For many people around the world, great hair is a symbol of beauty. The appearance of one’s hair can be directly linked to factors such as genes. However, what most people don’t know is that what we eat and our diet directly affects the way our hair looks.
Interestingly, most nutrient-related deficiency diseases have a great impact on the way the hair looks, such as thinning and discoloring. This should already show the relationship between what we eat and the hair’s appearance.
There are specific nutrients and foods that we can consume to boost the strength and appearance of our hair, especially for the aging population.
Vitamin A
It is safe to say that Vitamin A is crucial for cell development, including hair cells. Vitamin A helps the body produce sebum, which keeps the scalp moisturized and prevents hair loss.
However, vitamin A should be taken in moderated levels. Excess vitamin A in the body can also lead to hair loss.
Foods that have a high concentration of Vitamin A include eggs, milk, kales, and spinach.
B-Vitamins
B-vitamins are helpful in many ways. Some of them carry oxygen and other materials to the scalp and hair follicles, boosting their strength and scalp health. This process boosts hair growth and the hair gains a healthy glowing appearance.
The best hair growth vitamin is a B-Vitamin known as biotin. Biotin deficiency has been directly associated with hair loss by scientists. Biotin is also a key component in hair treatment products.
Foods rich in biotin and other B-Vitamins include kales, almonds, spinach, fish and seafood.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful oxidative that helps protect against the damage to your hair caused by the damage of free radicals. Oxidative stress can cause your hair to age. Vitamin C also helps the body in making collagen which boosts hair structure and growth.
Vitamin C is also crucial in the absorption of iron in the body which is necessary for hair growth.
The best-known sources for Vitamin C are strawberries, guavas, and pepper.
Vitamin D
Also known as the “sunshine vitamin”, Vitamin D is important for hair growth. It helps in the growth of new hair follicles and Vitamin D deficiency has been directly linked to alopecia (hair loss).
Vitamin D is mainly sourced from the sun but may also be derived from vegan supplements and multivitamins. Foods rich in Vitamin D include fish, mushrooms and fortified foods.
Vitamin E
This is another powerful antioxidant which prevents oxidative stress that can “kill” your hair.
Great Vitamin E sources include avocados, spinach, and almonds.
Iron
This is one of the most ignored minerals in the body. However, iron plays a crucial role in the transportation of oxygen to various body parts through the red blood cells. This oxygen is key in many body functions, hair growth not excluded. Anemia (iron deficiency) is directly associated with hair loss.
Foods that can boost iron include eggs, red meat, and kales.
All these nutrients can be boosted by taking vegan multivitamins.