri or sandwiches around the corner of your office/ home. Ensure you always have a plentiful supply of nuts readily available in your accessible drawers, & you'll be on your way to achieving healthier hair & a slimmer waistline. Pistachios, almonds, brazil nuts, walnuts, flaxseeds and, pine nuts are some of the superfoods for hair.
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Cashews & almonds are biotin-rich nuts that feed elastin to the hair & prevent breakage.
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Pistachios are rich in protein & can hinder baldness as hair is made up of keratin, a bodily protein.
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Walnuts & flaxseeds are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for maintaining a healthy scalp.
2. VEGETABLES
You've probably heard from your mothers about the benefits of vegetables for your overall health, so let's keep it short & sweet.
Eat loads of green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, coriander, mint leaves, etc. They will give you a much-needed mineral boost. Lack of minerals is the most common cause of hair woes. Other veggies like Sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkins and, cantaloupe are all wonderful vegetables to attain lustrous hair for that shine!
3. FRUITS
Orange, guava, kiwi, papaya, strawberry, etc. all helps strengthen the hair follicle & prevent brittleness. Make sure you include at least two fruits in your daily diet & see all the wonders it does.
4. VITAMIN C
Vitamin C helps absorb iron in our body, which in turn helps reduce hair fall. Come on, let's agree. Every Indian mom must have given this advice to her daughter to eat amla. This uber-sour wonder food makes your hair so beautiful & bouncy. We need to bring these back into our diet & we must do it right now!
5. PROTEINS
Protein-rich foods are essential for strong & healthy hair. Vegetarians can increase their intake by including the following in their diet: milk & milk products, sprouts, tofu, green peas, pulses, & oats. These foods are rich in proteins & should be consumed in adequate amounts by vegetarians.
Including a cup of yogurt in your daily diet will work wonders for your hair. Incorporate antioxidant-rich oats into your diet to promote hair health. Non-vegetarians, on the other hand, have a protein-rich diet because the following are protein-rich: poultry, fish, eggs, & meat. However, it's important to consume proteins in moderation as excessive intake can contribute to hair fall.
6. BIOTIN
Biotin is another important ingredient for hair health. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is involved in the production of keratin, a protein that makes up the structure of the hair. It helps strengthen the hair follicles, improves hair elasticity, & promotes overall hair growth. Biotin deficiency can lead to brittle hair, hair loss, & slow hair growth. Including biotin-rich foods in your diet, such as eggs, nuts, seeds, & leafy greens, can help ensure an adequate intake of this essential nutrient.
7. NIACIN
Niacin, or vitamin B3, is another nutrient that contributes to healthy hair. It improves blood circulation to the scalp, which is vital for delivering oxygen & nutrients to the hair follicles. Niacin also helps regulate oil production in the scalp, keeping it moisturized & preventing dryness & flakiness. Foods rich in niacin include poultry, fish, mushrooms, peanuts, & whole grains.
Ensure optimal intake of biotin & niacin for healthy hair by incorporating the following rich food sources into your daily diet:
RICH SOURCES OF NIACIN & BIOTIN FOR YOUR HAIR (Kindly include any of these in your diet every day):
SOURCES OF NIACIN | SOURCES OF BIOTIN |
Mushrooms | Nuts like Peanuts & Walnuts |
Asparagus | Almonds |
Peanuts | Sweet Potato |
Kidney Beans | Vegetables like Onions, Tomato, Carrots & Mushrooms |
Tahini (white sesame seeds added in oats, Hummus) |
As we transition from our childhood routines, it's time to take extra steps to bring back the charm of our beautiful hair. Apart from traditional oiling, we can make a difference by limiting the consumption of sugar & oily foods. Additionally, incorporating the above-listed foods into our diet can contribute to happy & healthy hair.
Let's embrace the journey of restoring the glory of our hair & enjoy the results.
Say hello to your revived, vibrant tresses!